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Century-old railway workshops in Sarikamis, in Türkiye's northeastern Kars province, have fallen into disuse, leaving behind a complex of interconnected buildings whose maze-like architecture reflects the region's railway history.
Built between 1910 and 1913, the historic Cer Workshops, once used to maintain and repair railway wagons, have stood for more than a century but now face the risk of further deterioration without regular maintenance and preservation.
The six rectangular buildings are particularly notable for their interconnected rooms, corridors and doorways, which give the complex the appearance of a labyrinth.
The Cer Workshops once played an important role in Sarikamis' railway infrastructure, serving as a center for wagon maintenance, repairs and other technical operations when the district was a significant railway transport hub.
Beyond their industrial function, the buildings retain architectural features associated with the Baltic style, including rounded arches above doors and windows, high walls and spacious work areas.
Their interconnected interior and exterior passages also distinguish the complex, allowing different sections of the workshops to be reached through a network of corridors and openings.
These features have survived despite the buildings losing their original function, offering a glimpse into the railway facilities that once supported transport operations in the region.
Although the workshops remain standing, years of disuse have left the historic complex in a neglected condition, raising concerns about the future of its original architectural features.
Without regular maintenance and conservation, the buildings could deteriorate further and eventually become unusable.
The structures' age and current condition have brought renewed attention to the need for restoration, particularly given Sarikamis' historical significance and tourism potential.
The abandoned complex could be repurposed while preserving its original architecture, with several possible uses identified for the site.
Proposals include transforming the buildings into a railway museum, cultural and arts center, exhibition space, local history center or tourism complex.
Such projects could give the former industrial site a new function while safeguarding its architectural heritage.
For now, the Cer Workshops remain unused, with their labyrinth-like passages and century-old structures awaiting preservation and a possible return to public life.
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