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Türkiye’s cultural heritage has reached a new milestone with the reopening of the historic Sinop Prison as a museum following a comprehensive restoration project.
Once a place of confinement for many of the country’s most prominent literary and political figures, the prison has now been transformed into a cultural site supported by the European Union.
During the opening ceremony, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stressed that the prison is far more than stone walls, describing it as “a powerful symbol carved into our literature, art, and collective memory.”
The transformation was carried out under the “Common Cultural Heritage: Preservation and Dialogue Between Türkiye and the EU—Phase II.”
Minister Ersoy explained that the project was conducted in two phases, beginning with the preparation of a restoration and site management plan, followed by the renovation of the buildings, new exhibition layouts, and the creation of visitor walkways.
He emphasized that with a budget of around €8 million, every stage aimed to honor the past while safeguarding heritage for the future.
Ersoy also highlighted the role of civil society in the process, noting that 21 projects brought together Turkish and European nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to support cultural preservation efforts.
Covering a total of 3,500 square meters of exhibition space, the new museum is designed not only to educate but also to move and inspire visitors.
The minister underlined that the institution will go beyond being a traditional museum, serving as a venue for NGOs, cultural programs, and artistic events.
He expressed confidence that the site would become a major attraction for the Black Sea region.
“This museum is not only the silent witness of the past but also a cultural and memory space that sheds light on the future,” Ersoy stated.
The official opening was attended by Sinop Governor Mustafa Ozarslan, AK Party Sinop MP Nazim Mavis, and Jurgis Vilcinskas, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the delegation toured the museum before Minister Ersoy met with local officials to discuss future cultural and tourism initiatives for the city.
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