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Türkiye restores 488 lighthouses to preserve maritime heritage

Aerial view of the 161-year-old Inceburun Lighthouse on Sinop's Inceburun Peninsula, Türkiye's northernmost point, continuing to guide sailors. An aerial view of the 161-year-old lighthouse on Sinop's Inceburun Peninsula, Türkiye's northernmost point, continues to guide sailors in Sinop, Türkiye on April 10, 2024. Built in 1863, the Inceburun Lighthouse guides ships in the night with gas oil in its period and with electricity nowadays. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Feb 3, 2025 10:08 AM

Türkiye is undertaking an ambitious restoration project to renovate 488 lighthouses across the country, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Among them, 42 are classified as historic landmarks.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu emphasized the importance of protecting these iconic structures, stating, “As part of a structured program, we are reinforcing and renewing lighthouses throughout the country.”

Guiding the way: Historic lighthouses restored

In a written statement, Uraloglu detailed the efforts led by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety. He highlighted the successful restoration of key historical lighthouses, including the Silivri Lighthouse, which was reinforced and restored in 2022. The iconic Anadolu Lighthouse was also swiftly repaired and reopened.

The minister noted that by April 2022, the restoration of the historic Dilburnu Lighthouse in Yalova had been completed. Additionally, meticulous work on the renowned Rumeli Lighthouse is nearing completion.

Major overhaul of modern lighthouses

Beyond historic structures, authorities have undertaken extensive work on modern lighthouses. In 2022, maintenance, repairs, and renovations were conducted on 89 reinforced concrete lighthouses. Furthermore, 21 lighthouses that had reached the end of their economic lifespan were fully renovated in 2023.

Restoration plans for the historic Bayrak Adasi Lighthouse in Kusadasi and the Akinci Burnu Lighthouse in Iskenderun have been completed, with implementation ongoing.

A view of Kerempe Lighthouse standing on the rugged coastline of Cide, Kastamonu, Türkiye, with the sea stretching into the horizon. The historic lighthouse, built in 1844, continues to guide sailors.
Kerempe Lighthouse, a historic beacon guiding the shores of Cide, Kastamonu, since 1884, April 10, 2024. (AA Photo)

Kerempe Lighthouse: A restored beacon on the Black Sea

One of the most significant restorations in the project is the historic Kerempe Lighthouse, which has been fully refurbished and reopened for maritime use. Located in Kastamonu’s Cide district, this lighthouse has guided ships along the Black Sea coast since its construction in 1884.

Minister Uraloglu provided details on the lighthouse’s specifications, stating, “Kerempe Lighthouse stands at 8 meters high, with a sea-level elevation of 82 meters and a light visibility range of 20 miles. Within the same parcel, a foghorn building dating back to 1934 has also been preserved.”

Preserving maritime Heritage for future generations

The restoration of Kerempe Lighthouse followed rigorous historical and structural analysis, ensuring that original architectural elements were maintained.

The surrounding area was designed as a visitor-friendly space, featuring scenic walking routes that allow visitors to appreciate both the structure and its stunning coastal landscape. With these efforts, Türkiye aims to safeguard its rich maritime history while enhancing the accessibility and visibility of these crucial navigational landmarks.

Last Updated:  Feb 3, 2025 10:08 AM
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