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A section of Edirne’s ancient Roman-era fortification, believed to date back to the reign of Emperor Hadrianus, has suffered severe damage after concrete was illegally poured over the structure—and then hastily removed without expert supervision.
The wall, located near the Macedon Tower, is considered one of the earliest remnants from the founding of Edirne and is of great archaeological importance. According to experts, both the concrete application and its removal were conducted without proper authorisation or preservation standards.
Professor Engin Begsac, a prominent archaeologist, expressed grave concern over the incident. He confirmed that while public backlash led to the removal of the concrete, the act was carried out improperly, exacerbating the damage.
“Even removing the concrete is another form of violation,” Begsac stated. “Such actions require careful planning and expert consultation. Instead, it appears the removal was carried out in haste, almost as if hiding stolen goods from the enemy.”
He also highlighted the continued presence of an unoriginal wall constructed beneath the removed concrete layer, further compromising the historical integrity of the site.
Begsac criticised the broader restoration efforts in Edirne, revealing that most are executed without input from specialists in ancient or Byzantine architecture.
“There is no existing expert commission in Edirne to oversee such restorations,” he said. “In many cases, those leading the projects are not even experts in their fields.”
He warned that the lack of qualified oversight is causing irreversible damage to the city’s historical assets.
The professor also raised concerns about the Macedon Tower, a Byzantine-era military structure that was part of Edirne's historical defence system.
“The tower holds significant architectural value from the Byzantine period,” he noted. “But there appears to be no consultation with specialists in Byzantine architecture. Instead, those involved seem to be predominantly focused on Ottoman heritage, leaving earlier periods neglected.”
Begsac called for the immediate establishment of an expert commission to supervise archaeological and architectural restorations in Edirne.
“Until such a body is created, Edirne’s cultural and historical identity will continue to face serious risk,” he warned.
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