Seddulbahir Fortress in Canakkale reaches World Architecture Festival final

Seddulbahir Fortress, a significant historical site from the Gallipoli Campaigns, has been restored and revitalized, making its way to the finals of the World Architecture Festival in the completed cultural buildings category.

What is historical significance of Seddulbahir Fortress?

Constructed in the 17th century by Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Mehmet V, Seddulbahir Fortress played a critical role in the Gallipoli Campaigns. The fortress was the first location bombarded by the Allied forces on Nov. 3, 1914, marking the beginning of a pivotal chapter in World War I.

Despite significant damage from artillery strikes and natural wear over a century, restoration efforts commenced in 2015 under the direction of the Gallipoli Historical Area Presidency. These efforts culminated in the fortress reopening to visitors on March 18, 2024, coinciding with the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli Naval Victory, and was inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

What can visitors expect at Seddulbahir Fortress Museum?

The Seddulbahir Fortress Museum now educates visitors on the fortress’ history from the 17th century to the present day.

Guests can explore the resting place of the first martyrs of the Gallipoli Campaigns, examine war artifacts and documents, and view items discovered during the restoration such as Ottoman soldier tags, a French pocket watch, Ottoman grenades, and various military uniforms and equipment from Ottoman, French and Australian soldiers.

Award-winning landscape design

The restoration’s success is not limited to structural repairs. The fortress’ landscape design, which has transformed it into an open-air museum, was recognized with the General Category Project Award by the Turkish Chamber of Landscape Architects.

This award will be presented during the 15th National Landscape Architecture Awards Colloquium at the 60th IFLA World Congress in Istanbul from Sept. 4-6, 2024.

The landscape enhancements have made the fortress a prominent cultural and tourist attraction, underscoring the importance of preserving historical and cultural heritage.

What international recognition has Seddulbahir Fortress received?

Seddulbahir Fortress’ restoration has garnered international acclaim. It received the Shortlist Award from the International Domus Restoration and Conservation Awards, organized by Ferraro University’s Faculty of Architecture in Italy.

This prestigious recognition was granted for its exemplary adherence to contemporary restoration principles and the integration of modern expression forms, selected from 176 submissions worldwide.

Additionally, the fortress reached the finals in the Architizer A+ Awards, one of the most prestigious architecture awards globally, in the Typology category for Cultural Buildings. Voting for the final selection was held until May 10, 2024.

What are details of World Architecture Festival finals?

Seddulbahir Fortress’ latest accolade comes from the World Architecture Festival, where it has been shortlisted among 11 finalists in the completed cultural buildings category.

The festival, held in Singapore from Nov. 6-8, will feature presentations to 140 jurors representing 68 countries, culminating in the announcement of the winners of this esteemed architecture platform.

Where is Seddulbahir Fortress located and what is its historical context?

Located in Seddulbahir village, Eceabat district, the fortress sits at the southernmost tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula. The name “Seddul-bahr” translates to “the dam of the sea,” aptly describing its strategic position between Ertugrul (Cape Helles) and Morto Bay.

Unique in Ottoman history as the first military structure commissioned by a woman, the fortress features an asymmetrical, irregular plan due to its topographic setting, with five bastions connected by walls and a three-tiered fortification extending from southeast to northwest.

Seddulbahir Fortress stands as a testament to historical resilience and architectural ingenuity, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Gallipoli Campaigns and the Ottoman Empire.