Türkiye’s Seddulbahir Fortress restoration wins prestigious heritage award

The restoration of Seddulbahir Fortress, a foundation project commissioned by Valide Hatice Turhan Sultan, mother of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV, has won the “Heritage Project” award in the architecture category of the Dezeen Awards, one of the world’s most esteemed design competitions.

The fortress restoration, located in Eceabat, Canakkale, outperformed 15 other projects from countries like Australia, China, Malaysia, Belgium, the U.K., and Scotland to claim the top position.

Global recognition for architectural brilliance

According to the Canakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site Presidency, the Dezeen Awards jury comprised 90 renowned figures in the architecture and design world.

Competing against 231 entries from 82 countries, Seddulbahir Fortress stood out in the prestigious contest, which highlights excellence across 41 categories, including architecture, interior design and sustainability.

Seddulbahir Fortress guarding Dardanelles for 366 years

Built in 1658 to protect the Dardanelles Strait, the Seddulbahir Fortress strategically mirrored Kumkale on the Anatolian side at the entrance of the Gallipoli Peninsula. It gained historical prominence when it was bombarded by Allied forces on Nov. 3, 1914, during World War I, marking the site where the Turkish army suffered its first casualties on the Canakkale Front.

After sustaining severe damage during the Canakkale Wars, the fortress underwent a meticulous restoration led by the Gallipoli Historical Site Presidency. The project was completed on March 18, 2023, coinciding with the centennial of the Republic of Türkiye, and was inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Award-winning legacy

The restoration, featured in the “Türkiye Architecture Yearbook 2023,” has received multiple accolades, including finalist positions in the International Domus Conservation and Restoration Awards and the Architizer A+ Awards.

Domestically, it earned recognition from the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), winning the National Architecture Exhibition and Awards for Structure-Conservation and the Landscape Architects Association General Category Project award.

On the global stage, the project was granted a Jury Special Commendation in the “Completed Cultural Buildings” category at the World Architecture Festival held in Singapore.

The Seddulbahir Fortress restoration will compete for more prestigious honors in the coming year, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Europa Nostra Awards, and ICOM Awards, solidifying its place as a benchmark in heritage preservation.