SEDDÜLBAHİR CASTLE

The use of natural stone in Turkey’s architectural heritage is not merely a matter of construction, but a medium through which history, geography, and craftsmanship converge. Seddülbahir Castle, whose restoration concluded on March 18, 2023, epitomizes this philosophy. The castle’s original construction in 1656 under the patronage of Hatice Turhan Sultan employed robust local stones that would carry centuries of structural and symbolic weight. Over the course of 25 years of research, documentation, and restoration, these stones were not only preserved but celebrated as carriers of the site’s historical memory. Every block of küfeki stone retained its role as a tangible link to the past, while interventions were carefully calibrated to respect the original material’s texture, form, and patina.

Restoration at Seddülbahir was guided by a triad of principles: structural reinforcement in sections threatened by collapse, conservation of archaeological layers without unnecessary reconstruction, and selective use of new materials where modern intervention was essential. In all cases, the continuity of original stonework dictated decisions, creating a delicate dialogue between old and new. The partial reconstructions, including the silhouetted wooden structures of Bab-ı Kebir, emphasized the visibility of the authentic stone remnants while allowing visitors to grasp the monumental scale and original form of the castle. This approach reflects an understanding that stone is not inert; it holds the imprint of time, the memory of conflict, and the essence of place.

Moreover, the castle’s new museum building demonstrates how stone mediates between history and contemporary design. Constructed with large blocks of küfeki stone sourced to harmonize with the original walls, the new structure subtly echoes the castle’s material language without overpowering it. The careful integration of the original wooden beam systems into the new façade further underscores stone’s dual role: a structural and aesthetic element that bridges centuries, linking heritage and adaptive reuse. Here, stone acts as both a canvas and a narrative device, shaping visitor perception while maintaining the authenticity of the historical fabric.

Ultimately, Seddülbahir Castle exemplifies how natural stone can anchor architectural identity, conveying layers of history while enabling contemporary interpretation. Its preserved walls, reinforced towers, and carefully articulated reconstructions reveal the enduring appeal of stone as a material that embodies resilience, memory, and regional character. In both conservation and adaptive reuse, stone remains the silent storyteller of Turkish architecture, ensuring that heritage is not only seen but felt, connecting visitors tangibly to the past while framing the present in material continuity.