Historical clock tower in Bursa covered with plastic

BURSA – Demirören News Agency

The sixth floor of the Tophane Clock Tower in the western province of Bursa has been covered with PVC, a type of synthetic plastic, as part of its restoration.

The move undertaken by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has been widely criticized due to the historical importance of the tower, which opened in 1905.

The Chamber of Architects Bursa branch head said the tower was originally built of “dimension stone” and the current use of PVC was against the historical fabric of the tower.

“This part [the sixth floor] is also seen in the old photographs. The part which was originally built of dimension stone has been covered with PVC. This PVC covering in the structure’s upper story is very disappointing. More attention needs to be given to an artifact of such a value,” said Ömer Faruk Şahin.

On the other hand, the municipality said a written statement that the controversial PVC covering had been undertaken years ago by the enterprise running the recreational facilities in the Tophane Park.

“Our municipality has taken the approval of the Conservation Board [for Cultural and Natural Assets] for the project regarding the clock tower. As of next year, restoration works are planned to start in line with the investment program and projects approved by the [Conservation] Board,” the statement said further.

Located inside the Tophane Park, the Tophane Clock Tower was built in 1905. Due to the panoramic view from there, it was also used as a fire lookout tower. The tower has four round clocks, one on each side. It is six stories tall and 33 meters in height.

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