Historical school building evacuated after cracks appear in walls in Turkey’s Samsun

SAMSUN – Demirören News Agency

A 90-year-old building that is part of a social sciences high school in the northern province of Samsun has been evacuated after cracks formed on the walls of the structure.

Some 80 students that had taken classes in the building have been transferred to nearby schools.

The building initially used to serve as an education facility under an orthodox church and was later used as a military hospital following the Independence War in Turkey. Since 1927, the structure had been used as a school.

But fractures have recently appeared on the building’s walls which the authorities fear may lead to the collapse of the historic structure. Amid the imminent risks the students were transferred to another school as a precaution.

Authorities have said works would start soon to repair the damaged parts.

“This is a building of significant importance for the city. The building had been listed for protection. We are paying special attention to the building since it is a historical asset,” the provincial directorate of education in Samsun said in a statement.

“The building is in a very bad shape. Those cracks on the walls are a serious matter,” said Hale Üçüncü, the head of the parent-teacher association at the high school.

“The provincial directorate is working to determine the fate of the building, but we have not yet been informed of its decision. The boiler room is located under the damaged building and this will certainly affect other students in the winter months,” she added.

Üçüncü noted that the school was a specialized, unique school focusing on social sciences, calling it “one of a kind” in Turkey.

“This school should not be closed, necessary works should be carried out to repair the building,” she said.

There are a total of 280 students and 28 staff at the Samsun Social Sciences High School.