Historical Sirkeci train station suffering ravages of time, set for renovation

ISTANBUL – Radikal

The Turkish state railways authority (TCDD) announced in 2011 that it would renovate the historical station, but no action has been taken since then.

The historical Sirkeci train station in Istanbul’s Eminönü neighborhood poses a danger due to damage caused by the ravages of time, and the tender process for its restoration is set to take place.

Large stones recently fell from the clock tower at the front of the building, after which the entire front was covered with tarps as a temporary solution.

The Sirkeci station building was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamit II and is currently not used. As the building is a historical artifact, its renovation must be conducted in line with regulations.

A station official, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the tender for the renovation was being prepared, though the schedule for this tender process is still unclear.

Construction of the station was started by German architect August Jasmund on Feb. 11, 1888, and the station was completed on Nov. 3, 1890.

The Turkish state railways authority (TCDD) announced in 2011 that it would renovate the station, but no action has been taken since then.

The building takes up a total area of around 20,000 square meters, and there are plans to build a hotel within the station. It has been claimed that the main reason for the delay in the renovation is the finalization of this hotel plan.