Vent pipes installed in historic structure

ERZURUM – Doğan News Agency

Restoration has nearly been completed in one of the most important historic Seljuk structures in Anatolia and the symbol of the eastern province of Erzurum, the Çifte Minareli Madrasah (Double Minaret Madrasah). 

However, pipes which were installed around the madrasah for rain and snow water removal have drawn criticisms. 

Restoration began in the madrasah, which was built by Alaeddin Keykubad I’s daughter, Hüdavent Hatun, in 1253, in August 2011 and some 7 million Turkish Liras was spent for the works. The madrasah is set to open as a museum in May. 

In addition to a steel structure built behind the madrasah for ventilation and a glass section constructed for stairways, 15 steel vent pipes have drawn criticisms to the restoration project, which was approved by the Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board. 

Officials from the broad did not make a comment about the issue. 

Erzurum Governor Ahmet Altıparmak was also annoyed by the pipes, saying, “Everything was made with the approval of the board. I talked to officials about the pipes and we will try to revise the project so that the structure’s view will not annoy people.”