Sinop Fortress Prison, Prison museum in Sinop, Turkey
Sinop Fortress Prison is a U-shaped stone structure containing 28 halls across two floors, surrounded by thick defensive walls that form part of the ancient fortress. The complex includes cell blocks, courtyards, and administrative areas that demonstrate how a maximum-security facility operated within this fortified setting.
Built in 1887 within the ancient Sinop Fortress, this facility became a high-security prison for the Ottoman Empire and later the Turkish state. It operated for over 100 years until its closure in 1997, serving as one of the country's most feared detention sites.
The prison housed Turkish writers and intellectuals who created their work within these walls, leaving traces of their creative spirit in the cells. Walking through, you can sense how art and thought persisted even in confinement.
The site is accessible, though some pathways between levels are steep and require sturdy footwear to navigate safely. Plan enough time to move through the different halls at a leisurely pace, as many rooms have explanatory displays about daily life in the facility.
The prison sits on Turkey's northernmost point, surrounded by the Black Sea on three sides, making it one of the most isolated detention sites ever built. This remote location made escape nearly impossible and added to its fearsome reputation.
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