Statue of Diogenes, Bronze monument at Peninsula Isthmus, Turkey
The Statue of Diogenes is a bronze sculpture in Sinop that depicts the ancient philosopher standing on a barrel. It shows him holding a lamp in hand alongside his companion dog, with the total height reaching about 5.5 meters.
Diogenes was born in this ancient city around 412 BC and is revered as the founder of Cynic philosophy. The monument itself was erected in 2006 to honor the thinker who once walked the streets of this region.
The statue embodies the philosopher's lifelong pursuit of authenticity and moral truth, themes that remain central to how the city views its heritage. Visitors see the lamp and dog as visual reminders of his teachings about genuine human character.
The monument sits at the narrowest point of the Sinop Peninsula near the central bus terminal and Sinop Fortress Prison. It is easily accessible and offers good views of the surrounding peninsula area.
The monument was created by about 20 artists from Ondokuz Mayis University over a six-month period under the direction of sculptor Turan Bas. This collaborative creation shows the shared effort to honor one of antiquity's greatest thinkers.
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