This Former Prison Incarcerated Some Of Turkey's Most Important Writers

Located within a historic fortress in the city of Sinop, the Sinop Prison has a long story that goes all the way back to the 7th century BC. The prison-turned-museum is also famous for its renowned inmates including some of Turkey’s most important intellectuals.

One of Turkey’s oldest prisons, the dilapidated yet imposing structure of the Sinop Fortress-Prison continues to exude a distinctly dispirited vibe given its long history of incarceration. Located within the Sinop Fortress, the state prison was established in 1887, however the fortress itself goes back to the 7th century BC when the city was established as Greek colony from the city of Miletus. After being renovated and extended countless times during the Persian, Kingdom of Pontus, Roman, and Byzantine eras, it was not until 1568 that it started being used as a dungeon during the reign of the Seljuk Turks. The fortress itself has 18 meter high walls that are three meters thick and 11 watchtowers, each with a height of 22 meters.

In 1887, a prison was constructed within the already sturdy fortress, with 28 halls divided on two floors. A hamam (Turkish bath) was also constructed next to the jail for prisoner use only. By 1939, an extra building was added with nine halls on two floors to serve as a juvenile prison. Due to the strong historic fortress all around it, the Sinop Prison was considered one of the most high-security penitentiaries where attempts to escape were almost impossible. Located in close proximity to the sea, the prison saw the establishment of a rehabilitation program by the beginning of the 20th century that allowed for inmates to learn and practice handicrafts. Prisoners produced items such as woodwork or jewelry, which were then sold, giving them the opportunity to earn some money.

Sinop Fortress Prison, Kaleyazısı Mahallesi, Sinop Fortress Prison, Cumhuriyet Cad., 57000 Sinop Merkez/Sinop

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