Concrete pile in front of the historic Bayburt Castle! 'There is zoning terror'

A concrete structure built in front of Bayburt Castle, which has become the symbol of Bayburt and is known as the third-largest castle in Turkey, has sparked controversy in the city. Local residents are reacting, arguing that this building, which rises directly across from the historic fabric, causes visual pollution. Aerial footage shows that the structure is significantly taller than other buildings in the vicinity.

Spanning an area of approximately 150 thousand square meters, with walls reaching 3 kilometers in length and heights of up to 30 meters, Bayburt Castle has been used for both military and civilian purposes for centuries. Housing a history that extends from the Saltukids to the Byzantines, and from the Ottomans to the present day, the castle ranks third in Turkey in terms of size. However, the reinforced concrete building erected right in front of such a valuable historic structure has caused discomfort among the public.

WORK DURING THE PEKMEZCİ ERA RECALLED

This new building, which has drawn reaction, has brought a positive project from the past back to the agenda. During the term of former Mayor Hükmü Pekmezci, the upper floors of two 6- and 4-story buildings were expropriated and demolished to reveal the silhouette of the castle from the Clock Tower Square. At the time, this initiative was appreciated by the public. However, looking from the same point today, it is seen that the rising new concrete mass casts a shadow over the aesthetic value of the castle.

"IS THIS VIEW REALLY PLEASANT?"

Bahtinur Daştan, who lives in Istanbul and came to her hometown of Bayburt for a vacation, stated that the new structure harms the historic castle and used the following words:

"This newly built building has ruined the view and the face of the castle. This castle belongs to all of us; we love these places very much. Whether it's the streets or the stairs in our neighborhood, everything is in disrepair. They should take a look at the environment. We don't find it pleasant at all; it's not beautiful. Whoever is in charge, please, the authorities should look into this. Is this view really pleasant?"

"THERE ARE NOT DOZENS, BUT HUNDREDS OF THESE MONSTROSITIES IN BAYBURT"

Neighborhood resident Gürsel Karapınar emphasized that this structure is not just an isolated example. Stating that the architectural identity of the city is being eroded along with similar structures, Karapınar argued that Bayburt has practically been conditioned to these distorted images. Pointing to the building rising in the background, he said, "There are not dozens, but hundreds of these monstrosities in Bayburt."

"WE ARE REACTING BUT NO ONE IS LISTENING"

Karapınar stated that they had applied to many institutions against the construction of this structure but did not receive any results. He expressed that they went to the municipality and the governor's office and submitted petitions to the Council of Monuments, but all their efforts remained unanswered. Criticizing the situation in even harsher terms, Karapınar said, "A rent-seeking mechanism has been established in Bayburt that just won't break, and that is why no one speaks out against such things."

"THIS ARCHITECTURAL UNDERSTANDING ALSO THREATENS OUR CULTURE"

Arguing that the city is becoming increasingly unlivable, Karapınar said that the distorted construction threatens not only the visual aesthetics but also the social and cultural fabric of Bayburt. Saying, "The architecture of a city is an indicator of that city's level of education and culture," Karapınar reacted to the current point reached with the words, "We are in a situation to weep." He also expressed that it is even more saddening that society acts as if it has accepted this situation.

"THE ONLY HOPE FOR DEMOLITION IS THE PRESIDENT"

Karapınar suggested that the building in question could only be demolished with high political will. Regarding the issue, he said, "This building can only be demolished with the will of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. There is no other alternative." Adding that they are trying to make their voices heard against not just this building but all similar projects, Karapınar emphasized that the public must act in unity in this struggle.