Used in the Balkan Wars: Balloon Hangar to be restored

Zeppelins that took off from the hangar, built in 1912 during the Balkan Wars to observe enemy troops, served in gathering intelligence and relaying coordinates to artillery units.

Work will be carried out to restore the historical structure located on the road to the Kapıkule Border Gate, which lost its function after being used until the early years of the Republic.

'AN IMPORTANT STRUCTURE FOR TOURISM'

Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer stated that significant work is being done on the city's historical structures, adding, "The Balloon Hangar and the nearby Edirne Military Hospital have been transferred to the National Palaces Administration. Rapid work will be carried out there this year. An important structure for urban culture and tourism will be restored."

'THE WORLD'S OLDEST COMBAT BALLOON HANGAR'

Art and Cultural Management Specialist Kutalmış Bayraktar also stated that the hangar is an important structure in terms of Turkish aviation history.

Stating that he has conducted scientific studies on the hangar, Bayraktar said, "This structure is the world's oldest combat balloon hangar. There are balloon hangars built in earlier years in the world, but none of them were built directly for war. Its positioning is entirely for the military maneuvers of the Balkan Wars."

Bayraktar noted that the structure was used as an aircraft hangar after the Balkan Wars and that the first long-distance flight in Turkey was carried out by an aircraft that took off from this hangar.

Bayraktar noted the following regarding the restoration project:

"The National Palaces Administration has taken this place under protection with a very good and correct decision. The administration's protection practice, as we also envisioned, is not focused on a single structure, but includes the historical environment. The Balloon Hangar and the historical heritage around it will be organized as a whole. It will be a meaningful project from history to the future."

News Source: AA