The restoration of Kıyık Tabya, one of the significant military areas in the defense of Edirne (in Balkan War), has begun. Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer inspected the site where the first phase of restoration work commenced, receiving information from the Director of Culture and Tourism.
Expressing gratitude to Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy for his support, Sezer stated, “With the project planned to be completed by March 26th, the Balkan Martyrs Memorial Day, we will somewhat fulfill our debt of gratitude to Şükrü Paşa.”
About Kıyık Tabya and Edirne defender Şükrü Paşa:
Constructed between 1867-1871, Kıyık Tabya, one of the 35 forts (bastions) defending the city during the Ottoman-Russian and Balkan Wars, played a crucial role in Edirne’s defense. Covering approximately 34,000 square meters, including Şükrü Paşa Memorial Area, the fort consists of various structures such as guardhouse, barracks, headquarters, trench structures, artillery, and ambush rooms.
Originally part of the Ministry of National Defense, the fort has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In accordance with Şükrü Paşa’s will, his remains were brought from Istanbul Central Efendi Cemetery to Edirne and placed in the memorial tomb on July 24, 1998.
Şükrü Paşa, born in Erzurum in 1857, defended Edirne for 5 months and 5 days during the Balkan Wars despite hardships such as famine and disease. His famous testament, inscribed in Kıyık Tabya, expresses his desire to be buried in the fort if the defense line remains intact and his acceptance of being considered a martyr under specific conditions.
The restoration project aims to complete the work before March 26, commemorating the Balkan Martyrs, and Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer thanked Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy for his support in the initiative.
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