The opening ceremony of the Sinop Historical Prison and Museum was held

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Sinop Historical Prison and Museum, which was restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with the support of the European Union (EU), Ersoy said that the restoration project was implemented within the scope of the EU's "Common Cultural Heritage: Protection and Dialogue Between Turkey and the EU Phase 2 Project."

Ersoy noted that the Sinop Historical Prison and Museum is more than just stone walls. He pointed out that masters of Turkish literature such as Sabahattin Ali and Kerim Korcan, as well as writer and poet Eşber Yağmurdereli and politician Zeki Özturanlı, served time in Sinop Prison, and that Sabahattin Ali wrote his poem "Don't Mind, Heart" behind these walls. He said, "The Sinop Historical Prison is more than just stone walls; it is a powerful symbol etched in our literature, art, and collective memory."

Minister Ersoy emphasized that they have demonstrated their loyalty to history and their aim to pass on the cultural heritage of these lands to future generations at every stage of the project, which is being implemented with a budget of approximately 8 million euros. He stated that, in addition to the EU, the Ministry has provided 180 million lira in support for the project's display, arrangement, and construction of walking paths.

Ersoy emphasized that the project has brought the historical building back to life as a cultural and memory space that sheds light on the future, and continued:

The Sinop Historical Prison is no longer merely a silent witness to the past, but is being revitalized as a cultural and memory space that sheds light on the future. As part of a two-phase plan, the first phase involved the preparation of the Sinop Historical Prison restoration project and an area management plan. In the second phase of the project, the restoration of the Sinop Historical Prison was completed within the scope of "Civil Society Collaboration in Cultural Heritage." Immediately thereafter, our Ministry initiated the restoration of the Sinop Historical Prison, its display arrangement, and the construction of walking paths. The work carried out within this scope was completed quickly, and the Prison Museum was ready for its opening. In addition to the restoration, we also brought together Turkish and European civil society organizations through grant programs.

Ersoy explained that civil society organizations were also included in the protection of this shared cultural heritage, and that Sinop Prison was resurrected not only with its stone walls but also with its significance for humanity.

Ersoy stated that the museum they opened today will not only give visitors a history lesson, but will also make them think and connect with the past by moving them emotionally.

Here, behind every stone, every wall, every nameless step lies a story. By preserving these stories, we are protecting the collective memory of Sinop and Türkiye. This space, embraced wholeheartedly by the people of Sinop, will not remain merely a museum. With its dedicated sections, it will become a hub for civil society organizations, cultural events, and the arts. With approximately 3,500 square meters of exhibition space, this heritage, combined with the vast horizons of the Black Sea, will transform Sinop into a center of attraction. Our cultural heritage not only tells the story of our past, but also shapes our future. The Sinop Historical Prison Museum is one of the most concrete examples of this understanding.

Ersoy thanked the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Finance and Contracts Unit and everyone else who contributed to the project.

Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, Jurgis Vilcinskas, also reminded that the Sinop Historical Prison is an important cultural heritage.

Vilcinskas emphasized that they are together today to celebrate a new era, a new story, and explained that giving this place new life is an important part of culture, art, and dialogue.

Vilcinskas, noting that this transformation was made possible thanks to the "Common Cultural Heritage: Protection and Dialogue Between Turkey and the EU" program, said, "With approximately €8 million in EU support, the prison's towers, courtyards, and walls were restored. It was also redesigned as a cultural and artistic complex. Now, this is not only a place where history is remembered, but also a place where creativity, community, and connection are at the core. This is how the EU and Turkey are building a bridge together, restoring theaters, libraries, museums, and now this extraordinary venue in Sinop."

Vilcinskas also noted that cultural ties are not only formed through buildings, and shared the following:

"Therefore, alongside restoration, this program also supported civil society projects. It brought together artists, filmmakers, designers, storytellers, and cultural NGOs from Türkiye and EU member states. From puppet theater to urban history, from wooden heritage to photography, these projects prove that cultural heritage comes alive when communities and civil society are fully engaged. Sinop is the perfect place to convey this message."

Vilcinskas explained that they want the Sinop Historical Prison and Museum to be not just a place of memory but a living space, saying, "It's a place where local and international communities and civil society come together for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and conversations. It's a place where young people are inspired by history, where artists can create works, and where citizens can feel that this heritage truly belongs to them. The European Union is proud to stand with Türkiye on this journey."

Following the speeches, the official opening of the Sinop Historical Prison and Museum was held with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Minister Ersoy and his entourage then toured the historical building and received information from the authorities about the artifacts inside.