Restoration of Edirne’s Mahmudiye Barracks, which has a history of approximately 200 years, is continuing. Structural reinforcement work is being carried out on the building, which reflects the characteristics of 19th-century military architecture, under a project prepared by the Presidency of National Palaces.
Once the reinforcement work, conducted in line with the assessments of the scientific committee, is completed, fine restoration, exhibition and interior fitting-out work will begin. The restoration is targeted for completion by the end of 2027, together with the work at Saray-ı Cedide-i Amire.
Mahmudiye Barracks to become a cultural center
Once the work is completed, part of the barracks is planned to serve as a museum where movable cultural assets belonging to Edirne Palace will be exhibited. The section is intended to bring thousands of historical artifacts together with visitors.
Another section of the complex will house a research center and an extensive library dedicated to studies on Edirne, Rumelia, the Balkans and the Ottoman geographical area. The complex will also include multipurpose halls.
Restoration work on the historic mosque and bathhouse within the barracks complex is also continuing.
Governor Sezer inspected the work
Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer inspected the restoration work at Mahmudiye Barracks with Adnan Gayhan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye’s National Palaces Administration. Sezer received information about the work being carried out in the building, which has approximately 25,000 square meters of enclosed space, and met with the restoration team.
Sezer said the completion of the restoration would bring Mahmudiye Barracks to Edirne as a major cultural center and thanked those who contributed to the work.
History of Mahmudiye Barracks
The building, also known in the city as the “Piyade Kışla-i Hümayunu,” is also called the “Yanık Kışla,” or “Burnt Barracks,” because of the fires it has suffered. Construction of the barracks, built for the Asakir-i Mansure-i Muhammediye army established after Sultan Mahmud II abolished the Janissary corps, began in 1826 and was completed at the end of 1827.
Located north of Edirne Palace, on the banks of the Tunca River and adjacent to the Has Ahırlar grounds, the barracks were built with a rectangular plan and a central courtyard. The building was severely damaged in fires during the Ottoman-Russian wars of 1857, 1869 and 1877–1878.
The barracks, which were also used during the Balkan Wars and World War I, were damaged by bombardments and explosions, particularly during the Balkan Wars. After losing its military function in the early years of the Republic, the building was converted into a prison in 1932 and used for many years as Edirne Closed Prison.
The area containing the barracks and its annexes was transferred to the Presidency of National Palaces in November 2022.
