Historic Hospital in Çanakkale Left to Rot: A Heritage Awaiting Care

Located in the Liman Bayırı mevkii of Çanakkale, the historic Çanakkale Old Central Hospital, also known as Kale-i Sultaniye Hastahane-i Askeriyye, has stood as a witness to history since 1890. Despite its dilapidated state, the military hospital retains an impressive architectural presence. It has endured numerous wars, yet its current condition is described as heartbreaking, filled with rubble and trash.

The site is surrounded by fencing with warning signs indicating danger and prohibition. However, parts of the fence have been breached, allowing access. Local residents report that certain sections of the structure are occupied by individuals using alcohol and illegal substances during the evenings. The hospital's historical significance is substantial; according to an architectural study by Senem Yiğit Kahraman from Istanbul Technical University, the hospital was designed for a thousand beds and served through the Tripolitan War, Balkan Wars, World War I, and notably, the Gallipoli Campaign.

During the Gallipoli Campaign, it operated as a 'Hospital for the Severely Wounded' until 1916, alongside mobile army medical units. Historical records indicate the hospital was bombed twice on the same day by the British in 1915. Following the Armistice of Mudros in 1918, the Allied Powers, who occupied the region, closed the hospital. Today, remnants of its approximately 75-centimeter-thick masonry walls remain, though about 90% of the north and west blocks have collapsed. The west wing was particularly damaged by British attacks.

Several proposals have been put forth to preserve the Çanakkale Central Hospital. A 2010 master's thesis from Istanbul Technical University's Institute of Science and Technology suggested transforming the west and north wings into an 'Open-Air Museum' and reconstructing the south and east wings to continue serving history and humanity. Initial steps recommended included demolishing additions to the walls and floors, removing later additions, clearing overgrown vegetation, and implementing measures to prevent further wall collapse. The removal of incorrectly applied cement-based plaster and concrete floors was also deemed necessary.

Despite these proposals and its potential to contribute to tourism as a museum, the hospital remains a ruin, left to its fate. Former Çanakkale Governor İlhami Aktaş visited the site in 2020, reportedly to inspect the area designated as a 'Military Health Museum.' However, the site continues to fall into greater disrepair.

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Entering is dangerous and prohibited.