Historic Macedonian Tower in Edirne set to reopen by mid-2026
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Edirne Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Kemal Soytürk stated that the restoration project, launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2021, has reached its final stage. He emphasized that the restoration of the tower and its surroundings represents one of the ministry’s largest cultural investments in the city.
Soytürk noted that inscriptions from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods have been identified within the structure, while long-running archaeological excavations behind the tower have recently yielded significant findings. Structural reinforcement works have also been successfully completed.
Archaeological Discoveries and Visitor Experience
According to Soytürk, the restoration process—overseen by scientific and advisory boards as well as technical teams—has uncovered a wealth of archaeological remains in the surrounding area. These include a chapel and annexes, walls from different historical periods, Late Roman ceramic kilns, and Ottoman-era icehouses and water channels.
Entering the second and final phase of restoration, the tower will feature a panoramic elevator, observation terrace, and exhibition areas. Visitors will be able to take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Edirne, including vistas extending as far as the Hıdırlık Bastion.
“At the highest level, there will be an observation deck equipped with viewing binoculars,” Soytürk said. “Visitors will ascend by elevator and descend via stairs, encountering displays that reflect Edirne’s historical journey from the Thracian era to the Republican period.”
He added that exhibition and display arrangements are nearing completion, along with a visitor reception area and information panels placed both inside the tower and throughout the archaeological site.
“We are bringing to life a highly valuable monument for our city and country. Our goal is to welcome visitors to the Macedonian Tower—an exceptional structure bearing Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman traces—by the middle of 2026,” Soytürk stated.
Restoration Works in Detail
The restoration began under the ‘Edirne Old Clock Tower Restoration Project’ in 2021. Works included ground-penetrating radar surveys, structural reinforcement through injection techniques in rubble stone walls, and the removal of vegetation and roots damaging the structure.
Original brick and stone surfaces were carefully cleaned, cement-based mortar and plaster were replaced with authentic materials, and hazardous electrical lines and unauthorized additions were removed from the site.
Excavations revealed remains of a 10th-century chapel complex, Byzantine ceramic kilns, an Ottoman icehouse dating to 1908, elements of an Ottoman infrastructure system, and foundations of late Ottoman residential buildings.
A Monument Through the Ages
Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian (r. 117–138 AD), the Macedonian Tower is the only surviving tower from the ancient fortification walls that once surrounded Edirne. In 1867, it became known as a clock tower after wooden upper floors and clocks were added by then-governor Hacı İzzet Pasha.
The tower later served as a fire watchtower, but suffered severe damage during the 1953 earthquake. Subsequent additions were demolished after being deemed detrimental to the city’s aesthetic. The structure underwent earlier restoration in the 1990s, while archaeological excavations were carried out by the Edirne Museum in 2002 and 2003.
