Top 10 Historic Train Stations in Turkey Every History Enthusiast Should Visit
Turkey's railway history is not only a story of transportation, but also of architecture, culture and modernisation. The train stations built during this period, from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic, both reflect the architectural understanding of the period and hold a special place in the memory of the cities. So, what are the oldest train stations in Turkey? And where are the historical train stations in Turkey? In this article, we will introduce 10 historical and architecturally prominent train stations spread all over Turkey.
1. Sirkeci Station (Istanbul)
Opened in 1890 during the reign of Abdülhamid II, Sirkeci Station was built as Istanbul's gateway to Europe. Designed by German architect August Jasmund, the building draws attention with its orientalist architecture. Granite was used for the base of the building, marble for the facade and stones brought from Marseille and Aden. Interior ornamentation is eclectic in style. Types of arches, column capitals, stained glass windows, ornamental arch arrangements framing the doors, and plasters can all be mentioned as eclecticism.
How to get there? It is easily accessible by the Marmaray line, trams and buses.
2. Haydarpasa Station (Istanbul)
Haydarpaşa Station, located in Kadıköy, was commissioned in 1908. It was designed by German architects Otto Ritter and Helmuth Cuno and built with the labour of 1500 Italian stonemasons. The architectural plan of Haydarpaşa Station, which has neo-classical and German Renaissance influences, draws attention with its symmetry and detailing. The interior of the station is as magnificent as the exterior. The ceilings of the rooms were decorated with individual pencil embroidery, and winged wheels, which were the emblem of the railways at the time, were painted on the four corners of the ceilings.
How to get there? It is within walking distance to Kadıköy Pier; transportation is possible by ferry, bus and metro.
3. Ankara Station
Opened in 1892, Ankara Station is an important stop on the Anatolian Railway. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk used this station on his first visit to Ankara. Today, it serves with both historical and modern buildings.
How to get there? Located in the centre of Ankara, easily accessible by metro and buses.
4. Alsancak Station (Izmir)
Opened in 1858, Alsancak Station is one of the oldest train stations in Turkey. The station, which is the starting point of the Izmir-Aydın Railway, draws attention with its late Ottoman architecture. The building with symmetrical facades reflecting a linear plan is connected to Atatürk Street and Liman Street. On the west façade, which is the main entrance, there are administrative spaces on the sides of the entrance hall, and the waiting room is accessed through a glazed double-leaf wooden door. In the western part of this space, which is striking with its ceiling height, stained glass windows, plaster and column capitals with floral motifs, there is also a ticket office.
How to get there? Transportation can be provided by IZBAN, tram and bus lines.
5. Konya Station
Built in 1896 by the Anatolian Railways Company, Konya Station is still in service. Built during the Ottoman period, this station is one of the important railway centres of Central Anatolia.
How to get there? Transportation is possible by city bus and tram lines.
Source: GoKonya
6. Adana Station
Built in 1912 by the Ottoman Baghdad Railways Company, Adana Station is now home to the 6th Regional Directorate of TCDD. Mainline trains such as Toros Express, Erciyes Express and Fırat Express use this station.
How to get there? Located in the Seyhan district, the station can be reached by city buses and minibuses.
7. Ali Çetinkaya Station (Afyonkarahisar)
Built in 1895 and renovated in 1939, Ali Çetinkaya Station is one of the important railway centres of Afyonkarahisar. The station, which has 12 rail lines, is still in service.
How to get there? It is close to the city centre and can be reached by bus and taxi.
8. Kars Station
Built in 1899 by the Russian Empire, Kars Station attracts attention with its Baltic architecture. In 1970, a reinforced concrete structure was built instead of the original building, which was demolished, and the new station building was put into service in 2017.
How to get there? Located in İstasyon neighborhood, the station is accessible by city buses and taxis.
Source: ozaninseyirdefteri
9. Malatya Train Station
Put into service in 1931, Malatya Station is the station used by Atatürk on his first visit to Malatya. The station, which attracts attention with its art deco architecture, is 3 km from the centre of Malatya.
How to get there? Transportation is possible by city buses and minibuses.
10. Eskişehir Station
First put into service in 1892, Eskişehir Station was rebuilt in 1955. The modern building designed by Prof. Orhan Safa is still in service.
How to get there? Located in the city centre, the station is easily accessible by tram and bus lines.
Keşfet ile ziyaret ettiğin tüm kategorileri tek akışta gör!
Test
Gündem
Magazin
Video
Send Comment