CLOCK TOWER RIGHT ON TIME FOR 2010
Hurriyet Daily News
Oct 19 2009
Turkey
After nearly a year since restoration work began, Dolmabahce Palace
has lit up its newly renovated clock tower.
The restoration work began in December 2008 and was completed in
June by the Italian Association for Restoration, Assorestauro,
in cooperation with the Italian Trade Organization and the Turkish
Directorate for National Palaces.
In light of Istanbul’s upcoming position as the 2010 European Capital
of Culture, the Directorate for National Palaces has initiated many
restoration projects emphasizing the city’s architectural heritage.
"Istanbul’s selection as Capital of Culture has given us the perfect
opportunity to work together, bringing the latest technology and best
practices from Italy to Turkey’s mosques and palaces," Italian Trade
Commissioner Roberto Luongo said at the formal opening ceremony on
Friday. Several Italian companies that specialize in restoration and
lighting will contribute to "new projects and jointly work to maintain
the quality of the historical sites," Luongo said.
During the initial stages of the project, Turkish staff members were
trained in the methods and materials used by Italian firms. The
latest technology, including photogrammetry and 3D laser-scanning
systems, were implemented in the project and the lighting designs
were overhauled. A representative of Assorestauro pointed out, "The
lamps illuminating the tower were placed strategically in order to
highlight the eclectic motifs on the tower."
Turkish Parliament deputy Nevzat Pakdil and Secretary General Ali
Osman Koca, Italian Ambassador Carlo Marsili and Italian Trade Center
Ambassador Umberto Vataniye cut the ribbon after giving speeches at the
Treasury. The ceremony was marked by a 10-minute musical performance
accompanied by the ringing of the clock tower’s bells.
The tower was commissioned by Sultan Abdulhamit II, built by the
Armenian court architect Sarkis Balyan in 1895 and stands today as
a monument to Ottoman modernization efforts.