Sinop Historical Prison

Sinop Historical Prison is an important prison located within the walls of the fortress in Sinop, one of the oldest settlement sites on the Black Sea, and holds a special place on Turkey’s cultural heritage list as one of the country’s historic structures. Built during the Ottoman Empire in 1887, the prison served as one of Turkey’s most secure penitentiaries until 1999. Today, it is open to visitors as a museum.

The prison was constructed within the fortress walls dating back to the Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods. Thick stone walls and high ramparts have given the prison the appearance of a natural fortress. The structure consists of a three-storey main building, courtyards, dormitory systems and guard towers.

Over time, its capacity was expanded and separate sections were built for female and child prisoners. The stonework and its enclosed position within the walls reinforced the prison’s design, making escape virtually impossible.

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Sinop Prison is not only a prison but also holds an important place in literature and the arts. The master poet of Turkish literature, Sabahattin Ali, was imprisoned here and wrote one of his most famous poems, "Aldırma Gönül", while detained in this facility.

In addition, Sinop Historical Prison has become one of the most notable locations in cinema and television due to its atmosphere and historical texture. Many productions have been filmed within its stone walls, courtyards and iron bars. Notable examples include:

• Pardon (2004) — Director: Mert Baykal
• Parmaklıklar Ardında (2007) — TV Series
• Kelepçe (1982) — Director: Orhan Elmas
• Esir Şehrin İnsanları (1993, TRT) — TV Series
• Eşkıya Dünyaya Hükümdar Olmaz (2015–2021) — TV Series
• Köpek (2005) — Director: Cem Başeskioğlu
• Tatar Ramazan (1990) — Director: Melih Gülgen

After ceasing operations as a prison in 1999, the structure was opened to the public as a museum by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Today, visitors can tour the cells, courtyards and dormitories where prisoners once lived and obtain information through guided tours. The prison also features special exhibits displaying objects used throughout its historical period.