Sinop Historical Prison

Sinop Historical Prison is a prison located within the walls of castle in Sinop, one of the oldest settlement sites on the Black Sea, occupying an area of place and holding a special place on Türkiye’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 Türkiye’s most secure penitentiaries until 1999. Today, it is open to visitors as museum.

Historical and Architectural Structure

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

Time was expanded to increase capacity, and separate sections were built for female and child prisoners. Stonemasonry and its encirclement by ramparts reinforced the prison’s design, making escape virtually impossible.

Sinop Historical Prison - Müzekart

Cultural and Literary Impact

The Sinop Prison holds a significant place not only as a prison but also in the worlds of literature and art. Among the master poets of Turkish literature, Sabahattin Ali was imprisoned here and wrote one of his most famous poems, "Aldırma Gönül", within its walls.

In addition, the Sinop Historical Prison has become a notable location in the film and television industries due to its atmosphere and historical fabric. Many productions have been filmed amid its stone walls, courtyards, and iron bars. Notable examples include:

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

Sinop Historical Prison Today

After losing its function as a prison in 1999, the structure was opened to the public as a museum by Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. Today visitors can tour the cells, courtyards, and dormitories where inmates once lived and receive guided tours to learn about the building’s history. The prison also features special exhibits displaying artifacts used throughout its tarihi process.