Tokat Clock Tower

Tokat’s center hosts a massive structure rising toward the sky in the Behzat Neighborhood: the Tokat Clock Tower. This tower stands like a giant sentinel visible from every corner of the city. Why does it stand there, and why does it announce its chime at every hour? Let us uncover the secrets of this historic tower together!

^{An image depicting the Tokat Clock Tower (generated by artificial intelligence).}

Tokat Clock Tower was constructed in 1900, long ago. At that time, the 25th anniversary of Sultan II. Abdülhamid’s accession to the throne was being celebrated. The people of Tokat and the municipal government joined hands to immortalize this special occasion.

Funding for the tower’s construction came not only from the municipal budget but also from public donations, totaling over 1000 liras. The architect was Hristo Usta from Çarşamba. Hristo Usta built the tower so strongly and beautifully that he was even awarded a medal for his achievement.^【1】

The tower was constructed with precisely cut stone, making it extremely sturdy. When first built, its height was 27 meters, but after a modification in 1915, it was extended to a total of 33 meters.

The tower consists of a square base, a shaft, and a clock chamber at the top. At the very summit are four large clock faces, each facing one of the four cardinal directions. This ensures that no matter where you are in Tokat, you can simply look up and see the time.

^{Clock Tower (generated by artificial intelligence)}

The clock mechanism at the heart of this tower was specially imported from France. This clock does not merely tell time; it also has a powerful bell that chimes every half hour and at the top of each hour. Its sound is so resonant that it can be heard clearly even from the farthest corners of the city.

To keep this massive clock running continuously, someone must regularly wind it. Since 1994, this duty has been carried out by Ahmet Amca, who works in a shop beneath the tower. Every eight days, Ahmet Amca climbs to the very top of the tower to wind the clock and ensure its steady ticking.^【2】

The Tokat Clock Tower was inaugurated with a grand ceremony on 31 August 1900. On that day, not only the tower but also new schools, fountains, and roads were gifted to the people of Tokat. For 124 years, this tower has continued to bear witness to the city’s history.^【3】