Restoration Works Ongoing at Silahtarağa Sıbyan Mektebi (Primary School)

The restoration works started in Silahtarağa Primary School in November 2023 continue unabated. The historical building is planned to be completed and reopened in 2024

In the Ottoman period, the adventure of education began with the bed'i besmele (starting) ceremony and continued with the primary schools and neighbourhood schools. There are many primary schools belonging to different periods and typologies in our district. Silahtarağa Primary School, one of these schools, is located on Silahtar Mektebi Street, which connects to Pierre Loti Street in Emin Sinan Neighbourhood. It is understood from the inscription on the building that it was built in 1671 by Sultan Mustafa's Armourer (Silahtar) Mehmet Agha.

This two-storey building, which was built with stone-brick alternating masonry technique and attracts attention with its domed and vaulted roof, was in a dilapidated state as it had not been used for a long time. In November 2023, restoration works were started in line with the projects approved by the Conservation Board.

In the first phase of the restoration work, the building was suspended to ensure the safety of the building and its surroundings. The basement of the school, which was filled with rubble due to the construction in the 1970s, was completely cleaned and lowered to the original elevation level. During this process, it was determined that the structure had no foundation. After the plaster scraping on the facades, it was understood that the building was in poor static condition and a static drawing was made based on the current situation. In line with the committee of the Scientific Committee and the static drawing made, well foundation works were carried out at the original elevation. Reinforcement works continue in order to ensure the rigidity of the dome of the building by covering it with carbon fibre material from inside and outside.

The restoration works are planned to be completed in 2024 and Silahtarağa Primary School is planned to be put into service again.