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ANKARA: Clock Tower Right On Time For 2010

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  • ANKARA: Clock Tower Right On Time For 2010

    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.
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