Zindankapı Restoration and Contemporary Art Gallery

Zindankapı Restoration and Contemporary Art Gallery

Project Information

• Project: Restoration of Zindankapı and Conversion into an Exhibition Space

• Location: Alacahırka Neighborhood, Historic City Walls of Bursa, Türkiye

• Implementing Authority: Bursa Metropolitan Municipality

• Function: Contemporary Art Gallery and Digital Exhibition Space

About the Project

Zindankapı is one of the six historic gates of Bursa’s city walls. Revitalized through restoration works initiated by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality in 2015, the structure was officially opened to the public on October 17, 2021.

The restoration works were carried out on the structure located in the Alacahırka Neighborhood, along the final section of the historic city walls. The complex includes the Bloody Well (Kanlı Kuyu), a torture chamber, corridors connecting the towers, and underground dungeons. The restoration revealed the original architectural features of the approximately 500-year-old gate.

The history of Bursa’s city walls dates back to the 2nd century BCE. Originally constructed during the reign of King Prusias I of Bithynia, the fortifications were repaired, modified, and continuously used throughout the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods until the 19th century.

Adaptive Reuse and New Function

The dungeons from which Zindankapı takes its name were transformed into a contemporary art gallery as part of the restoration project.

The entire complex was redesigned as an exhibition space that presents the historical development of Bursa’s city walls through digital technologies, interactive installations, and multimedia displays.

At the entrance stands the Bloody Well (Kanlı Kuyu), where, according to historical accounts and local legends, executions and corporal punishments were carried out. Beyond the well, visitors encounter a permanent digital exhibition presenting the historical and architectural development of the city walls.

Exhibition Galleries

Ground Floor – Bithynian Period

The ground-floor exhibition focuses on the Hellenistic period, exploring the original purpose behind Bursa’s foundation and the historical origins of the city’s name.

First Floor – Roman and Byzantine Periods

This level features replicas of Roman-era weapons, interactive information kiosks, and animated films illustrating Bursa’s historical development up to 1326, when the city came under Ottoman rule.

Second Floor – Ottoman Period

The exhibition includes replicas of Ottoman military equipment and displays depicting the Janissaries.

Through interactive maps and animations presented on digital kiosks, visitors can explore Bursa’s growing political, economic, and cultural significance following its conquest by Orhan Gazi, as well as the city’s subsequent urban expansion.

Third Floor – Restoration of the City Walls

This level presents the various stages of the restoration of Bursa’s historic fortifications, highlighting the conservation and reconstruction processes undertaken to preserve the structure.

The third floor also provides access corridors leading to Towers 9 and 10.

Tower 9 – Digital Exhibition Space

Tower 9 has been entirely transformed into an immersive digital exhibition space.

The tower features specially produced projection-mapping videos designed exclusively for Zindankapı, offering visitors an engaging audiovisual experience that brings the history and architectural heritage of the site to life.