Selimiye Barracks

Selimiye Barracks, also known as Scutari Barracks is a Turkish army barracks located in the Üsküdar district on the Asian part of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built first in 1800 by Sultan Selim III for the soldiers of the newly established regular army in frame of the Ottoman military reform efforts "Nizam-ı Cedid" (literally "New Order"). [ [http://www.istanbul.com/YaziDetail.aspx?Cat=159&ColId=12639 Istanbul] tr icon Being the world's largest barracks of it time, it was where Florence Nightingale laid the foundation for modern nursing during the Crimean war. ]

Construction

The initially wooden barracks constructed by the renowned Armenian architect Krikor Balyan was burnt down in 1806 by revolting Janissaries, who were against the reforms. Ordered by Sultan Mahmud II, rebuilding of the barracks in stone began in 1825 and it was completed on February 6, 1828. It is a gigantic rectangle building (200 x 267 metres) with a large parade ground in the center. The structure has three floors on three wings and two floors only on the eastern wing due to inclined terrain. [ [http://www.ibb.gov.tr/tr-TR/KenteBakis/GunlukYasam/GeziRehberi/KamuBinalari/ Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality] tr icon] During the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, the barracks underwent important renovations twice in 1842–1843 and in 1849–1850. At these works, one seven-storey-high tower was added to each of the four corners, which gave the barracks today's outlook.

Crimean War

During the Crimean War (1854-1856), the barracks was allocated to the British Army, which were on the way from Britain to the Crimea. After the British troops of the 33rd and 41st [ [http://www.rrw.org.uk/museums/cardiff/fact_sheets/1.htm The Royal Regiment of Walws] ] Regiments left for the front, the barracks was converted into a temporary military hospital. On November 4, 1854, famous nurse Florence Nightingale arrived in Scutari with 38 volunteer women. Called the "Lady with the Lamp", she cared for thousands of wounded and infected soldiers, and drastically reduced the high mortality rate by improving the sanitary living conditions until she returned home in 1857 as a heroine.

The northmost tower of the Selimiye Barracks building is today a museum, and in several of its rooms, relics and reproductions relevant to Florence Nightingale and her nurses are on exhibition. [ [http://www.florence-nightingale-avenging-angel.co.uk/tower.htm Florence Nightingale] ]

Around 6,000 soldiers died in the Selimiye Barracks during the war, mostly as the result of cholera epidemic. The dead were buried at a plot next to the barracks, which became later the Haydarpaşa Cemetery. [ [http://www.geliboluyuanlamak.com/makale_detay.php?haber_id=15 Understanding Gallipoli] tr icon]

Today

During the Republican period, the Selimiye Barracks has been used for different purposes like secondary school and prison. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the commander of the First Army Group.

Location

Selimiye Barracks is situated in the neighborhood Harem between Üsküdar and Kadıköy, close to the Sea of Marmara. The highway connecting the ferryboat terminal and overland bus terminal to the motorway Istanbul-Ankara (O-2) runs close beside the barracks.

References