Sungurlu Clock Tower is a 19-meter high cut stone structure located next to the Ulu Mosque in the district square of Sungurlu, Çorum, built in 1891-92 by District Governor Edip Bey.
Sungurlu Clock Tower stands right in the center of the district, next to the Ulu Mosque. It was built in 1891 or 1892 (sources provide both dates) by Edip Bey, the District Governor of Sungurlu at the time. The master builder of the tower was Şakir Usta from Yozgat; the same person also constructed the Yozgat Clock Tower. This means that the signature of several clock towers in Central Anatolia came from the same hand.
The structure is made of cut stone, with a square prism body and approximately 19 meters high. The body is divided into eight floors by projecting moldings, and there are small round-arched windows on every floor except the second. At the very top, there is a wooden pavilion with a wavy eaves, and below it, round clock faces looking in four directions and a balcony with iron railings. The clock mechanism was made by brahim Usta from Çorum; the tower's bell is said to be a gift from a German consul in Amasya.
Visitors see the tower as the most symbolic structure of the district, with some stating that it looks more imposing when illuminated at night. It was damaged in the 2020 earthquake and subsequently restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The tower is located in front of the municipality building, opening onto the main street; shops and the district governor's office are located around it.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since the tower is in an open area, it can be seen at any time of day. However, visiting after the evening illumination turns on makes a difference; visitors say the tower looks more imposing at this time. In summer, the district square is also livelier, and those who want to escape the daytime heat can prefer the evening.
How to Get There
From Çorum center to Sungurlu takes approximately 45 minutes by private car or intercity buses. Upon entering the district, the tower is already noticeable, standing in front of the municipality building and in the square opening onto the main street. Finding parking in Sungurlu is not difficult, and it is possible to park within walking distance of the tower and visit it.
What's Around It
The tower is right next to the Ulu Mosque. Since both stand in the same square, they can be seen in a single stop. Shops and official buildings like the district governor's office line the main street extending from the square; it is possible to tour the district center with a short walk.
How Much Time to Allocate
The tower itself is a 10-15 minute stop. Combining it with a visit to the Ulu Mosque can extend this to half an hour. Those who include Sungurlu in a one-day trip usually consider the tower as a short stop at the beginning or end of their itinerary.
Route Suggestion
Those going from Çorum center to Sungurlu usually visit the tower along with the Ulu Mosque. Since there are limited other historical stops in the district center, an itinerary can be set up to continue from here to Çorum Castle or the Alacahyk Museum.
Photo Spots
The clock faces on the four sides of the tower and the wooden pavilion at the top are the most photographed details. Shots taken from the opposite corner of the square show the tower in its full height. After the evening illumination, the light brings out the texture of the stone more clearly.
Things to Note
The tower was damaged in the 2020 earthquake and has been restored. Therefore, you might want to inquire if there are any ongoing works in its immediate vicinity before you go. The construction date varies in sources as 1891 or 1892, and no definitive date is claimed in this regard.
Symbol of Sungurlu
At the end of the 19th century, the tradition of building clock towers became widespread in many towns of Anatolia; this example in Sungurlu is a small-scale but lasting trace of the period's understanding of public works. For the local people, it still stands as a meeting point and the focal point of the square.
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