The Gendarmerie Building, located in Sivas Cumhuriyet Square opposite the Governorship building, is an L-shaped historical structure built in 1908 by Governor Reşit Akif Pasha and continues to function as an active gendarmerie unit today.
This structure, standing opposite the Governorship building in Cumhuriyet Square, was built in 1908 as a gendarmerie department by Reşit Akif Pasha, the Governor of Sivas at the time. Some sources state that construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1908, entering service as the Provincial Gendarmerie Regiment Building. The building continues to serve the same function today, being used by the Provincial Gendarmerie Command.
Its architectural design is striking. The structure is L-shaped, formed by its west and north wings, with the corner where the wings meet designed as an octagon. The main entrance is on the south side of this octagon. Due to the slope of the land, the entrance was formerly accessed by stone stairs, but this door was later closed. The third floor is a single-room pavilion, and the ceiling of one of the rooms on the second floor is decorated. It underwent restoration in 2021.
The building is one of the pieces that complete the historical fabric of Cumhuriyet Square. Right next to it is the Governorship building, and other stops such as the Congress Building and the Atatürk Ethnography Museum are located around it. Visitors generally come here not to enter, but to see and photograph the general historical atmosphere of the square. Some say that the facade takes on a different appearance with the evening lighting.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Sivas historical places, Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital.
Guide's Note
When to See the Gendarmerie Building?
Since the building is viewed from the outside, the season is not very critical, but those who want to experience the general atmosphere of the square prefer spring and autumn. During the day, the stone masonry and the octagonal corner on the facade are more clearly visible. In the evening, the building gains a different ambiance with the lighting, so you can also time your square tour for after sunset.
How to Get There?
The Gendarmerie Building is located in Sivas's Cumhuriyet Square, directly opposite the Governorship building. As it is in the city center, it can be reached by a short taxi ride or on foot from Sivas Train Station or bus terminal. Since the square is already the city's main meeting point, it is possible to walk to other nearby attractions.
Other Stops in the Vicinity
Since the building is part of Cumhuriyet Square, it is more meaningful to visit it along with its surroundings rather than alone. In the same square, there is the Governorship building, and a little further on, the Congress Building Atatürk and Ethnography Museum. If you are planning a trip tracing the Sivas Congress, these three stops are very close to each other, and you can see them all in a single walking tour.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Since the building is not a place that can be entered, it does not take more than 10-15 minutes on its own. If you want to visit the entire Cumhuriyet Square, along with its surrounding museums and historical structures, you might need to allocate about half a day.
Good Spots for Photography
The most characteristic detail of the building is the octagonal section at the corner where the wings intersect and the main entrance to its south. Shots taken from the opposite side of the square, in front of the Governorship building, show the L-plan of the facade more clearly. Morning light accentuates the stone texture, while night lighting provides a different composition; visitor comments show that the evening view is particularly appreciated.
Things to Pay Attention To
Since the building is still used as an active gendarmerie unit, it is not possible to enter, and it is advisable to be careful when taking photos very close due to security reasons. The Governorship building on the other side of the square is also a public institution, so both should be viewed from the exterior facade.
Brief History
There are minor differences in sources regarding the construction of the building. Some sources state 1908 as the year of construction, while the Provincial Gendarmerie Command's own history states that work began in 1899 and the building was completed and put into service in 1908. In both cases, the structure dates back to the governorship of Reşit Akif Pasha. With the restoration in 2021, the building has been preserved to the present day.
FAQ
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