In Hatay’s İskenderun district, archaeological excavations have brought the centuries-old İskenderun Castle back into view, and now a new symbol waves proudly above it — the Turkish flag. The gesture came not from officials or large organizations, but from a local municipal sanitation worker, Sadık Kurt, who noticed the absence of a flag and took it upon himself to make a change.
A Personal Contribution to Heritage
The İskenderun Castle, with roots stretching back hundreds of years, was reconstructed during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I by Nasuh Pasha. Located near İbrahim Karaoğlanoğlu Street, the site has been undergoing excavation under the guidance of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
For years, the castle had no Turkish flag. When 65-year-old Sadık Kurt, a sanitation worker for the municipality, realized this, he personally purchased a flag and raised it on the castle grounds.
“Our castle is one of the most valuable landmarks here. I love my flag, and seeing it wave there fills me with pride. I think it has become a beautiful symbol for İskenderun,” he said.
A Landmark Rediscovered
The recent archaeological efforts have not only restored parts of the structure but also revived public awareness of its existence. Local resident Kemal Güler, 35, admitted he had not known about the castle until the excavations began.
“Thanks to these works, I saw both the castle and the flag, and I felt deeply moved. I hope the restoration is completed so I can come here with my family and take photos. This is a source of pride for Hatay,” he explained.
Symbolism and Community Spirit
The act of raising the flag carries both symbolic and cultural weight. Beyond national pride, it represents the community’s connection to its history and the willingness of individuals to contribute to heritage preservation in meaningful ways.
The castle, once a strategic fortification in the region, now serves as a reminder of İskenderun’s layered past — Ottoman, maritime, and now, a story of local initiative. As excavations continue, the flag fluttering above it offers a renewed sense of identity and belonging for residents and visitors alike.
