Turkey's first Alsancak Train Station

Alsancak Train Station is the main train station of TCDD located in Konak district of Izmir. The station, which was put into service under the name of Punta Train Station in 1858, is the second oldest train station in the country after Kemer Train Station. Today, it is used only by İZBAN's Central Line trains.

History

Alsancak Station, located at the beginning of the Izmir-Alsancak-Aydın Railway, whose foundation was laid in the period of Governor Mustafa Pasha in 1857, was put into service in 1858. The railway line was put into service in 1866 and started to be used extensively. Originally owned by the Ottoman Railway Company / Ottoman Railway Company (ORC), the station was transferred to TCDD in 1935 with the purchase and dissolution of ORC. In 2001, all lines were electrified, increasing the number of lines from 4 to 10, and the number of platforms from 2 to 6.

The station was closed on May 1, 2006 within the scope of the construction of the İZBAN project, and once the project was completed, it was put into service again on May 19, 2010. During the four years that the station was closed, Nil Karaibrahimgil and Sıla Gençoğlu concerts were held within the station.

Content and location

Located in Mimar Sinan District, Atatürk Street, Konak, İzmir, this building is urban. It is located in the center of business centers and commercial areas. In addition, the station has been one of the most important stops of many intercity train lines for many years. Its relationship with the surrounding buildings has been associated with a modern harmony in later times. Access to the building is through two different entrances, one of which is the main entrance gate of the building (at Atatürk Street) and the other is the entrance gate of the newly designed İZBAN building (at Liman Street). It is easy to reach this building, which is on the main street, from almost all parts of Izmir. Alsancak Station has become one of the most popular transportation centers in İzmir since 1858.

Clock tower

It is estimated that the clock placed in a niche on the only facade of the tower, which is attached to the building on the south side of the building, was added to the building in 1890. This tower is also the first clock tower in Izmir.

Structural features

Late Period Ottoman architectural influences are seen in the construction of Alsancak Station. During this period, there are even buildings in which Empirian, Baroque, Rococo and Classical Ottoman styles are all used together. The interior is quite high and the window openings are decorated with vitrals. Another feature is that the part where the train tracks of the station is supported by a cage system, is in a very high form. The cradle arch is used to separate the space indoors and to mark the boundaries of the openings outside. Door and window details are decorated. Cradle arch system was used in dividing the train tracks.

In addition, it is estimated that the clock placed in a niche on the only facade facing the square of the tower attached to the building on the south facade of the building was added to the building in 1890. This tower is also the first clock tower in Izmir.

Ambient experience

The center of attention for visitors is the ticket office after the entrance and the large waiting room that follows. The waiting room offers an opportunity to observe waiting visitors with a semi-open entrance. Many Ottoman details can be observed in the ticket purchasing area next to the entrance and the closed waiting area. Almost all of the sections have high ceilings and are connected to each other by wide door openings. The fact that the station always receives light thanks to the windows creates a comfortable feeling for the visitors.

Structure and material properties

The station building stands thanks to the supporting walls. Stone walls and barrel vaults are the main load-bearing elements of the building. A cage system is used on the roof. The cage system is made of iron. The cradle arch system supports both visual and structural structure. With large window openings, it receives direct sunlight and the interior is always bright. This creates a comfortable feeling for the visitors. Due to the vitral details on the windows, it provides the opportunity to receive colored light into the interior.