Turkey repurposes historic prisons as library in Akçakoca and textile hub in Sinop

In Akçakoca, Düzce, the long‑abandoned historic prison is being restored into a library and café under a project led by Düzce Mayor Dr. Faruk Özlü. Restoration work preserves the building’s original architecture while adding reading rooms, workspaces and a gallery for community use.

In Durağan, Sinop, the same type of unused prison building will be converted into a modern textile production centre with support from the North Anatolia Development Agency (KUZKA). The 30 million‑lira investment will create at least 100 jobs, especially for women and youth, and aims to boost local industry and reduce out‑migration.