A fountain in the middle of a project

The fountain is part of the municipality’s blueprints for a larger renovation project on Saraçlar Street, in the heart of the city. However, the city’s board responsible for the protection of culture and nature have objected to the fountain on the grounds that it is not in keeping with the historical nature of the city. As a result, construction has ceased.

The municipality had closed the street to traffic in order to construct a recreational area, with coffee shops and business centers. The plans also include the fountain. In his statement to Anatolia News Agency, Hakan İnci, a member of Edirne Municipal Council said renovation work in Edirne was being hindered.

"A construction that was about to be completed was halted because of the argument that it was unfit for the historical texture [of the city]. The work was nearly complete and then this argument appeared," he said.

İnci said the plans for the project were known by authorities beforehand and there were other buildings on Saraçlar Street, both public and privately owned, which were did not conform to the city’s historical texture. İnci said this was a mistake they want corrected.

Namik Kemal Döleneken, another member of the council, claimed that the problem with Saraçlar Street was all the fault of politicians, not bureaucrats, and those who filed a criminal complaint just before the completion of the fountain clearly had other intentions: "There is a political authority that appoints these bureaucrats. The ruling party and its deputies should be accountable for this matter."

On the other hand, Edirne Municipality officials said the project, which included the construction of the fountain, was approved by the Board in 2003. The officials also said details of the fountain on Saraçlar Street were not included in the project but the details were sent later on.

Municipality officials argued that the plans for the renovation of Saraçlar Street and the proposal for Lovers’ Fountain were made by taking into account the opinions of all relevant circles.

"The fountain is almost done and has turned out to be really nice. It features lion figures and tulip patterns. A statue of a boy and a girl dancing will be included in the same area." The officials said when the project was completed, Edirne would have a wide boulevard for everybody to enjoy. Some citizens have reacted to the decision stop the construction of the fountain.

Ahmet Tunçyürek, a native of Edirne, claimed the Board files criminal complaints against everything.

Tunçyürek said Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for a long period of time, and added, "Let’s be honest for a while. Every corner of Edirne is filled with history. All right, we should protect our historical values and let’s not ruin nice things."