Joint Initiative Launched to Preserve Didim's Historic Republic Primary School

Joint Initiative Launched to Preserve Didim's Historic Republic Primary School

Didim Rumeli Association Meets Milet Museum Director: "Archaeology and Urban Memory Can Be Preserved Together"

By Yusuf Mehmet Sarışın

The Didim Rumeli Culture Preservation and Solidarity Association has launched an important initiative aimed at protecting the Historic Republic Primary School, one of the district's nearly century-old educational landmarks.

Association President Yusuf Gökçe and members of the executive board visited Baran Aydın, Director of the Milet Museum, on 9 July 2026 to discuss the future of the historic school building, which was once again placed on the agenda during the July meeting of the Didim Municipal Council.

The primary focus of the meeting was the 98-year-old Historic Republic Primary School, which is currently subject to a demolition decision issued by the Regional Conservation Board on the grounds that it is structurally unsafe and lacks architectural integrity.

Located in Hisar Neighborhood, directly opposite the Temple of Apollo and adjacent to the Historic Hisar Village Mosque, the building is regarded not merely as an old school but as one of the most significant symbols of Didim's Republican-era heritage.

The First School for Exchangee Families

Association President Yusuf Gökçe explained that following the 1924 population exchange between Greece and Türkiye, families—primarily from Thessaloniki—settled in the former village of Yoran. Beginning in 1928, their children received education in this building as part of the Republic's nationwide literacy and education campaign.

Originally consisting of three classrooms and initially used as a priest's residence during the early years of the population exchange, the building was transformed into a school through the collective efforts of local residents.

Gökçe emphasized that the Republic's literacy movement in Didim effectively began within these walls.

Approximately four generations of local residents studied in the same classrooms. Although the building suffered severe damage during a major fire in 1945, villagers rebuilt it through community solidarity without waiting for state assistance. In 1986, local citizens again contributed financially to strengthen the structure with reinforced columns and beams, allowing it to continue serving as a school.

Following the opening of a new school building in 2015, the historic structure was vacated. Despite receiving protected status in 2016, it returned to public debate after a demolition decision was issued in 2022.

Historic Hisar Mosque Also Discussed

The meeting also addressed the nearby Historic Hisar Village Mosque.

The mosque underwent restoration in 2020 but was closed to worship in 2022 after structural cracks appeared in its load-bearing walls. Consequently, local residents temporarily began using the historic school building as a prayer hall.

Although the Governorship of Aydın allocated 7 million Turkish lira for the mosque's restoration under the 2026 investment program, restoration work has not yet commenced.

Archaeological Remains Beneath the School

Participants also discussed the archaeological significance of the site, one of the key factors influencing the school's future.

Geophysical radar surveys and scientific studies conducted around the Temple of Apollo have indicated that important archaeological remains associated with the temple complex may exist beneath the school building. Researchers believe the area may also contain extensions of an ancient stadium, theater, and other monumental structures.

For this reason, comprehensive archaeological excavations are expected to be carried out in the future.

"This Is More Than Just a School"

Yusuf Gökçe stressed that the Republic Primary School represents far more than an old educational building.

"The memories of nearly one hundred years of exchangee families—our grandparents, parents, and ancestors—live within this building. Republic Primary School symbolizes both the identity of the exchangee community and the Republic's early struggle to provide education. Losing such a valuable cultural asset would cause deep sorrow within our community."

He also emphasized that the association fully supports archaeological excavations around the Temple of Apollo, believing they will make valuable contributions to the cultural heritage of both Didim and Türkiye.

"We are not opposed to uncovering historical treasures. We believe archaeological heritage and the urban memory of the Republican era can and should be preserved together."

Alternative Preservation Proposal from Museum Director

During the meeting, Milet Museum Director Baran Aydın suggested that alternatives to complete demolition should be carefully considered.

One proposal discussed involved preserving the integrity of the building by relocating it approximately 10 to 20 meters, or moving it entirely to another suitable location following the necessary scientific studies.

Such an approach could allow archaeological excavations to proceed while preserving one of Didim's most important Republican-era landmarks.

Other proposals included comprehensive laser scanning and digital documentation of the building, detailed architectural surveys, individually numbering and preserving every stone if necessary, and reconstructing the structure according to internationally accepted restoration principles.

Proposal for a Museum and Cultural Center

Association President Yusuf Gökçe also proposed giving the preserved building a new purpose by transforming it into a museum and cultural center dedicated to the history of the population exchange in Didim, the Republic's educational heritage, and archaeological discoveries made in the surrounding area.

Participants agreed that the municipality, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Regional Directorate of Foundations, the Conservation Board, and all relevant institutions should cooperate through a shared and scientific decision-making process.

Official Applications to Begin

The Didim Rumeli Culture Preservation and Solidarity Association is expected to submit official applications to the relevant authorities in the coming days, requesting that demolition plans be suspended, alternative preservation methods be evaluated, and the public be actively involved in the decision-making process.

Expressing his appreciation for the museum's hospitality, Yusuf Gökçe stated:

"Our goal is to support solutions developed through science and common sense that will preserve both our cultural heritage, our urban memory, and the archaeological richness of our region for future generations."

As the future of Didim's Historic Republic Primary School now rests in the hands of the relevant authorities, the debate has evolved into something far greater than the fate of an old school building. It has become a discussion about preserving the shared memory of Yoran, the population exchange community, and the collective historical identity of Didim.