Sakarya’s Historic Water Wheel Restored Once Again

The restoration works of Sakarya’s iconic Historic Water Wheel have been completed.

Originally built to supply water to the city and later becoming one of Sakarya’s most recognizable symbols, the Historic Water Wheel was once again restored by teams from the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Parks and Gardens.

Located in Aziz Duran Park, the structure had suffered deterioration in its wooden components over the years. Through meticulous restoration work, the damaged sections were rebuilt in accordance with the original design. The wooden parts of the water tower were renewed, the water-carrying arms were reconstructed, and the rotating mechanism was restored to working condition.

Adapazarı, Water Wheel

Built by Master Craftsman Ilia Nikolaidis

The Water Wheel, which brought drinking water to Adapazarı, was constructed in 1894 on the Çark Stream under the leadership of the district governor Mehmet Nüzhet Bey and built by master craftsman Ilia Nikolaidis.

Using the pressure of water flowing from Sapanca Lake, the system pumped water to the city’s fountains and homes. For his achievement, Nikolaidis was awarded an industrial medal during the reign of Abdul Hamid II.

The Water Wheel remained operational until 1955. After falling out of use that year, it was never operated again. However, inspired by historical photographs, the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality later reconstructed the structure in wood, faithfully preserving its original appearance within Kent Park.

With the latest restoration completed, the Historic Water Wheel continues to serve as an important symbol of Sakarya’s cultural heritage and history.

Water Wheel - Adapazarı