History descends into the water: Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror is now in the depths of Saros, and İbrice Port is becoming a diving paradise

In 2023, the Edirne Governorship initiated comprehensive transformation works, from infrastructure to superstructure, at İbrice Port on the coast of the Saros Bay, one of the few seas capable of self-cleaning. As part of these works, drinking water lines were renewed, parking areas, shower and toilet facilities were constructed, and landscaping and environmental improvements were carried out.

Artificial reef areas were created and a diving school was built. A ceremony was held at İbrice Port for the opening of the completed diving schools and the sinking of 4 new sculptures into the artificial reef areas. The ceremony was attended by Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer, AK Party Edirne Member of Parliament Fatma Aksal, and numerous guests and citizens.

‘WE ARE IN THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BAY’

Speaking at the opening, Governor Sezer stated that the Saros Bay and its surroundings are fascinating and beautiful lands. Sezer said, "We are in the world’s most beautiful bay, and we are in an area with the cleanest water, a nature that can cleanse and renew itself. At the same time, this is not just a sea; it's an area where history and culture converge, where archaeological excavations are taking place, and which has actually hosted many civilizations. I think no matter how much we try to describe this area in words, it will be insufficient. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It also has a huge harbor. It is also an important location known for its diving tourism..."

"However, we brought this area to this point by making improvements, starting from a place that lacked infrastructure, water, and restrooms, where even the diving schools, despite contributing to tourism, were operating illegally, and where the building of our fishing cooperative was in very poor condition. First, we built the infrastructure, created parking areas, brought in drinking water, and renovated the restrooms. We also implemented many improvements, from a cold storage facility for our fishermen to the renovation of the stone building to serve our guests as well," he said.

'NEARLY 3,000 DIVES TO THE ARTIFICIAL REEF'

Sezer stated that they hoped the newly completed diving schools would become a brand value for the region, saying, "Last year we sank a tank in this area, and according to our friends, nearly 3,000 dives were made just to see the tank. On the other hand, it was viewed from various parts of the world. That's nearly 3 million views. All of this is a form of promotion. It's actually a promotion that will attract diving enthusiasts from all over the world and bring marine tourism to the area. Today, we came here to share in the joy of the diving schools moving into their new buildings..."

"We have also started another project in İbrice harbor. Hopefully, we will sink Minia Edirne in the area deemed suitable by our friends from diving schools and our association in İbrice harbor. The production of these is currently underway. In other words, we aim to present Minia Edirne, which includes everything that is valuable in Edirne, from Selimiye Mosque to the Stone Bridge in Uzunköprü, as a beautiful artificial reef underwater for diving enthusiasts to enjoy. We will sink it in July. Today, the first part of it will be sunk here, and we will see it," he said.

‘WE ARE TURNING COASTAL VILLAGES INTO TOURIST VILLAGES’

Governor Sezer stated that they have also started work in the villages of Enez and Keşan districts, which are located on the coast of the Gulf, saying, "We will be in Enez on Monday. We have started a project there as well. We are turning all our coastal villages into tourist villages. We are painting all the houses there and turning them into areas where tourists and visitors can stroll. We will visit our first village on Monday. After Enez, we will go to all the coastal villages in Keşan and complete our restoration processes there as well. Thus, we will have completed this work in 11 villages. Some provinces have this. We always look at it with envy. People go there just to visit the village. Our villages are very beautiful. I think that everyone will come to visit these villages."

‘THE REGION’S TOURISM POTENTIAL WILL INCREASE’

AK Party Edirne Deputy Fatma Aksal also stated that the diving schools opened in İbrice Port will greatly contribute to the region’s tourism potential. Aksal said, “With the opening of these schools, the tourism potential of our region and our country will increase significantly. Of course, we previously sank one of our ships and one of our planes in artificial reefs here. I think these will continue. Preparations and work are ongoing. We need to hold some of our summer programs in this region. Believe me, I was in parliament last night. I am very pleased to have come to this paradise corner today from a general assembly where we couldn’t even see the sky.”