Once a quiet coastal town near Istanbul, Silivri is now synonymous with Turkey's most notorious prison complex – a sprawling facility that has come to symbolise President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian regime.
A Prison That Tells a Political Story
With capacity for over 11,000 inmates, Silivri stands as one of Europe's largest prison complexes. But its significance extends far beyond its size. Since its expansion in the wake of the 2016 coup attempt, Silivri has become the preferred detention centre for journalists, opposition politicians, academics, and activists deemed threatening by Erdogan's government.
The Human Cost of Political Repression
Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised alarms about conditions within Silivri's walls. Reports describe overcrowded cells, limited access to medical care, and psychological pressure tactics designed to break inmates. Many prisoners await trial for months or even years under Turkey's broad anti-terror laws.
Architecture of Control
The prison's design itself speaks volumes about its purpose. High concrete walls, watchtowers, and strict isolation units create an environment of total control. Legal experts note that many detainees face charges based on questionable evidence, often relating to their professional work or political views.
International Condemnation Grows
As Silivri's population of political prisoners has swelled, so has international criticism. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Turkey in multiple cases involving Silivri detainees, while organisations like Amnesty International document systematic rights violations.
Yet the Turkish government maintains that Silivri operates within legal norms, dismissing criticism as interference in domestic affairs. As Erdogan consolidates power ahead of upcoming elections, Silivri stands as a physical manifestation of Turkey's democratic backsliding – a warning to dissenters and a symbol of the president's unyielding authority.
