Due to the generally makeshift and historically incompatible nature of units located at the entrances of our archaeological sites, monumental structures, or museums—typically used for security, information, or ticket sales—a project was initiated in 2004 to redesign and construct a new entrance unit for the Muradiye Complex in Bursa.
Under the initiative of the Cultural Awareness Foundation (CAF) and with the contribution of Yıldız Technical University’s Faculty of Architecture, an architectural design competition titled “Muradiye Complex Multi-Functional Entrance Unit” was launched in May 2004. A total of 78 architects and architecture students participated with 55 projects. Following the competition, a jury composed of distinguished architects and art historians awarded first prize to the project by Architect Gizem Ünek. Honorable mentions were given to the projects by Architect Tomris Akın, Architect Ervin Garip, Senior Architect Begüm Yazgan, and architecture student Emre Aydilek.
All submitted projects were exhibited for one week at the Exhibition Hall of Yıldız Technical University’s Faculty of Architecture in October 2004, and later in February 2005 at the Bursa State School of Fine Arts Hall.
The construction of the winning design was carried out by Bursa-based Orhan Holding. The new unit was officially inaugurated on June 21, 2006, in a ceremony attended by Bursa Deputy Governor Bekir Ergök, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Ahmet Gedik, Director of Bursa Museums Öcal Özeren, Architect Feridun Sülün and Gülnur Döşemeciler from Orhan Holding, CAF President Faruk Pekin, and members of the CAF Board of Directors.