Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted that the Lighthouse of Inceburun has provided a safe route for sailors for 161 years, serving as the compass for seafarers in the Black Sea. Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, in a written statement, shared information about the lighthouse located at the northern tip of Sinop, Turkey. Emphasizing that the lighthouse has been offering a secure route for sailors for 161 years, Uraloğlu stated, “Maintained by the Çilesiz family for 5 generations, the lighthouse has been the compass for our seafarers in the Black Sea. We see the preservation of such historical structures not just as a duty, but as a national responsibility.” Uraloğlu noted that the lighthouse stands at a height of 9 meters above ground and 26 meters above sea level.

Uraloğlu praised Erol Çilesiz, the 5th generation caretaker of the Inceburun Lighthouse, for successfully continuing the legacy passed down from his father since 1992. He stated, “Starting from great-grandfather Şaban Bey, to Haşim Bey, Ahmet Çilesiz, Hüseyin Çilesiz, and now Erol Çilesiz, they have all carried out this important duty with excellence. The Lighthouse of Inceburun is also a heritage passed down from generation to generation. The sustainability of this historical lighthouse has been made possible, mainly thanks to the great efforts of Erol Çilesiz and his family.”

“Inceburun Lighthouse, with the eyes, hearts, and labor of the Çilesiz family, has never lost its light up to this day. We are always grateful for their dedication. We will continue to provide all the support we can to keep this guiding light burning for the safety of our seafarers.”

“THE LIGHTHOUSE IS OUR HOME” Erol Çilesiz, the 5th generation caretaker of the Inceburun Lighthouse, expressed the following about the family profession: “I was born while my father was stationed at this lighthouse. So, I am familiar with the challenging working conditions at the lighthouse from my childhood to the present day. Since 1992, I have been serving at this lighthouse belonging to the Directorate General of Coastal Safety of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The lighthouse is more than just a workplace for us, it is our home.” Çilesiz emphasized the importance of the lighthouse never going out, the system operating smoothly, and the wheel never stopping. As a navigation assistant ensuring safety at sea, Çilesiz mentioned, “Although it is continuously monitored technologically, we check the mechanism and light of our lighthouse throughout the night. We conduct routine maintenance and cleaning every morning. We also perform minor repairs based on weather conditions. Periodically, we carry out major maintenance at the lighthouse. I enjoy my work.”