Dates, names, poems, social media accounts, etc. were written on the historical structure with pencils, graffiti paintings along with several scrapings.

Archaeologist Ömer Faruk Yavaşçay, who examined the structure and mentioned its historical and touristic significance, emphasized that measures should be taken with security cameras around the gate against destruction, according to Demirören News Agency (DHA).

Yavaş stated that the structure needs restoration and added that with special lighting and landscaping, the 150-year-old historical passage would be preserved better.

Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz built Çırağan Palace on the seaside in Beşiktaş district in 1871, and in the following years, Abdülhamid II took the throne and decided to live in Yıldız Palace, which was not far away.

Archaeologist Yavaşçay accounted, “This bridge, which is called Çırağan Passage, was built as connection between these two palaces. In fact, we can also call it a triumphal arch, showing the splendour of the Ottoman Empire. Writings have been written on this gate leading to Çırağan Palace for years. No measures have been taken against it.”