After the abolition of the Janissary Corps, a new army was established under the name Asakir-i Mansure-i Muhammediye (The Victorious Soldiers of Muhammad). Barracks (kışla) were constructed in İstanbul and other major cities of the empire, to accommodate this modernized military force. In line with this initiative, the Kışla-i Hümayun building—more commonly known as Sarıkışla—was built in İzmir between 1826 and 1829. Due to its size and strategic location, Sarıkışla was one of the most significant buildings in İzmir during its time.
For the construction of the barracks, approximately 28,000 m² (40,040 arşın/zirâ) of land was required. Since no such large plot was available in İzmir, it was decided to build the structure along the shoreline. The existing buildings in the identified area by the sea were expropriated, and an additional 17 meters (25 arşın/zirâ) of land was reclaimed from the sea to create the necessary space for construction.
The structure was built according to the plans sent from the capital. The architect of the building was Mustafa Saib Efendi, one of the local architects, while Ahmed Arif Efendi served as the building superintendent. Additionally, Ahmed Mümtaz Ağa, one of the imperial architects, was assigned to oversee the project. The three-story structure was built using masonry techniques (stone and/or brick construction). Due to the weakness of the ground, wooden piles were used in the foundation. Archival records also indicate that stones from the ruins of the ancient city of Smyrna were utilized in the construction of the building.
Designed in a U-shape, Sarıkışla featured specialized sections in the central parts of the north and south wings, as well as in the eastern section facing the sea. In the early days, the central part of the eastern section housed the main entrance gate to the barracks. This indicates that the central area of the eastern section, which faced the sea, served as the barracks’ central hub. However, over time, the construction of the Government Mansion, followed by the Clock Tower, shifted the focus towards the north wing’s facade. As a natural consequence of this development, a grand ceremonial gate was built on the north wing towards the end of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century.
In the 1910s, a new area was created by reclaiming land from the sea at the section of the north wing extending towards the sea. An Officers’ Loge (known today as the Military Officers’Loge ) was constructed on this newly reclaimed land. In contrast to the simple and functional architectural design of the main barracks structure, the Officers’ Loge featured an Orientalist architectural style similar to that of the İzmir Clock Tower. There is no recorded information about its architect. However, the similarity in architectural styles suggests that Raymond Charles Pere, the architect of the Clock Tower, may have also been the architect of the Officers’ Loge. Furthermore, the fountain with a pool, built inside the kishla in 1901 and sharing the same architectural style, strengthens the assumption that its architect was also Raymond Charles Pere.
After the proclamation of the Republic, due to the construction of new military facilities, Sarıkışla lost its importance and function. By the 1950s, it had become severely neglected and dilapidated. Meanwhile, Konak Square, which had become one of the most critical transit points in the city’s growing and evolving transportation system, was increasingly clogged by the presence of Sarikishla. In light of these factors, an agreement was reached between the İzmir Municipality and the Ministry of National Defense, and Sarıkışla was transferred to the İzmir Municipality in 1954. Shortly after the transfer, Sarıkışla was completely demolished, ending its 126-year existence in the city’s urban life.
The area where Sarıkışla once stood was integrated into Konak Square as part of an environmental redevelopment project in 2004. Many people pass through this area today, unaware that it once hosted Sarıkışla. Yet, it was precisely here, during the Greek occupation on May 15, 1919, that Süleyman Fethi Bey, head of the İzmir Military Recruitment Office, was martyred by Greek soldiers because he refused to say “Zito Venizelos” (Long live Venizelos). Some residents of İzmir, mindful of this location’s historical significance, still hope to see a memorial erected in a corner of this site to honor the cherished memory of Süleyman Fethi Bey.