Turkey is set to complete the construction of a groundbreaking military complex by 2028, which will bring together the headquarters of the Defense Ministry and all branches of the Turkish Armed Forces, as reported by daily "Milliyet", quoting Defense Minister Yashar Guler.

The "Ay Yıldız" Joint Command Headquarters Project, located on 12.6 million square meters of land in Ankara's Etimesgut district, will house the Defense Ministry, General Staff, and the commands of the army, navy, and air force, creating a unified defense hub.

Named after the crescent and star of the Turkish flag, the complex's first phase, focused on structural work, is expected to be completed by August 2025. The second phase, involving interior finishing, will begin its tender process within the same year, with the entire project scheduled to be finished by early 2028. The relocation of various command centers and ministry offices from across Ankara will occur by that time. However, decisions regarding the future use of existing facilities will be made later.

The complex is designed to accommodate around 15,000 personnel. Its centerpiece will be a crescent-shaped structure with shared facilities, surrounded by a 23,000-square-meter circular ceremonial plaza. At the forefront of the plaza, a star-shaped reception and exhibition building will serve as a key architectural feature.

The project utilizes advanced construction techniques to provide protection against ballistic threats, cyber attacks, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks. Once completed, the campus is expected to surpass the size of the U.S. Pentagon.

President Erdoghan launched the project on August 30, 2021, marking the anniversary of "the Great Offensive victory", a critical moment in Turkey’s War of Independence.

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05.02.2025 01:30