Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Flake dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, on Feb. 21, the U.S. Department of State announced.
The dedication underscores "the strong commitment to the U.S. – Türkiye alliance and Türkiye’s role as a NATO Ally, critical regional partner, and important U.S. security partner," the DOS states in the announcement.
"Situated on nine acres in Ankara, the new design draws upon Türkiye’s material palette and vernacular design, incorporating a series of courtyards," the DOS reports. "The project employs rigorous energy-saving and sustainability features, aiming to reduce environmental impact, optimize building performance, and enhance the self-sufficiency of the campus."
The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), oversaw the building operation, Ennead Architects of New York was the project's design architect, and B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama, constructed the complex, with approximately $175 million invested into the local economy, according to the report.
“We solemnly recognize the suffering of so many that have lost loved ones and homes in the earthquake, including our @USEmbassyTurkey staff. Today we dedicate our new Embassy compound as a symbol of the strength of our friendship and Alliance with the people of Türkiye,” Blinken said in a tweet.
The OBO is responsible for constructing diplomatic facilities that are "safe, secure, functional and resilient" and "represent the U.S. Government to the host nation," the DOS states in the report. OBO has completed 175 new diplomatic facilities since the start of the DOS's Capital Security Construction Program in 1999 and is engaged in more than 50 ongoing projects worldwide that are either in the design or construction phase
As of Feb. 22, the OBO has 601 total projects underway with a $34 billion value. The OBO has more than 25,000 assets including office buildings, residences, some government-owned and some leased, all of which support approximately 70,000 diplomatic staff, according to a State Department fact sheet. The Capital Security Construction Program is funded by the U.S. government and managed by the OBO within the Department of State.
