Heritage hero

Istanbul

Istanbul’s rich history is visible throughout the city. If you look closely, you can find traces of the civilisations that once inhabited this metropolis. Over the years, however, much of its heritage has been hidden or lost as a result of budget strains, neglect or wilful destruction. Ekrem Imamoglu, who became mayor in 2019 and was re-elected earlier this year, is seeking to change that.

Under Imamoglu’s leadership, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) is working to revive some of these lost treasures and give them new uses, as well as utilise new technologies to enhance visitor experiences. Its subsidiary, Kultur AS, operates the buildings restored by IMM, transforming them into living spaces in line with international standards and contemporary needs. The Radar Türkiye app is an easy portal to all the city’s arts and cultural events, with easy links to ticketing websites.

Kültür AŞ’s bookshops Istanbul Kitapçısı branches have become destinations in themselves, many of them located in some of the city’s most prestigious buildings. The largest of these shops will open next year and will stock 300,000 titles, while a mobile service will bring books around the metropolis.

On the Asian side of the city, a disused gasworks was renovated by IMM and transformed by Kultur AS into Museum Gazhane, a work-and-recreation space that has kickstarted the regeneration of its surrounding area. This historic venue now hosts concerts, workshops, theatre shows and exhibitions. Old favourites have been given facelifts. The Basilica Cistern, which once supplied Byzantine Constantinople with water, now holds light shows and art installations, elevating what was already one of Istanbul’s biggest tourist attractions. Its Night Shift series brings in concerts and events that complement the unique atmosphere of the space.

Another cistern, the 1600-year-old Serefiye Cistern, has been fitted with a 360-degree projection system to guide visitors around this singular structure and teach them about its history in a fun and engaging way.

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Visual feast

The Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu open-air theatre has been a much-loved part of the city’s cultural scene for eight decades but stays up to date by hosting the latest international artists. In recent years performers have included the Gipsy Kings and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

IMM is creating new cultural spaces too, including three Festival Parks that hold regular outdoor events. The city is also boosting its heritage through a MüzikTR100 box set that commemorates the first 100 years of the Turkish republic.

Istanbul’s cultural revival is evident through these newly-opened and restored attractions, which are generating interest and providing the city with an economic boost. “Creative industries, such as visual and performing arts, film, and design, contribute to fiscal growth and job creation,” says Murat Abbas, Kultur AS’s general manager. “A vibrant cultural scene defines a place’s identity. Istanbul’s streets are alive with art, knowledge and history, and this vitality invigorates the city, fostering an environment that benefits its residents and enriches society.”
kultur.istanbul