OPEN DOOR ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL — OCTOBER 17, 2025

Akaretler

Time: 10:00

Narrated by Levent Abay…

The Akaretler Row Houses, located between Beşiktaş and Maçka where Nedim and Süleyman Seba Streets meet in a fork-like formation on sloped terrain, are the most important example in Istanbul of the collective housing type known as row houses. Designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, construction began in January 1875 by imperial decree (Irade-i Hümayun). These houses were designed as rental residences, and it was planned that the income generated would fund the construction of Aziziye Mosque in Maçka (which remained incomplete as Sultan Abdülaziz was deposed, leaving only the foundations). The Akaretler will be visited with narration by Levent Abay.

Kurşunlu Han

Time: 11:00

Narrated by Özlem Yalım…

Named after the lead used in its construction, Kurşunlu Han has frequently changed its identity over time and today hosts various spaces such as hardware workshops and art studios. Kurşunlu Han will be visited with narration by Özlem Yalım.

Minerva Han

Time: 14:00

Originally built as the Athens Bank in Karaköy on Bankalar Street, Minerva Han retains its grandeur through the ornamental details on its façade. Constructed in 1913, it was the first significant public work by architect Vasilios Kuremenos and reinterprets innovative French bank buildings. One of the earliest reinforced concrete structures, Minerva Han features the bust of Minerva above the entrance, statues of Hermes on the top floor, and Venus carrying a basket of fruit. Today, the building houses Sabancı University’s Communication Center. Its unique basement vault, known as Kasa Gallery, continues to host exhibitions for artists.

Ayasofya Medrese

Time: 14:00

Narrated by Hasan Fırat Diker…

After conquering Istanbul, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque and opened the structure located northwest of Hagia Sophia, formerly known as the priests’ rooms, as a medrese. Over time, the building maintained its educational function and underwent repairs and restorations in almost every era. During Sultan Abdülaziz’s reign, between 1869 and 1874, the old medrese was demolished and rebuilt on its foundations, set back from Hagia Sophia according to new western façade plans. Ayasofya Medrese was faithfully reconstructed in 2022. The medrese will be visited with narration by Hasan Fırat Diker.