Sıraevler's New Vision: Towards the Future with Art
Sıraevler, the Ottoman Empire's first mass housing project, has today transformed into a modern living axis where art, design, gastronomy and fashion converge. From Artweeks Istanbul to international brands, from Divan Hotel to designers — Akaretler is building its future with culture and art.
On the hill that climbs from Beşiktaş to Nişantaşı, houses sit side by side under the shade of plane trees.
Built in 1875 by order of Sultan Abdülaziz, by the period's famed architect Sarkis Balyan, for the palace officials serving at Dolmabahçe Palace, these row houses are known as the Ottoman Empire's first mass housing project: Akaretler Sıraevler.
It has at times hosted figures such as Atatürk's mother Zübeyde Hanım, poet and critic Sabahattin Kudret Aksal, and palace painter Fausto Zonaro.
After falling silent in the second half of the 20th century, Akaretler Sıraevler was brought back to life through a comprehensive restoration that began in 1987 and was completed in the 2000s.
Today, Akaretler Sıraevler is a unique living space that bears witness to both history and contemporary culture.
Brought back to life through the initiatives of Serdar Bilgili — former president of Beşiktaş — the area is now a modern hub of culture, gastronomy and art.
Within this giant 55,000-square-meter project, one street has been transformed into a food and social space for young people, while Süleyman Seba Avenue offers a multi-layered axis ranging from luxury brands to restaurants, art galleries to boutique hotels.
ART VISION
Bilgili Holding Akaretler General Manager Ece Akpulat summarizes the area's transformation and future:
"Art is at the heart of Akaretler's current vision. Thanks to events such as the 212 Photography Festival, BASE Istanbul and ONE Akaretler, the district has become a meeting point for local and international artists. Launched in 2018 as a product of Bilgili Holding's vision to support art and creativity, Artweeks Istanbul holds a special place as a non-profit culture-and-art platform.
Offering a more inclusive and accessible alternative to traditional fair formats, Artweeks Istanbul breaks the perception that art belongs only to a select audience and embraces the 'art is for everyone' vision. In this respect, it stands out not only as an event series but as a social cultural responsibility project, providing the wider public with free access to art."
Stating that the twice-yearly event also contributes to the art economy, Akpulat says that the 12th edition of Artweeks Istanbul will take place between October 15–26 at Akaretler Sıraevler and The Ritz-Carlton Residences Istanbul Block B.
Akpulat adds that the area is home not only to local designer brands such as Raisa & Vanessa, Misela and Nishane, but also to world-renowned fashion houses.
THE FUTURE OF AKARETLER
Akpulat emphasizes that future goals include sustainability, supporting local creative production, and making art more accessible:
"Akaretler is one of the neighborhoods that best reflects Istanbul's dynamism. As a fundamental philosophy, Bilgili Holding aims to look out for the public and continuously add value to society. This project carries both strategic and symbolic significance for us.
It demonstrates the Holding's expertise in protecting cultural heritage and creating modern living spaces. This 150-year-old project has gained global recognition through prestigious awards such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI)."
Akpulat says they view the area not as a classic commercial project but as a living, continuously evolving urban platform, adding that Divan Hotel and its restaurant — opening at the end of the year — will further complete Akaretler's new vision.
