Sıraevler's New Vision: Towards the Future with Art

The Sıraevler, the Ottoman Empire's first public housing project, has transformed into a modern lifestyle hub where art, design, gastronomy, and fashion converge. From Artweeks Istanbul to international brands, from the Divan Hotel to designers... Akaretler is building its future with culture and art.

On either side of the hill leading from Beşiktaş to Nişantaşı, houses stand parallel to each other under the shade of plane trees.

Built in 1875 by the famous architect Sarkis Balyan on the orders of Sultan Abdülaziz for the palace officials working at Dolmabahçe Palace, these row houses are known as the Ottoman Empire's first public housing project: Akaretler Sıraevleri.

At one time, they were home to figures such as Atatürk's mother, Zübeyde Hanım, poet and critic Sabahattin Kudret Aksal, and court painter Fausto Zonaro.

Falling silent in the second half of the 20th century, the Akaretler Row Houses were revived through extensive restoration work that began in 1987 and was completed in the 2000s.

Today, the Akaretler Row Houses are a unique living space that bears witness to both history and today's modern culture.

The area, which was revived through the initiatives of Serdar Bilgili, who also served as the Mayor of Beşiktaş, is now a modern center of culture, gastronomy, and art.

In this massive project covering an area of 55,000 square meters, a street has been transformed into a place for young people to eat, drink, and socialize, while Süleyman Seba Caddesi offers a multi-layered lifestyle, from luxury brands to restaurants, art galleries to boutique hotels.

ART VISION

Ece Akpulat, General Manager of Bilgili Holding Akaretler, summarizes the change and future of the area as follows:

"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 neighborhood has become a meeting point for local and international artists. Artweeks Istanbul, launched in 2018 as a product of Bilgili Holding's vision to support art and creativity, holds a special place as a non-profit culture and art platform.

Offering a more inclusive and accessible alternative to the traditional fair concept, Artweeks Istanbul embraces the vision that “art is for everyone,” breaking down the perception that art belongs only to a select audience. In this sense, it stands out not only as a series of events but also as a social cultural responsibility project, providing free access to art for a wide audience.

Noting that the biannual 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 Sıraevleri and The Ritz-Carlton Residences Istanbul B Block.

Akpulat adds that the area is home to local designer brands such as Raisa & Vanessa, Misela, and Nishane, as well as world-renowned fashion houses.

THE FUTURE OF AKARETLER

Akpulat emphasizes that their goals for the future include sustainability, supporting local creative production, and making art more accessible:

“Akaretler is one of the neighborhoods that best reflects Istanbul's dynamism. Bilgili Holding's fundamental philosophy is to serve the public and continuously add value to society. This project is both strategically and symbolically important to us.

It showcases the Holding's expertise in preserving cultural heritage and creating modern living spaces. This 150-year-old project has been recognized globally, receiving prestigious awards such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI) award."

Akpulat states that they view the area not as a classic commercial project, but as a living and constantly evolving urban platform. He notes that the Divan Hotel and restaurant, set to open by the end of the year, will complete Akaretler's new vision.