Discover the Stories Behind Istanbul’s 18 Most Iconic Historical Apartment Buildings
Istanbul is a deep-rooted and ancient city that has been home to many civilisations over the centuries. However, today's sightseeing tours usually visit only the most well-known and popular spots. However, the “apartments” that reflect the true spirit of this city, that bear deep traces of history and fascinate with their stories, are waiting to be discovered quietly in corners away from the crowds.
Are you ready to get lost among the historical streets, trace the people who once lived here and listen to the multi-layered history of Istanbul through the language of these buildings?
If so, let's learn the stories of Istanbul's dazzling historic apartment buildings together.👇
1. Botter Apartment
After immigrating to Istanbul, Dutch tailor and couturier Jean Botter becomes the personal tailor of Abdülhamit II. Built for Botter by Italian architect Raimondo D'Aronco, this seven-story building is considered one of the first examples of the Art Nouveau movement in Istanbul. The stones on the facade of the building are decorated with geometric patterns, Medusa heads and plant motifs. Moreover, each stone was individually hand-drawn by Aronco. Used both as Botter's home and workshop, the building still fascinates those who see it today with its architecture.
2. Ragıp Pasha Apartment
Built by Sarıca Ragıp Pasha of Eğribozlu, one of the most important figures of the reign of Abdülhamid II and the chief clerk of the cabinet, this apartment building was built in 1900. The five-story building in Art Nouveau style was designed by architect Aram Karakaş. Karakaş designed the windows of each floor in different forms to add movement to the building, thus giving it a unique architectural identity.
Source: Wannaart
3. Mısır Apartment
Located in Galatasaray, this magnificent apartment building is named after Abbas Halim Pasha, the nephew of Abbas Hilmi Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt during the Ottoman period. Designed by architect Hovsep Aznavuryan between 1905 and 1910, the building attracts attention both with its architecture and its history. This building, where Mehmet Akif Ersoy lived and died for a short time, also housed the practice of dentist Sami Günzberg. Today, it is considered one of the most iconic buildings in Beyoğlu.
4. Dogan Apartment
The yellow and imposing Doğan Apartment Building on Serdar-ı Ekrem Street is perhaps one of the most famous apartment buildings in Istanbul. It was built between 1892-1894 by Belgian merchant Albert Helbig for architect Raymondo d'Aronco. With 52 apartments, a large courtyard and a rooftop overlooking Istanbul, this building is still a prestigious address where famous names live today. The apartment building was named in honour of Kazım Taşkent's son, who died in an avalanche accident in 1942.
5. Bazlamaci Apartment
Built in 1932, this apartment building was abandoned by its owners after the events of September 6-7. The family, which also owned Olimpos Gazozları, emigrated to Athens after this tragic event. This story is depicted in Tomris Giritlioğlu's film “Fall Pain”. After meeting the Bazlamacı family, artist Gülsün Karamustafa made a model of the apartment building and presented it to a museum in Athens. The apartment building continues to evoke themes such as discrimination, migration and neighbourhood.
Source: Her Umut Ortak Arar
6. Sarıca Apartment
Sarıca Apartment Building, one of the most important buildings in Moda, was built in 1903 by architect Pappa in neo-classical style. Built by Sarıcazade Arif Pasha, the building was evacuated by the British during World War I and was used as an Armenian Sidi School for two years. After the liberation of Istanbul, the building was returned to its owners.
7. Frej Apartment
Built by Hanna Frej between 1905-1906 by an architect named Kyriakidis, this building is one of the examples of Jugendstil, or German Art Nouveau style in Istanbul. The Frej family of Lebanese origin is known as one of the richest and most socialite families in Istanbul. Their marriage to the Glavani family further increased their wealth, and the building was built after this marriage.
8. Sünget Apartment
Formerly known as Ankara Han, this building was built between 1905 and 1910 as a guesthouse for German engineers and architects working on the construction of Haydarpaşa Station. After the Germans left, the building passed to the Turks. After a funeral is washed in the communal bathroom, the residents take individual baths, and the apartment building becomes what it is today.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
9. Harikzedegan Houses
These buildings, also known as Tayyare Houses, were built by Architect Kemalettin Bey between 1919 and 1922 to meet the housing needs of the people after a possible fire. After the proclamation of the Republic, it was transferred to the Turkish Aeronautical Association and went down in history as the first social housing in Istanbul. “Harikzede” means ‘fire victim’.
10. Akaretler Row Houses
Known as the first mass housing project of the Ottoman Empire, Akaretler Row Houses is one of the favourite photo spots of tourists today. In 1875, during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, Akaretler Row Houses were built as lodgings for the aghas working at Dolmabahçe Palace. These buildings, built by architect Sarkis Balyan, contributed to the construction of the Aziziye Mosque with their rental income. The word “Akaret” means rental property.
11. Ralli Apartment
Ralli Apartment, one of the most special historical apartment buildings in Nişantaşı, is of great importance in terms of art history. Fahrelnisa Zeid, one of the pioneers of abstract painting in Turkey, held her first solo exhibitions here in 1945 and 1946. Reflecting the Art Déco and Art Nouveau styles, the building has a history intertwined with art.
Source: Atölye Istanbul
12. Hidivyal Palace
Opened in 1841 as Hotel d'Angleterre, the building became one of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul. In 1895, it changed its name and became known as the Egypt Hotel and the Hidiv Hotel. The building, which became famous for its French restaurant, wines, multilingual staff and guests such as Pierre Loti, is now home to Lebon Patisserie and Armada Restaurant.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
13. Deniz Palas
Located on Sadi Konuralp Street, this building is known today as the Nejat Eczacıbaşı Building and is home to İKSV's concert venue Salon. Built in 1920 by architect Georges Couloutros as Kirzade Apartment, the building is still standing in the Art Nouveau style.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
14. Kamondo Apartment
The Kamondo Family is a Sephardic family that brought many important works to Istanbul. However, with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, they immigrated to Paris. Unfortunately, the whole family was sent to Auschwitz during World War II and lost their lives. Although the architect of the Kamondo Apartment on Serdar-ı Ekrem Street is unknown, it was home to names such as the artist Abidin Dino and the sultan's dentist Hantz Von Der Heyde. The Kamondo Stairs were built for easy access from this apartment building to the bank building.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
15. Barnathan Apartment
Pera is home to Istanbul's first apartment buildings. The 130-year-old Barnathan Apartment Building on Şahkulu Street is one of the first five apartment buildings in Istanbul. The building, which has been restored faithfully to its historical structure, today serves as a café, restaurant and art space.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
16. Cercle d'Orient
Built in 1883 by Abraham Pasha, this monumental building bears the signature of architect Alexandre Vallaury. Cercle d'Orient, which hosted different shops over time, became the first address of cultural icons such as Emek Movie Theatre and İnci Patisserie. Human and animal figures can be seen on the facade decorations.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
17. Décugis House
Built in 1881 by the French Décugis family as a winter residence, this apartment building is one of the first stone buildings in Beyoğlu. The neo-baroque style building was designed by Alexandre Vallaury. The Décugis family lived here for 60 years. Today, the lower floor of the building is used as a restaurant and the upper floors as a hotel.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
18. Pera Palas
Built in 1892, Pera Palace Hotel was designed for Orient Express passengers. Built by Alexandre Vallaury, the building combines Art Nouveau, neoclassical and orientalist architectural styles. This building, where names such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Agatha Christie stayed, today serves as a museum hotel and attracts those who want to experience the spirit of the period.
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