At our 509th Art Meeting, we will visit the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Gunpowder Factory.

The first gunpowder factory in the Ottoman period in Istanbul began operating near the Güngörmez Tekke in Atmeydanı during the reign of Mehmed II. The Kağıthane Gunpowder Factory, which was built a few years later by Bayezid II to replace the Atmeydanı Gunpowder Factory, which was destroyed by an explosion in 1490, was renewed and strengthened during the reign of Kanuni and operated until 1648. The third gunpowder factory was the Okmeydanı Gunpowder Factory. Established in 1578, the facility continued production until 1596. The Şehremini Gunpowder Factory, which was built near the Şehremini Bazaar in the 1680s towards the end of the reign of Mehmed IV and destroyed by an explosion in 1698, was the fourth gunpowder factory in Istanbul.

Advances in the military field increased the need for gunpowder. As a result of the works that started in 1698, Bakırköy Gunpowder Mill was built in 1700 in the area known as İskender Çelebi Garden in place of Şehremini Gunpowder Mill. Known as Baruthane-i Âmire, Bakırköy Gunpowder Mill operated as the fifth and also the largest and most modern gunpowder mill in Istanbul. The 324-year-old complex, which was renovated during the reign of Selim III, was expanded with various additions such as the Hünkâr Köşkü and was connected to the Gunpowder Ministry, which was established in 1793. Bakırköy Gunpowder Mill, which was given to the order of the Tophane Marshal's Office after the Tanzimat period, was transferred to the Military Factories Administration during the Republican period. It was transferred to the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation in 1955. In 1957, Ataköy housing estates started to rise on the Gunpowder Mill land. Operated by Ataköy Touristic Facilities in 1972, Bakırköy Gunpowder Mill has 4 rectangular-plan structures, a guard tower, a fountain and the statue of III. The Sultan's Mansion, built by Selim in 1792 as a viewing and resting pavilion, has arrived.

The Ataköy Gunpowder Mill, which is among the most important examples of industrial heritage with its story dating back to the beginning of the 18th century, opened its doors to Istanbulites as a public living space today after the restoration and re-functioning works carried out by IMM Miras. Ece Sezgin from IMM will guide us while we tour the Gunpowder Mill.

*Our art meetings are free for our members, 500 TL for guests and 250 TL for children under the age of 12. We kindly ask that your guests deposit a donation to our association account before the tour.

Tuesday, June 3

12:00-13:00

Address: Ataköy 2-5-6. Section, Bakırköy

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