We're visiting the Elhamra Han as part of the 18th Istanbul Biennial at the 526th Art Meeting.

Curator Christine Tohmé's "Three-Legged Cat" projected the 18th Istanbul Biennial, breaking with traditional formats and spanning three years. The first leg of the biennial, centered around themes of self-preservation and future possibilities, took place at eight different venues along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy route from September 20 to November 23, 2025.

One of these venues is the Elhamra Han, a historically significant venue in Istanbul's memory. Built in 1827 as one of the city's first theaters, the building, with its glass entrance, was once known as the "Palais de Cristal" (Crystal Palace). Over the years, it has hosted theater, music, and cinema events. After the great fire in 1999, the inn continued to serve various purposes, and two apartments on the second floor were opened as exhibition spaces for the biennial.

The artists featured at the Elhamra Han are Mona Benyamin, Şafak Şule Kemancı, Jagdeep Raina, Riar Rizaldi, Lara Saab, Natasha Tontey, and Sevil Tunaboylu.

https://bienal.iksv.org/tr/18-istanbul-bienali/kavramsal-cerceve

Wednesday, October 1st

12:00-1:00 PM

Address: Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KnBVhXmH1jbLpB8J8?g_st=ipc