In our 415th art meeting, we visit Artİstanbul Feshane, the largest contemporary art center brought to Istanbul's culture and art life by IBB.
Started in 1827 to meet the fez needs of the public and the army, Feshane turned into a comprehensive weaving factory in 1843 with new machines brought from Europe. Feshane lost everything except the steam engine in a fire in 1866 and was rebuilt in the same place two years later. In 1894, “Sanayi Sıbyan Mektebi” was opened in Feshane, which was renovated in line with current needs. After changing hands several times with the Republic, Feshane was transferred to Istanbul Municipality in 1985. In 1986, as part of the reorganization project around the Golden Horn, parts of the building other than the large weaving hall were demolished; the garment section was moved to the Bakırköy Cotton Industry Enterprise. After being transferred to the Eczacıbaşı Foundation in 1989, the historical site was restored and re-functionalized. Between 2022 and 2023, it renewed its place in the memory of the city with the restoration works of IBB Miras.
With its first exhibition titled “Starting from the Middle”, Feshane brings together more than 400 works by 19 curators and 300 artists through different techniques and periods, referring to solidarity. In six thousand square meters of exhibition space, the masters of Turkish painting from Komet to Murat Morova, Mevlüt Akyıldız to Selçuk Fergökçe, Süleyman Saim Tekcan to Neş'e Erdok and the younger generation meet. Almost all of the works date from after 2000.
Artİstanbul Feshane also aims to become a center for international collaborations. In this context, the new exhibition to be opened in December will feature Tate's youth selection in collaboration with Tate Modern and IBB.
Tuesday, July 25
13.00-14.00
Address: Nişanca, Zalpaşa Cd, Pk. Eyüpsultan / Istanbul