ArtIstanbul Feshane
ArtIstanbul Feshane: A Journey of Discovery
The story of Feshane-i Amire, one of Istanbul's important industrial heritage buildings, began with a factory producing fez in Kadırga Cundi Square in 1827.
Feshane in Kadırga, which continued its production with traditional techniques to meet the fez needs of the army and the public between 1827 and 1833, was moved to its new location, designated as Beyhan Sultan Palace, at Eyüp Defterdar Pier in 1833. Feshane, which entered a period of intense activity after the move, produced various textile products such as fez, broadcloth, dress fabric, upholstery fabric, military boots, buttons, prayer rugs, carpets and rugs.
In 1843, with new machines brought from Europe and steam machines being used for the first time, Feshane turned into a comprehensive weaving factory. Feshane, which lost everything except its steam engine in a fire in 1866, was rebuilt in the same place in 1868 and equipped with the latest machines. As a result of the 1877-78 Ottoman-Russian War (93 War), the factory was given to the command of the Sublime Porte and the structure, which was named "Fez and Melbusat-ı Military Factory", remained under military administration until 1921.
In 1894, the "Industrial Primary School" was opened in Feshane, which was renovated in line with current needs; In addition to weaving lessons, practical training was also given at the school and new masters were trained. Feshane, which changed hands several times during the Republican period, was transferred to Istanbul Municipality in 1985. In 1986, within the scope of the project of reorganization of the Golden Horn area, parts of the building except the large weaving hall were demolished; The garment department was moved to Bakırköy Cotton Industry Enterprise.
The historical area was restored and re-functioned after it was transferred to the Eczacıbaşı Foundation in 1989. Following the restoration and re-functional works carried out by İBB Miras between 2022-23, it was brought to the cultural and artistic life of Istanbul under the name "Artİstanbul Feshane".