Located on the scenic shores of the Golden Horn, Kadir Has University is one of the most charming starting points for exploring Fener and Balat. Visitors who arrive a little early for our tour often enjoy relaxing on the benches at the university entrance platform, which offers an incredible panoramic view of the Golden Horn.
Reaching the university is easy: simply take the T5 tram from Eminönü, near the Spice Bazaar, and get off at Cibali station, just two stops later. From there, the university entrance is only a short walk away (cross the road with the train station behind you).
Tobacco Factory of the Ottoman period
The building, originally constructed in the 19th century by the Ottoman Empire, was once a bustling tobacco factory. Thanks to its prime location on the waterfront, the factory benefited from easy ship transportation.
After ceasing operations in the late 20th century, the building was purchased and restored by the Has Foundation in 1997. During the restoration, the exterior was carefully preserved in its original style, while the interior was completely modernized to suit the needs of a prestigious university.
Kadir Has University Today
This combination of history and contemporary design makes Kadir Has University an exceptional landmark. The building also houses the Rezan Has Museum, where archaeological artifacts from Anatolia (aka Asia Minor) and remains of a Byzantine cistern can be viewed.
As a tour guide with extensive experience in Fener and Balat, I often meet my guests at the university’s courtyard to introduce the neighborhoods’ rich history. From here, we move toward the nearby Cibali Gate, one of the historic entrances to Constantinople.
How did gentrification begin in Fener and Balat?
After the university opened, gentrification began in Fener and Balat, neighborhoods long forgotten since the late Ottoman period. As a result, Fener and Balat have become increasingly popular over the past two decades, adorned with restaurants and cafes.
When these restaurants and cafes first opened, they were small businesses, lacking large budgets. However, drawing inspiration from global examples, they invited street artists to the neighborhood and adorned all the walls with pastel-colored murals.
This led to the district’s retro cafes and street art reaching a wide audience on social media, creating a trend that has continued to grow. Fener and Balat has been one of the most shared places on Instagram by Istanbulites for years.
Over time, this trend has also influenced tourists, and we see that Fener Balat is now a rising tourist destination. However, when we rewind the story to the beginning, we see the domino effect that began with the conversion of a tobacco factory into a university, triggering a cultural movement.
Conclusion
If you would like to experience this remarkable setting and explore the hidden treasures of Istanbul’s most cosmopolitan districts, consider joining my private guided Fener and Balat walking tour. This immersive experience will allow you to step off the typical tourist route and enjoy a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s vibrant past.
If you would like to learn more about the history, hidden gems and unique stops of the Fener and Balat walking tour, you can read the full Fener and Balat Tour Overview here.
If you are interested in other hidden gems in Fener & Balat, you can also read our guides on St. Nicholas Church (a little-known magnificent Greek Orthodox Church) and Gul Mosque (former Byzantine Church of Hagia Theodosia).