Beykoz Kundura

Description

It is an area where the historical leather and shoemaking factory has been re-purposed as a culture and art center.

Story

Beykoz Kundura is the rebirth of the famous leather and shoemaking factory, established in the late 19th century, as a modern-era culture, art, and film production center. The roots of the structure date back to a leather processing facility founded in 1810 during the reign of Selim III. The Ottoman army's needs for shoes, leather, and various textiles were met through this facility; over time, the facility grew into an industrial complex. During the Republican period, it was named Beykoz Leather and Shoemaking Factory and rose to become one of Turkey's most important heavy industrial facilities. However, after the 1980s, the function of the industrial structure diminished, production came to a standstill, and the factory remained idle for a long time. In the 2000s, a major restoration project was initiated to preserve the historical structures of the region. During this process, brick walls, large storage areas, steel columns, and original industrial architecture were preserved; the structure was integrated with modern event spaces. Today, Beykoz Kundura has become a hub for film sets, theater, concerts, exhibitions, fashion shoots, international production studios, and cultural events. Many international productions, such as Netflix, Disney, and HBO, prefer this venue. Additionally, outdoor film screenings and theater festivals organized for cinema enthusiasts enrich the artistic life of the region. As one of the most successful examples of preserving industrial heritage by transforming it into a contemporary cultural structure, Beykoz Kundura keeps both nostalgia and modern art alive under the same roof.

Visit Tips

• The event program should be checked in advance.
• Access by public transport is easy.
• Entry to film set areas may be restricted.
• Early reservation is recommended for ticketed events.

Photos