Istanbul’s iconic Haydarpaşa and Sirkeci train stations, symbols of the city’s historical and architectural legacy, are being transformed into dynamic cultural and artistic hubs while retaining their transportation role. The initiative, launched under a joint protocol between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the State Railways, aims to preserve and revitalize these late Ottoman and early Republican-era masterpieces.
The project reflects Türkiye’s dedication to protecting its cultural heritage while adapting it to modern urban life. Restoration at Haydarpaşa Station includes ground reinforcement and the creation of museums, open-air venues, and a comprehensive library complex featuring children’s, baby, and digital sections. A performance arts center and a manuscript restoration facility will also be part of the redesigned space, turning the area into a “living cultural zone.”
Excavations near Haydarpaşa uncovered remnants of the ancient “City of the Blind,” which will soon become part of a new archaeological park and museum—further linking Istanbul’s industrial and ancient heritage.
Similarly, Sirkeci Station, once the terminus of the famed Orient Express and a symbol of the city’s role between East and West, is undergoing deep-ground stabilization to ensure its structural safety. Upon completion, the site will house a railway museum, migration museum, travel library, and exhibition halls, transforming it into a public gathering point where art, history, and community meet. Together, these projects aim to safeguard Istanbul’s past while enriching its cultural future.