OPEN DOOR ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL – 16 OCTOBER 2025

“Kundura’s Memory: A World Within a Factory”

Exhibition and Memory Tour

Time: 11:00

Kundura Hafıza offers a rich resource for archives, libraries, exhibitions, workshops, academic, and artistic studies, aiming to develop initiatives that preserve the cultural heritage of Sümerbank Beykoz Leather and Shoe Factory and create new spaces across different disciplines. Opened with the establishment of the Kundura Hafıza Cultural Heritage Preservation Association in 2021, the exhibition “Kundura’s Memory: A World Within a Factory” invites visitors to view the production history of one of Turkey’s industrialization milestones, the Sümerbank Beykoz Leather and Shoe Factory, from a different perspective. Inspired by the emotional connection between the workers and the factory, the exhibition narrative focuses on the organic link between the production history and the social relations within the facility, rather than treating them independently.

Kiptaş Silivri Phase 4 Residences

Time: 11:30

Narrated by Murat Şahin…

The KİPTAŞ Silivri Phase 4 Residences project is a new-generation housing development shaped around conscious production and consumption, health, and the goal of providing a quality lifestyle.

İzmir – Historical İstiklal School

Time: 14:00

The Historical İstiklal School is located at the corner where İkiçeşmelik (Eşrefpaşa) and Kestelli streets intersect in the İzmir Historical City Center.

As one of the first schools of the Republican era, it began education in 1922, and the building holds a significant place in İzmir’s memory, with traces of the Republic still evident. Constructed with stone and brick in the early 20th century, the structure has been restored by TARKEM and functions today as an “Innovative Learning Center”, continuing to provide education to children and young people while preserving its historical heritage.

Sadberk Hanım Museum

Time: 14:00

Narrated by Ozan Torun…

Located in Sarıyer, Istanbul, the 19th-century wooden waterfront mansion designed by architect Andon Kazazyan, Azaryan Mansion, hosts Turkey's first private museum, the Sadberk Hanım Museum.

Anadolu Hisarı Museum

Time: 14:30

Narrated by Ayşen Kaya…

Situated on the shores of the Göksu Creek in Istanbul’s Beykoz district, the Anadolu Hisarı Museum is located within the Anadolu Hisarı fortress, built by Yıldırım Bayezid in 1395. This small but strategic castle played an important role in the sieges of Istanbul against Byzantium. Today, the fortress, converted into a museum, exhibits Ottoman-era weapons, daily life objects, and historical documents of the region. Its position at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus provides visitors with a unique experience in terms of both history and scenery.

Vehbi Koç House

Time: 15:30

Narrated by Ozan Torun…

One of the significant symbols of modern Turkish history, the mansion was purchased by Vehbi Koç from the Frenkyan Family in 1938. Famous for hosting the filming of the TV series Aşk-ı Memnu, the house reflects early 20th-century Ottoman and early Republican civil architecture. The interior features wooden craftsmanship, ceiling decorations typical of classical Ottoman mansions, and spacious halls. Doors opening to balconies and terraces integrate the Bosphorus view into the interior space. The house was transformed into a permanent exhibition venue in 2018.

Beykoz Çubuklu Silos

Time: 16:30

Narrated by Dilara Özmen…

Located in the Çubuklu neighborhood of Beykoz on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, the Beykoz Çubuklu Silos are industrial heritage structures built by Turkey’s Sugar Factories in the mid-20th century, primarily for storing products derived from sugar beets. After losing their original function, the silos were abandoned, but restoration and repurposing efforts by İBB Miras, following universal preservation principles, revitalized them in 2024 as a new cultural, art, and lifestyle hub along the Bosphorus.