Santralistanbul

NileGuide Expert tip:

Santralistanbul is founded on the campus of Bilgi University and thus during weekdays, it may be crowded with the university students.

Description:

• The Silahtarağa Power Plant is the first urban-scale power plant built in Istanbul in the Ottoman period. The power plant has been conserved and renovated by Bilgi University and transformed into a center for culture and arts under the name of Santralistanbul. Santralistanbul is thus conceived of an educational museum, the power plant museum, art galleries, multi-functional areas for workshops of many kinds and two cafes: Tamirane and Otto Santral (branch of the Otto Cafe / Restaurant in Asmali Mescit). It is the perfect place especially for families with young children. The vast open area and the green garden of Tamirane and Otto Santral allows children to run, bike and play; while the families may enjoy a nice Sunday branch or lunch, read the daily paper and their books. The quietness of the place is also extremely seductive for anyone running away from the hectic city life. The day may be ended by a visual tour around the old power plant -which has been kept as it was (no models have been used for public demonstration). For more information about the on-going exhibitions inside the art galleries, please refer to their website.