Vlora Han in Sirkeci is being reclaimed for the city: It will become a culture and arts center
The 120-year-old Vlora Han, located in Sirkeci, Istanbul, had recently made headlines due to its state of neglect. It has been learned that Vlora Han, one of the most unique examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Istanbul, will enter a restoration process once its ownership issues are resolved. Once the restoration is complete, it is expected to serve as a culture and arts center.
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Arif HÜR / 12punto.com.tr
The 120-year-old 'Vlora Han', located on Büyük Postane Street in Sirkeci, Istanbul and used by various businesses, made headlines last year due to its dilapidated appearance.
Built during the Ottoman era in the 'Art Nouveau' style and noted for its stone ornamentation, the structure had shown signs of crumbling on its exterior facade, as well as cracks and decay on the interior.
OWNERSHIP ISSUES AWAIT RESOLUTION
It has been learned that Vlora Han will enter a restoration process once its ownership issues are resolved.
The project has been undertaken by senior architect Feyhan İnkaya Takaoğlu and her team, who work for a private architecture and restoration firm.
Providing information about the process, Takaoğlu said, "This place is the apple of Istanbul's eye. The restoration process will begin once the ownership issue is resolved. A businessperson who does not wish to be named has also stated that they will provide financial support for this place to become a culture and arts center, without seeking any financial gain."
The restoration project for Vlora Han was approved by the Monuments Board in 2018.
The ground floor of the building houses a restaurant, a cafe, a barber, and a shoe store, while the first floor is occupied by the Istanbul 6th Notary Public.
Vlora Han was commissioned by Avlonyalı Ferid Pasha, Grand Vizier to Sultan Abdülhamid, in the name of his third child, Nureddin Bey Vlora.
It bears the signature of Italian architect Raimondo d’Aronco. Its Art Nouveau-style facade features gorgon heads in the form of angry lions and roses emerging from leaf beds.
Its basket-handle windows resemble Art Nouveau examples in Europe. In the interior, the floors of the halls leading to the rooms feature red mosaic corner elements with three circles; the plastered walls contain floral patterns in the shape of thistles, vine leaves, and crowns of thorns.