The Shortest Line with The Longest History: Metro Han

Anyone who lives or has lived in Istanbul has more than one memory of Beyoğlu. I never get tired of listening to my mother, father, and other family elders’ memories of Beyoğlu. For me, listening to their stories is like a decoding of the cultural codes of each generation that has lived in Beyoğlu….

Discovering Beyoğlu Through Generations

When I came to Beyoğlu with my family, we would go to the cinema, visit the passages, explore exhibitions and bookstores, or sit in a café on French Street. I remember that every place we went had a special effect on me. Maybe it was because I was little, but I remember that every place was magnificent. I would look at the details of the places for a long time, and I would always find something amazing…

Friendship and Exploration in Beyoğlu

On the other hand, the times when I meet my friends in Beyoğlu have a special meaning for me. Every time we go, we get excited about discovering a new street, exploring the old buildings, dancing with the street musicians, eating something delicious, walking around the exhibitions and hanging out in the historical passages, and returning home with the energy of İstanbul’s liveliest district in our bones. Every shop here has its own story, and every shop owner has a friendly attitude. I think Beyoğlu has the power to convince every visitor that this is where the rhythm of the city beats.

Metro Han: A Timeless Meeting Place

Metro Han is my favourite meeting place in Tünel Square. I think who comes to Beyoğlu has to stop for a while in front of Metro Han. This is the meeting point for everyone… The symbol of İstiklal Street, where the trams come and go… My grandmother says, “The bell of this tram is the background music of Beyoğlu” and I think she is right. Since 1875, the bell of the world’s second oldest metro has been the background music of Beyoğlu.

The Heart of Beyoğlu’s Fridays

Not only the historical feeling, but also the area is magical for me and for everyone. Every Friday after school, my friends and I meet in front of the Metro Han. Most of the time we just hang out in the square, watching the people, chatting and having silly conversations about how to plan our Friday night. My favourite time before the weekend is the time we spend there.

The Living Legacy

Among the many jewels of Beyoğlu, Metro Han stands out not only as a historic structure but as a living legacy of the city’s colourful past. Every time we meet in front of the Metro Han with my friends, I find myself looking at the building more carefully. This place is a treasure full of stories that witnessed the changes of life in Istanbul. Its architecture is a testament to the multicultural influences that have shaped the city.

The Engineer Tourist Eugêne-Henri Gavand

The history of Metro Han began in the 19th century. Galata and Pera, the most crowded districts of Istanbul at that time, were also among the most popular places for tourists. One of the tourists who toured İstanbul step by step was the French engineer Eugêne-Henri Gavand. During his travels, Gavand noticed that hundreds of people had to climb the steep hill every day to travel between Karaköy and Beyoğlu, and he started working to connect the two ends of the hill. His dream was to have a fast and economical underground railway project with elevators that would facilitate transport between Galata and Pera. Henri Gavand presented this project to Mehmed Emin Ali Paşa, the Grand Vizier during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, in 1868. He received the building permit on 10 June 1869 and started the construction of the Metro Han on 1 September 1871. The work was completed by the end of 1874 and it was opened with a grand ceremony on 17 January 1875. The world’s second underground railway, The Tünel, attracted public attention from the moment it opened. In fact, 75,000 passengers travelled in 14 days.

Architectural Details and Restoration

Metro Han was re-planned in 1912 and designed as a 6-floor project. The construction was completed in 1914 and reopened for public use. In 1928, the seventh floor was added and it took its present form. While the tunnel line facilitated transport between Galata and Pera, it also shaped social life by influencing the modernisation of the region. Today, Metro Han is used as the headquarters of the Istanbul Electricity, Tramway and Tunnel Enterprises (I.E.T.T.) within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

Charming Spirit of Beyoğlu

Every time I go to Metro Han, I find myself drawn to the Art Nouveau front. I am always impressed by the complex design and the play of light and shadow. Sometimes I compare this place to a canvas with many shades of history. Marble staircases, wooden banisters with floral carvings and floors are some of Metro Han’s most striking architectural details. Exhibitions, concerts, lectures and theatre performances started to take place in Metro Han after the extensive restoration process of IBB Miras.

A Delightful Journey Through Beyoğlu

Every time I visit Beyoğlu, I re-experience the unique spirit, historical texture, modern energy and cultural richness of this district. It’s a place that always makes me feel like I’m on a delightful journey through time. I’m sure the next generations will feel the same when they spend time here because Beyoğlu offers history and youth, tradition and innovation, peace and excitement all in one. Being young in the heart of this city means living every day like a festival.