23.09.2025 11:53
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who examined the ongoing restoration works at Sirkeci Station, one of Istanbul's iconic structures, emphasized that the station's primary transportation function will be preserved and that hotel or shopping mall projects are definitely not on the agenda.
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Restoration works continue at Sirkeci Station, one of the iconic structures of Istanbul. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy inspected the ongoing restoration works at Sirkeci Station. Emphasizing that the historical texture will be preserved and re-functionalized, Ersoy stated in a post on his social media accounts, "With the restoration of the historical halls, roof, stained glass, facade, and interior, the station will once again become the center of culture and art."
"WE ARE GAINING A NEW CENTER FOR ISTANBUL'S CULTURAL LIFE"
Emphasizing that the main transportation function of the station will be preserved and that the hotel or shopping mall projects that have been brought up in public discussions are definitely not on the agenda, Minister Ersoy stated, "There will be no shopping mall or hotel. The transportation function will be preserved with the Migration Museum, thematic museum, and gallery projects. We are gaining a new center for Istanbul's cultural life," he said. Ersoy noted that the transformation at Sirkeci Station will be completed by the Istanbul Culture Road Festival to be held in 2026, stating that the restoration is being carried out meticulously and will add significant value to the city's culture and art route.
TRAIN TRANSPORTATION WILL CONTINUE
Ersoy stated, "After the completion of the first phase of the station's restoration, cultural and artistic areas such as the Migration Museum, thematic museum, and art gallery will be created at Sirkeci Station. The transportation function in Sirkeci will not change in any way, and essential duties such as train transportation will continue."
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