The Feshane-i Âmire, originally built in 1827 as a fez manufacturing workshop in Kadırga Cündi Square, was transformed into a new culture and art center for Istanbulites on June 22, 2023.

Although our library does not provide lending services, readers wishing to become members can apply in person to the library with an officially recognized identification document such as a Turkish ID card, driver’s license, or passport, as well as complete their membership via the e-Government application.

Readers who wish to become members can also quickly register and access our services through the İBB Library Mini application via the İstanbul Senin mobile app.

For membership procedures via e-Government, users should log in to turkiye.gov.tr, search for "İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kütüphane" (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Library), and click on the link titled "Belediye Kütüphaneleri Üyelik Bilgileri Sorgulama ve Üyelik Başvurusu" (Municipal Libraries Membership Information Inquiry and Application). On the page that opens for new memberships, they can complete their application by filling in the required information and clicking the 'Apply' button. By logging in with the password sent via SMS to their mobile phones and to their email addresses, they can access all services of İBB libraries.

Alternatively, readers may simply visit our libraries with a valid official ID such as a Turkish ID card, driver’s license, or passport, and complete their registration on site.

A Brief History of Feshane-i Âmire

After a fire in 1866 left only the steam engine intact, Feshane was rebuilt on the same site in 1868 and was equipped with the latest machinery. Following the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-78, the factory was placed under the command of Bab-ı Seraskeri and named the “Fes ve Melbusat-ı Askeriye Fabrikası,” remaining under military administration until 1921.

In 1894, in response to contemporary needs, the “Sanayi Sıbyan Mektebi” was established at Feshane, where textile and applied training produced new masters.

With the Republican era, Feshane passed from military to civil administration in 1925, becoming part of the “Turkey Industry and Mining Bank.” In 1928, its operation was transferred to “Feshane Mensucat Türk Anonim Şirketi.” In 1937, it took the name “Feshane Defterdar Factory” under the management of Sümerbank. After 1940, the fez machines and molds were moved to the Istanbul City Museum. The sections damaged by a fire in 1949 were rebuilt, and Feshane was transferred to the Istanbul Municipality in 1985.

In 1986, as part of a Haliç redevelopment project, most of the building except the large weaving hall was demolished, and the textile section was moved to Bakırköy Pamuklu Industry. The historic site was handed over to the Eczacıbaşı Foundation in 1989, restored, and put to new use.

In 1998, after undergoing a restoration that preserved its original architectural elements, the building hosted cultural events such as fairs, congresses, and exhibitions.