In 1898, a match factory rose on the shores of the Bosphorus. This factory, known as Kibrithane, stretched an impressive 15 by 80 meters. It was built for the “Société Anonym des Allumettes Ottomanes,” a company backed by French investors. Kibrithane’s construction tells a story of Istanbul’s industrial ambitions at the turn of the 20th century. The building itself is a testament to this history. It stands as a one-story structure made of distinctive reddish-pink andesite, often called “Ankara stone.” The arched doorway bears inscriptions. These inscriptions confirm its 1903 origins as a match factory. Over the years, Kibrithane has faced the challenges of time and nature, particularly earthquakes. Modern engineering has stepped in to preserve its legacy. Steel braces now reinforce the roof and strategic points along the perimeter. This intervention ensures Kibrithane’s continued presence in Istanbul’s landscape while respecting its original architectural design. Kibrithane stands not just as a historical building. It stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s evolving identity, blending its industrial past with its vibrant present.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to