Bedrettin Mahallesi

What secrets does Bedrettin Mahallesi hold? This neighborhood, one of Istanbul’s earliest Ottoman settlements, whispers tales of a vibrant past. Bedrettin Mahallesi, nestled between the bustling Şişhane and Kasımpaşa districts, has a rich history intertwined with the city’s maritime legacy. Many of its residents descend from Romans brought from the Gallipoli Peninsula during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. These skilled craftsmen were employed at the Haliç Shipyard, shaping Istanbul’s naval power. A significant number of residents also trace their roots to Inebolu, adding another layer to the neighborhood’s cultural tapestry. Traditionally, the Romani women often worked as natırs in the local hamams (Turkish baths), while the men supported their families by selling onions and garlic from horse-drawn carts. Bedrettin Mahallesi remained relatively unchanged for years, a quiet corner of Istanbul. But in 2007, the construction of the Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu (Indoor Swimming Pool) at the end of Ambar Arkası Sokak marked a turning point. The once empty land used to park horse-drawn carts was replaced by motorized vehicles, altering the rhythm of daily life. Residents expressed their discontent at facing a grey wall every morning. The neighborhood faced further upheaval when it was declared a “renewal area” and then excluded from preservation plans. A project titled “Bedrettin Mahallesi Sokakları Yenileniyor, Güzelleşiyor” (Bedrettin Neighborhood Streets are Being Renewed and Beautified) led to the renovation of the children’s park and narrow streets. This sparked the formation of the Bedrettin Mahallesi Koruma Kalkındırma Dayanışma Derneği (Bedrettin Neighborhood Preservation and Development Solidarity Association) in July 2012. The residents found themselves under pressure from two planned projects by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The proposed Havaray (monorail) line between Şişhane and Mecidiyeköy threatened to cut through a section of the neighborhood. The planned demolition and reconstruction of the Unkapanı Bridge into an undersea tunnel also cast a shadow of uncertainty. Despite reassurances from the municipality, residents remain apprehensive, with many families selling their homes and relocating. Bedrettin Mahallesi, a place of vibrant traditions and close-knit community, is gradually losing its unique character.