Kadosan

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Istanbul, lies Kadosan. Kadosan is more than just a name. It’s a story etched in metal and oil, a testament to the city’s ever-evolving spirit. Originally established in 1975 as a cooperative in the Sögütlüçeşme area of Kadıköy, Kadosan has seen its share of transformations. The land it now occupies once held a somber history, serving as an extension of the Karacaahmet Cemetery until the 1950s. The area transitioned, becoming a hub for auto repair shops. Even amidst the clang of tools, remnants of the past lingered, with gravestones still visible among the workshops. The construction of the Söğütlüçeşme Train Station brought significant changes. The project required a large-scale expropriation of 27,000 square meters of land, displacing many businesses. In 1981, the Kadıköy Auto Industrialists and Repairers purchased 140,000 square meters of land. This land was newly allocated by the State Land Office. Their former land became the station’s garden. It was later planted with fruit trees in 1985, a peaceful contrast to its industrial past. Kadosan found its new home on this acquired land. It started its construction in 1987. The site, boasting 479 workplaces and social facilities, grew to encompass 513 independent units. After a period of inactivity, Kadosan reopened in 1996, providing crucial support to the local auto ancillary industry. Today, it not only employs around 4,000 people but also functions as a vibrant open-air car market. Kadosan, a place forged from the echoes of the past, continues to pulse with life. It fuels the city’s economic engine.