Ready to discover a hidden gem? We are standing before the magnificent Bulgur Palas. This historical mansion has a story as rich as its architecture.
The Bulgur Palas was originally known as the Bolulu Habip Bey Mansion. Its construction began in 1912. Mehmet Habip Bey commissioned the mansion. He was a soldier and deputy of Bolu.
But why “Bulgur Palas?” Mehmet Habip Bey earned the nickname “Bulgur King.” He made his fortune trading grain and bulgur during World War I.
Giulio Mongeri designed this impressive structure. He was a Levantine architect of Italian descent. His design reflects the First National Architectural Movement. Notice the unplastered red brick. Only the towers are plastered.
Tragedy struck before the Bulgur Palas was finished. Habip Bey was exiled to Malta in 1919. This left the construction incomplete. Financial difficulties forced him to mortgage the house to the Ottoman Bank.
Habip Bey died suddenly in 1926. The Bulgur Palas was transferred to the Ottoman Bank. It served as collateral for the family’s debts. For many years, the bank used it as an archive. Bank employees even lived in its apartments.
Can you imagine canaries filling a downstairs room? Hundreds of them lived here once. They were raised to live in the branches of the Ottoman Bank.
The Bulgur Palas suffered during the Istanbul pogrom in 1955. It became a target of looting. Non-Muslim families lived here. Also the Ottoman Bank had a non-Turkish character.
Ownership changed hands over the years. The Garanti Bank acquired the Ottoman Bank in 2001. Eventually, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality purchased the Bulgur Palas in 2021.
Extensive restoration work followed. The Bulgur Palas reopened as a cultural center in February 2024.
Today, the Bulgur Palas welcomes Istanbul residents and visitors alike. It features a library with 135 seats. There is also an exhibition hall, restaurant and multi-purpose event areas. The observation terrace offers unique views of Istanbul.
The Bulgur Palas covers 3750 square meters. It has 81 independent sections. The library holds about 25000 books and documents.
The first cultural activity was the “Magnum in Istanbul” exhibition. It showcased over 200 photographs by 70 artists.
Preserving history is a critical indicator of civilization. The Bulgur Palas stands as a testament to this. It protects history in an ancient city such as Istanbul. It requires a careful attitude.
Take a moment to appreciate the Bulgur Palas. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Istanbul’s vibrant past and promising future.