Hasanpaşa Mahallesi

From the heart of Kadıköy, rises the vibrant Hasanpaşa Mahallesi. It’s a place where the echoes of the Ottoman Empire intertwine with the pulse of modern Istanbul. Hasanpaşa Mahallesi takes its name from a prominent figure of the late 19th century, Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Paşa. He served as the Minister of the Navy under Sultan Abdülhamid II. He commissioned the construction of the Hasanpaşa Mosque in 1889, replacing an older mosque that had burned down. This mosque became the heart of the community, eventually lending its name to the entire neighborhood in the 1930s. Originally, the area encompassing Hasanpaşa Mahallesi and nearby Acıbadem was privately owned by Kızlarağası Mısırlı Osman Ağa during the 17th century. However, by 1630, Sultan Murad IV nationalized the land. It later became the property of Sultan Selim III in the early 19th century. Hasanpaşa Mahallesi boasts a rich industrial heritage. The Hasanpaşa Gazhanesi, one of the oldest industrial facilities on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, was established here in 1892. It served the crucial role of supplying gas to this side of the city. Although no longer operational, it stands as a powerful reminder of the Ottoman industrial era. Today it is a cultural arts center called Müze Gazhane. Hasanpaşa Mahallesi was once characterized by charming mansions and small houses along the Kurbağalıdere stream. Rapid urbanization began in the early 20th century. The population further boomed in the 1960s and 1970s with migration from Anatolia to Istanbul. Within Hasanpaşa Mahallesi’s boundaries lies the Mahmut Baba Cemetery, the final resting place of Mehmed Kemal. Unfortunately, the cemetery was partially impacted by the construction of the Istanbul Beltway and its connection to Kadıköy in 1971. The rapid urbanization also led to the rise of gecekondu settlements in Kadıköy, including Hasanpaşa, particularly between 1976 and 1982. Some of these informal dwellings still exist in parts of the neighborhood. Sadly, the historic wooden houses in the area face constant threats from decay, fire, and illegal occupation. Despite the challenges, Hasanpaşa Mahallesi maintains a lively atmosphere. A new social center is being built on the site of the old Hasanpaşa Sabit Pazarı, designed to foster social interaction among the elderly and provide a space for them to pursue hobbies and connect with different generations. This reflects the neighborhood’s ongoing effort to preserve its sense of community amidst the urban sprawl.