Şinasi Sahnesi

In the heart of Ankara, nestled within the vibrant Çankaya district, stands the Şinasi Sahnesi. This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a cultural time capsule, a stage where the past and present intertwine. Şinasi Sahnesi, named after the influential 19th-century Ottoman playwright and author İbrahim Şinasi, opened its doors on March 13, 1988. The inaugural performance was “Meliha,” a play by Yüksel Pazarkaya. Since then, this 490-seat theatre, operated by the Ankara State Theatre, has hosted countless performances, each one adding another layer to its rich tapestry of stories. The Şinasi Sahnesi shares its building with the Akün Sahnesi. But before the theatres existed, the building housed the Çadaş Sahne Kültür Merkezi, a hub of artistic expression. This center was a hive of activity, with workshops, exhibitions, concerts, literary talks, film screenings, and conferences. It even nurtured the early beginnings of the Ankara Fotoğraf Sanatçıları Derneği (Ankara Photographers Association). Imagine the echoes of creativity that must have filled these walls. The very air within Şinasi Sahnesi seems to vibrate with the legacy of those who came before. When you enter the building from Tunus Street, you ascend a staircase that leads you to the foyer. Here, a remarkable ceramic panel by Hamiye Çolakoğlu greets you. Created in 1972, this turquoise and beige artwork features abstract figures and rich textures, a testament to Turkish ceramic artistry. From the foyer, another set of stairs descends to the theatre itself. The Şinasi Sahnesi boasts a single-level seating arrangement, with the stage elevated on a platform. There’s no orchestra pit, emphasizing the space’s dedication to theatrical performances. The seats are angled towards the stage, ensuring every member of the audience has an optimal view of the unfolding drama. The Şinasi Sahnesi’s existence hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2014, controversy erupted when news broke of a secret sale of the building, ordered by the then-Minister of Labour and Social Security. This wasn’t the first attempt to sell the building; a similar attempt in 2013 was thwarted by local civil society groups. These events highlight the importance of Şinasi Sahnesi to the community, a space worth fighting for. Şinasi Sahnesi remains a vibrant part of Ankara’s cultural landscape. It’s a place where stories are told, where history is honored, and where the spirit of İbrahim Şinasi lives on.