TRT İstanbul Radyosu

Who remembers a time before the internet, before smartphones, when radio ruled the airwaves? Here at TRT İstanbul Radyosu, those vibrant echoes of the past still resonate. TRT İstanbul Radyosu stands as a testament to a bygone era. It’s a symbol of Turkey’s rich broadcasting history, a place where voices shaped a nation. TRT İstanbul Radyosu first crackled to life on May 6, 1927, broadcasting from the basement of the Grand Post Office in Sirkeci. Imagine a time before widespread radio ownership. The station ingeniously placed loudspeakers outside the post office. Every evening, the air would fill with music and news, drawing curious crowds. This was a deliberate strategy, designed to introduce the magic of radio to the public and spark its rapid adoption. This pioneering spirit continued. In 1932, at Atatürk’s request, TRT İstanbul Radyosu broadcast the Turkish call to prayer from the Hagia Sophia Mosque on Kadir Gecesi. It was a groundbreaking moment. The broadcast also included the Mevlit, an Islamic hymn. In the early days, broadcasts were limited to five hours each evening. The station faced financial struggles. The 10 lira annual fee from listeners couldn’t cover the costs of electricity and other expenses. Despite government support, the station faced further setbacks. The company responsible for its operation, Türk Telsiz Telefon Anonim Şirketi, was liquidated in 1937. TRT İstanbul Radyosu was transferred to the state-owned PTT. In 1949, the station triumphantly returned to the airwaves. It broadcast from a new purpose-built home in Harbiye. This marked a new chapter in the station’s illustrious history. TRT İstanbul Radyosu remained under state control until 1993. In 1964, it came under the umbrella of the newly formed Türkiye Radyo Televizyon Kurumu (TRT). The station housed studios where live broadcasts and recordings were made. The Mesut Cemil Studio, renovated for television filming, stands as a tribute to its continuous evolution. Today, TRT İstanbul Radyosu continues to broadcast. It carries the legacy of Turkish radio, connecting generations through music, news, and cultural programming.