Art Nouveau Istanbul: Beyoğlu’s Hidden Facades

Discover the hidden treasures of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture in Beyoğlu, Istanbul’s most cosmopolitan district. Architect Tolga Bey will bring to life the splendor of Beyoğlu at the end of the 19th century. In the backstreets off Istiklal Avenue, there are magnificent façades that most people overlook — ornate iron balconies, stained-glass windows, and Art Nouveau floral motifs. Every building tells a story: the mansions of Greek bankers, the apartments of Levantine merchants, the masterpieces of Armenian architects. The tour includes a short break in the lobby of the Pera Palace Hotel — where you’ll hear the story of the room where Agatha Christie stayed. The route also includes the remains of the Genoese fortress around Galata Tower. Tolga Bey will explain each building’s architectural details, stylistic features, and restoration status, comparing them with photographs.