Beyoğlu hosts cultural events within the scope of European Heritage Days 2026
Events that started in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district with the theme Cultural Heritage at Risk continue with gamified tours and various art activities.
Beyoğlu, one of Istanbul's historical and cultural centers, is hosting European Heritage Days 2026, held with the theme Cultural Heritage at Risk. Within the scope of the organization, 64 different culture and art events and gamified discovery routes are being carried out.
Theme of Cultural Heritage at Risk
Beyoğlu, an important center of Istanbul's cultural memory, is hosting European Heritage Days 2026 as part of the joint program of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
Organized this year with the theme Cultural Heritage at Risk: Revive, Insist, Imagine, the event draws attention to tangible and intangible heritage under urbanization and environmental pressures.
Gamified Discovery Routes
One of the standout events of the program was the Passport Culture Trail Discovery Route. Prepared in cooperation with Beyoğlu Municipality, Catalyst, and Beyoğlu Heritage, the city tour was conducted under the guidance of Oyun Atlası and Local Makers.
Offering a gamified experience unlike classic city tours, the route traced the stories etched in the region's memory through passages, historical buildings, and street culture.
Literature and Memory Stops
Yağmur Çoban, Founder of the Local Makers Community Platform, stated that they prepared a playful discovery route titled The Secret Stories of Beyoğlu.
Starting from the Çukurcuma Mosque, the route extended to important literary-connected points such as the front of the building where Oğuz Atay wrote his novel The Disconnected (Tutunamayanlar) and the Goethe Institute.
Visit to Historical Sites
The discovery journey continued with significant spots in Beyoğlu such as the Çiçek Pasajı, the Üç Horan Church, the Hazzopulo Passage, Efe Bookstore, and the Çukurcuma Bath.
Participants had the opportunity to get to know both historical characters and the past of the locations through a different experience by following the trail of a diary.
Comprehensive Cultural Program
Ata Ateş, Foreign Relations Officer of Beyoğlu Municipality, stated that European Heritage Days are being held in the district for the third time and that they prepared approximately 64 events within the scope of the program.
Events, which feature institutions such as Consulates General, İKSV, Pera Museum, and Meşher among their partners, will continue throughout the week at various points across the district.