Istanbul's Levantines Exhibition Meets Visitors at İstiklal Art Gallery
A comprehensive exhibition examining the cultural heritage of the Levantines and their lasting marks on Istanbul from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic is presented to art lovers in October and November.
Entitled "The Levantines of Istanbul, Istanbul's Levantines," the exhibition focuses on the world of the Levantines and this community's ties with Istanbul, opening its doors at the İstiklal Art Gallery within the body of Beyoğlu Municipality between October 8 and November 8, 2026.
Objective and Organizers of the Exhibition
Organized by the Levantine Culture and Heritage Conservation Association and curated by Prof. Dr. Seza Sinanlar Uslu, the event aims to introduce the Levantine community in its social, economic, and cultural aspects during the historical process extending from the Ottoman Empire to Republican Turkey.
Date and Venue Information
To be held at the İstiklal Art Gallery affiliated with Beyoğlu Municipality, the exhibition will host its visitors between October 8 and November 8, 2026, making this rich cultural heritage visible.
Identity and Families Section
Consisting of five sections, the exhibition starts with the question of where the Levant is and the definition of Levantine identity, continuing by introducing visitors to well-established Levantine families and prominent figures who lived in Istanbul for many years.
Districts and Cultural Life
While the third section of the exhibition covers the importance of different districts of Istanbul for the Levantines, the fourth section deals in detail with various cultural characteristics ranging from culinary culture to religious ceremonies.
Leaving a Memory for the Future
In the final section of the event, titled Leaving a Memory for the Future, a special recreation of the Sébah & Joaillier Photography Studio, which holds a very important place in local photography history, is brought together with visitors.