İBB Casa Botter — Attraction in Beyoğlu

I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Casa Botter in Istanbul, located on Istiklal Street. This architectural gem recently reopened its doors to the public, and I was fortunate enough to explore not only the accessible areas but also receive a private tour of the upper floors that are still undergoing renovation.

The Casa Botter, designed by the renowned Italian architect Raimondo D'Aronco, is a seven-storey masterpiece constructed in 1900-1901. Originally commissioned by M. Jean Botter, a Dutch tailor to the sultans, this historic building is an exquisite example of Art Nouveau architecture.

While currently undergoing renovations, Casa Botter still exudes an undeniable charm and grandeur. Its elegant façade hints at the splendor that once thrived within its walls. Despite the ongoing restoration, I could appreciate the architectural details and imagine the building's former glory.

During my visit, I was captivated by the rich history and significance of Casa Botter. The opportunity to explore the upper floors, even in their unfinished state, allowed me to witness the meticulous efforts being made to preserve and restore this cultural treasure.

As the renovations progress, I am confident that Casa Botter will regain its former beauty and become an even more remarkable attraction. I eagerly anticipate the completion of the restoration work, envisioning a future where this architectural gem can be fully appreciated and admired by visitors from around the world.

If you have an appreciation for architectural history and artistry, I highly recommend adding Casa Botter to your itinerary when visiting Istanbul. While the current state of the building may not fully showcase its former splendor, the glimpse into its past and the promise of its future make it a truly fascinating...

İstanbul’un Beyoğlu ilçesinde, İstiklal Caddesi üzerinde göz alıcı bir cepheyle karşılaşanlar, pek çoğu için sıradan bir yapı zannedilen fakat aslında Osmanlı’nın modernleşme hamlelerine tanıklık eden bir sanat mirasının önünde durduklarının farkında bile değildir. Casa Botter, 1900’lerin başında dönemin padişahı II. Abdülhamid’in saray terzisi Jean Botter için yaptırılmış; tasarımını ise Belçikalı mimar Raimondo D’Aronco üstlenmiştir. Art Nouveau (Yeni Sanat) akımının İstanbul’daki ilk örneklerinden biri olan bu yapı, dalgalı formları, stilize çiçek motifleri ve zarif ferforje detaylarıyla şehrin siluetine Batı etkilerini taşıyan öncü bir imza bırakır.

Casa Botter yalnızca bir konut değil, aynı zamanda Jean Botter’in moda evi olarak da işlev görmüştür. Caddenin bu kesimi bir zamanlar sadece alışverişin değil, aynı zamanda zanaatkârlığın ve sanatsal üretimin de merkeziydi. Binanın içinde hem atölyeler hem de ikamet bölümleri yer almaktaydı. Yıllar içinde ihmal edilen yapı, zamanla gözden düştü; ta ki İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi’nin restorasyon projesiyle yeniden ayağa kaldırılana dek.

İBB’nin yürüttüğü kapsamlı restorasyon süreci, sadece binanın fiziksel bütünlüğünü değil, tarihî kimliğini de ihya etmeyi hedeflemiştir. Cephe bezemelerinden iç mekân detaylarına kadar özgün unsurlar titizlikle korunmuş, binanın ruhu adeta yeniden soluk almıştır. Bugün Casa Botter, bir moda ve tasarım merkezi olarak kapılarını İstanbullulara ve ziyaretçilere açmakta; sergiler, etkinlikler ve kültürel buluşmalara ev sahipliği yaparak tarih ile çağdaş yaratıcılık arasında bir köprü kurmaktadır.

İstiklal Caddesi’nden geçerken gözünüzü kaldırın. Zamana direnen bu zarif yapı, İstanbul’un Batılılaşma sürecinde sanatın nasıl bir rol oynadığını fısıldayan sessiz bir tanıktır. Casa Botter artık sadece bir mimarî eser değil, aynı zamanda yaşayan bir kültür sahnesidir.

Many who walk along Istanbul’s İstiklal Avenue pass by an ornate façade without realizing they are standing before one of the earliest witnesses to the Ottoman Empire’s steps toward modernization through art. Casa Botter, commissioned in the early 1900s by Sultan Abdülhamid II for his court tailor Jean Botter, was designed by the Belgian architect Raimondo D’Aronco. It stands as one of the first examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Istanbul, with its flowing lines, stylized floral motifs, and elegant wrought iron details—a striking signature of Western influence woven into the city’s urban fabric.

But Casa Botter was never just a residence. It also housed Jean Botter’s fashion house, with ateliers and living quarters all under one roof. In its prime, this part of the avenue was a hub not only of commerce but also of artistry and craftsmanship. Over the decades, the building fell into neglect, gradually fading from public memory—until it was revived by a meticulous restoration project led by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

The restoration, undertaken by the municipality, was more than a structural repair; it was an effort to restore the building’s soul. From its exterior ornamentation to the interior decorative elements, every detail was carefully preserved. Today, Casa Botter serves as a fashion and design hub, hosting exhibitions, events, and cultural gatherings. It now bridges Istanbul’s rich past with its vibrant, creative present.

So next time you walk down İstiklal Avenue, look up. This graceful building stands as a silent witness to a time when art became a language of transformation. Casa Botter is no longer just a historical monument—it is a living stage for culture and...

The building was built by the palace tailor Botter (Jean Botter) and the architect of the period, D'Aronco (Raimondo d'Aronco). The real question is where did the tailor of the palace get so much money to have this building built? :))

It is a very enjoyable place. It is free of charge. It is closed on Mondays. Anyone can come during a confidential period between 10:00 and 19.00 on weekdays.

There is a different atmosphere. There are photographs, documents and correspondence containing information about how the Republic of Turkey was founded.

From the balcony on the upper floor, you can see Beyoğlu, namely Istiklal Street, from a different angle, free of charge, and take different photos.

It is a building that everyone who goes to Istiklal Street should...