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Istanbul's Beykoz Kundura, a former leather and footwear factory dating back to the early 19th century, has unveiled its 2026-2027 cultural program, bringing together cinema, performing arts, music and heritage preservation at one of Türkiye's historic industrial sites.
The new season, presented at a press conference on Nov. 5, features film screenings, concerts, workshops and research initiatives aimed at keeping the factory's industrial heritage alive while opening up its historic spaces to contemporary artistic production.
Once home to the Sumerbank Leather and Footwear Industry Institution, the complex has retained its original architecture and industrial identity while developing into a multidisciplinary cultural center.
Beykoz Kundura Culture and Arts Director Buse Yildirim said the institution's approach focuses on safeguarding the site's industrial heritage and passing its production history on to future generations through artistic and educational programs.
Beykoz Kundura's history stretches back to the early 1800s, placing it among Türkiye's significant surviving industrial heritage sites.
Following extensive restoration, the former factory began operating as a filming location in 2005 and later developed into a cultural venue, hosting regular arts events since 2016.
Industrial heritage preservation remains central to Beykoz Kundura's cultural program, particularly through Kundura Hafiza, which has collected photographs, documents and oral histories since 2015.
The initiative has interviewed more than 200 former factory workers and their families, building an archive of approximately 5,000 photographs, documents and objects that shed light on the site's industrial and social history.
Its research library, which opened to researchers in October 2025, provides resources on industrial history, labor history and cultural heritage.
Kundura Sinema, established in the factory's former boiler room, continues to screen restored classics, documentaries, silent films and specially curated programs.
Meanwhile, Kundura Sahne hosts theater, dance, music and performance productions involving Turkish and international artists, while supporting international collaborations and new creative projects.
Through KunduraLab, the DocLab initiative also brings documentary filmmakers together with international industry professionals for project development, mentoring and creative production.
The new season includes the "An Afternoon at Beykoz Kundura" concert series, running from Sept. 26 to Dec. 13, with performances by Sinafi Trio, Telli Davul and Coskun Karademir Trio.
The program also featured "Memory Talks V: Ataturk on the Silver Screen" on Nov. 7, exploring the relationship between cinema and collective memory.
Another major event is the fifth edition of Thrift, Investment and Domestic Goods Week, scheduled for Dec. 12-13.
The two-day program will feature discussions examining the historical and economic significance of cotton and textile production, alongside a producers' market, film screenings focusing on Sumerbank's visual heritage, concerts and activities for different age groups.
Workshops covering rattan basket weaving, textile production and leather design will introduce participants to traditional manufacturing practices, while storytelling sessions and tasting events will round out the program.
Beyond its artistic activities, Beykoz Kundura continues to focus on cultural sustainability through the preservation of historic buildings, the reuse of existing resources and educational programs.
Its "Askida Bilet," or suspended ticket, initiative works with civil society organizations to make cultural events more accessible.
The complex also houses Demirane and Yaghane, which serve as gastronomic and social gathering spaces.
Demirane uses fresh produce from Kundura Bostan, the site's garden, and donates all its revenue to the Birebir Education Foundation.
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