Sirkeci Station: Last stop of famous Orient Express becomes a cultural hub

Historic Sirkeci Station, along with the Istanbul Railway Museum inside, are being restored under a project launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. (AA Photo)

Historic Sirkeci Station, along with the Istanbul Railway Museum inside, are being restored under a project launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. (AA Photo)

One of Istanbul’s most famous train stations, Sirkeci, is getting a full makeover. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is restoring its roof, colourful glass windows, walls, and historic rooms so they look just like they did in the past.

When the work is finished in time for the 2026 Istanbul Culture Road Festival, the station will become a lively “cultural island” with art galleries, a Railway Museum, and a new Migration Museum. It will also keep its place in history as the last stop of the legendary Orient Express, the luxury train that once linked Paris and Istanbul.

Historic Sirkeci Station, along with the Istanbul Railway Museum inside, are being restored under a project launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. (AA Photo)

Architectural splendor & heritage

Designed by German architect August Jasmund and inaugurated in 1890, Sirkeci Station gracefully fuses European and Ottoman design elements, featuring rose-style stained glass and carved Islamic motifs. It was constructed at the behest of Sultan Abdulhamid II to embrace Istanbul within a modern transit network.

Orient Express: Legacy of romance and glamour

Starting service on Oct. 4, 1883, the Orient Express quickly earned worldwide fame as a symbol of luxury and adventure. Its first route ended at Sirkeci Station, connecting Paris and Istanbul via numerous major European cities. The journey covered over 3,094 kilometers and took approximately 80 hours.
The fully direct rail service to Istanbul continued until May 19, 1977, marking the end of an era for the classic Orient Express route.
The station's magnified prestige comes not just from the train service, but its ambiance and grandeur, even inspiring Agatha Christie’s famed novel "Murder on the Orient Express".
Visitors today can still encounter remnants of that golden age: the Orient Express Restaurant offers traditional Turkish fare amid vintage photos of travellers, including Agatha Christie herself, and scenes from the iconic film adaptation.
Inside, a free museum houses fascinating artifacts—from conductor attire to silverware from the dining car, station clocks, and even interactive displays like a train driver’s cab.

Historic Sirkeci Station, along with the Istanbul Railway Museum inside, are being restored under a project launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. (AA Photo)

Modern transit meets historic legacy

Although international rail services ended in the past, Sirkeci remains an active transport node. It serves Marmaray commuter trains and tram lines, now integrated with access to ferries, thanks to ongoing upgrades that include a modern underground station.

August 15, 2025 10:22 AM GMT+03:00