Religion is what keeps the poor from killing the rich.’ Napoleon Bonaparte
I discovered Fişekhane by mere coincidence and was confronted with a completely different facade of contemporary İstanbul. That is a new emerging class which sociologists call the Islamist Bourgeoisie. A new class which has conservative values of Islam but are seduced by consumerism to their core.
Fişekhane is an amazing complex of buildings which date back to 1881. It used to function as a factory that produced shells for the Ottoman Military but was completely abandoned throughout time. This industrial building has been turned into a huge complex accommodating luxury apartments, cafes, restaurants and shops as well as a concert hall, theatre hall and an open air cinema.
When you visit it, you will be amazed to see the blend of conservatism and luxury. Something definitely new under the sun as Islam in Turkey has always been on the side of humility till the last two decades which transformed Islamists. In Fişekhane, restaurants are posh, brands are luxurious, prices are outrageous but it is a delightful place in terms of its history and architecture. The spacious atmosphere, wide range of choices for dining along with its rich cultural activities is definitely a plus.
And if you enjoy observing people, it is a very interesting place to see the changing face of conservatism in Turkey. It is definitely another facade of the city, completely different from old neighbourhoods such as Kadıköy and Yeşilköy where old money and old values dominate, where people are less showy and things are less flashy.
