Süreyya Opera House

The Süreyya Opera House stands as a striking example of Beaux Arts architecture from 1927. Named after its founder, Süreyya İlmen Pasha, the building reflects his admiration for the grand theatres he saw in Europe during his travels. At the time, Pasha was serving as a deputy in Istanbul and wanted to bring a similar cultural venue to the city's Asian side.

A Changing Role Through the Years

Although Süreyya Opera House was originally intended to host grand operas, the building faced challenges with its interior design. These issues made it difficult to stage full-scale opera performances, so the venue quickly transitioned into a cinema. For many years, locals found entertainment here not through live performances, but through the magic of the silver screen.

Return to the Stage

In 2007, the Süreyya Opera House underwent a major restoration. The project reimagined the space for its original purpose, creating a modern setting for ballet, opera, and classical music. Today, audiences can experience a range of performances in this beautifully restored theatre. Tickets are often available at very affordable prices, making it a popular choice for music and theatre lovers in Istanbul.