Kadir Has University proudly embraces its historic Cibali Campus, originally the Cibali Tobacco Factory, one of Istanbul’s most significant industrial heritage sites. The campus serves not only as a modern educational center but also as a cultural hub that preserves and promotes the arts and heritage of the region. Regularly organized exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances enrich the cultural life of students, staff, and the broader community, reinforcing the university’s commitment to arts, culture, and historical preservation. More than 20 art and cultural activities were carried out in 2023.

 

 

The Rezan Has Museum, located within Kadir Has University, stands out as one of Istanbul’s prominent university museums. Recognized as a private museum by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and audited by the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, it serves as a cultural bridge connecting the rich historical legacy of the past with the vibrant artistic world of today.

 

The museum, housed in a 17th-century Ottoman building with an 11th-century Byzantine cistern, preserves a significant collection that includes nearly 9,000 years of archaeological artifacts, as well as documents and objects from the historic Cibali Tobacco and Cigarette Factory, acquired in 2009. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (except on the first day of religious holidays and January 1st), Rezan Has Museum continues to contribute to the global arts and heritage scene with its ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and engagement.

 

 

The museum has hosted various exhibitions and cultural activities, attracting both local and international visitors in 2023.

 

 

A panel event at Kadir Has University focused on the arts and heritage of the Urartian Period, highlighting recent research on Rezan Has Museum’s collection. Experts including Prof. Dr. Rafet Çavuşoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hanifi Biber, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orhan Varol from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, and Dr. Ümit Güder from Charles University, shared valuable insights into Urartian history and metallurgy. The event was free and open to all participants. Attendees with an interest in history, art, and the Urartian heritage had the opportunity to gain new knowledge about this ancient civilization.

 

 

 

Rezan Has Museum invited everyone to experience the European Archaeology Days from June 16-18, 2023. This free event offered guided tours and a restoration workshop, which were open to all. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the Ottoman-era ruins, an 11th-century Byzantine cistern, and unique exhibitions like the Archaeology of Daily Life and Urartian Belts. This arts and heritage event connected the past with the present.

 

 

 

Rezan Has Museum presented the Urartian Belts exhibition, featuring newly acquired and special belts from the Urartian civilization, which ruled Anatolia for 250 years. These significant artifacts, added to the collection with great effort and dedication, had traveled thousands of years to meet the present day. The exhibition was open from January 21 to May 31, 2023, and visited daily from 09:00 to 18:00 at Rezan Has Museum, located in Kadir Has University, Cibali Campus. The museum was free of charge and welcomed everyone interested in history and culture.

 

 

 

Kadir Has University also actively contributed to the local arts scene through student clubs. The university’s student clubs regularly organize public performances over 20 throughout the year, enriching the cultural life of the community. The Theater Club stages several productions each year, often presenting both classic plays and contemporary works, encouraging students to engage with performing arts. Meanwhile, the Music Club holds concerts that showcase a variety of musical genres, from classical to modern. Similarly, the Dance Club organizes performances that include modern dance, Latin dance, and hip-hop routines, often featured in cultural festivals on and off campus. The Folk Dances Club adds a traditional touch, presenting vibrant performances that highlight Turkey’s rich folk-dance heritage at public events. Additionally, the Arts Club frequently hosts exhibitions where students display their visual artwork, fostering a deeper appreciation for arts within the local community. These events not only entertain but also aim to connect students and the public, contributing positively to the local cultural landscape. Here some examples of the activities.

 

 

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Music Club plays an active role in enriching the local arts scene by providing a platform for students to explore and showcase their musical talents. Through regular performances and workshops, the club brings diverse musical genres to the university and surrounding community.

 

 

 

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Dance Club actively contributes to the local arts scene by promoting diverse forms of dance and creating a vibrant community of student dancers. The KHAS Dance Club not only enhances campus life but also engages the wider community, fostering an appreciation for dance and supporting the growth of new talent in the performing arts. 

 

 

 

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Folk Dance Club plays an essential role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage through traditional dance. By organizing performances, the club offers students a chance to connect with and showcase Turkey’s rich cultural traditions.

 

 

 

The KHAS Theater Club enriches campus life and brings theatrical arts closer to the local community, encouraging cultural appreciation and supporting the development of new talents in the performing arts.

 

 

 

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Art Club contributes to the local arts community by fostering creativity and self-expression among students through various artistic mediums. It connects the university with the surrounding community, promoting an appreciation for the visual arts and supporting the development of emerging artists.

 

 

 

 

The Kadir Has University Faculty of Arts and Design hosts an online exhibition platform where students can display their creative works. This virtual space features a diverse range of art forms, including visual arts, digital designs, photography, and multimedia projects, allowing students to share their talent with a broader audience. The platform aims to provide visibility for emerging artists and promote local arts in a modern, accessible format. By regularly updating the exhibits, it allows the broader community to engage with both traditional and digital interpretations of local culture. Some works from 2023 are below.

 

 

 

 

The KHAS Percussion Band, composed of students, academic, and administrative staff of Kadir Has University, aims to make local arts visible and draw attention to cultural heritage through the annual concerts it organizes. These concerts offer a unique musical experience by blending traditional rhythms with modern melodies. The event, accompanied by the rich rhythms of Anatolia, captures the interest of both university students and participants. Through these concerts, the KHAS Percussion Band fosters the meeting of different cultures and brings the energy of local music to a broader audience.

 

 

 

Kadir Has University Turkish Music Choir Spring Concert was held on Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023, at the D Block Grand Hall. The concert, conducted by Presidential Classical Turkish Music Choir Retired Artist Conductor Asuman Ercan, was open to all music lovers.