Silent Witness of the History: The Story of the Secret Tunnel on İstiklal Street

One of the liveliest spots in İstanbul, İstiklal Street in Beyoğlu is a favorite of visitors from different cities in Turkey and abroad, as well as those living in İstanbul. Standing out with its historical buildings, shopping venues, restaurants and cafes, İstiklal Street managed to come to the fore again with the secret tunnel that was discovered during the restoration works in Rumeli Han in 2017. How about exploring this mysterious tunnel in Rumeli Han together? If your answer is “Yes.”, then let’s take a closer look at the story of the secret tunnel.

A Brief Look at the History of Rumeli Han

Built in 1894 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II by the Grand Chamberlain Sarıcazade Ragıp Pasha, Rumeli Han is an extremely magnificent structure with its architecture and historical texture. The main entrance door of this inn, which has a neoclassical style in general, is also designed in an eclectic style on the street side. Baroque and imperial decorations are also frequently used in the structure.

Ragıp Pasha, who had Rumeli Han built, was also one of the leading merchants of the period and had two other inns that were built along with this inn. Among these inns that symbolize the continents under the rule of the Ottoman Empire are the Afrika Han, the Anadolu Han, which symbolizes the Asian continent and the Rumeli Han, which symbolizes the European continent. There are also rumors that there is a wide network of tunnels that were connecting these three inns. It is also rumored that if Ragıp Pasha had lived long enough, he would have wanted to have inns symbolizing the Australian and American continents built.

Rumeli Han, which was initially open to tradesmen, included the Rebul Pharmacy, which opened in 1895 and is still known today, and the famous Abdullah Efendi Restaurant, which operated from 1915 to the 1960s. In the 1990s, cafes opened and the Rumeli Han began to host theaters and concert halls and artist workshops.

In the restoration work that was carried out in 2017, a mysterious tunnel was discovered in Rumeli Han. It is possible to say that this secret tunnel attracted great interest. Now, let’s take a closer look at this secret tunnel.

The Mysterious World Beneath the Rumeli Inn

It is known that the secret tunnel, which was discovered during the restoration that began in 2017, covers an area of ​​1400 square meters and consists of various chambers. It is said that the main corridor in the tunnel is connected to other inns, but this information has not yet been proven. However, there are some theories that were put forward by historians and researchers about the purpose of the tunnel.

The Most Common Rumors About the Purpose of the Secret Tunnel

According to the widely accepted view, this tunnel may have been built to allow noble and wealthy people to pass from building to building without mingling with the public. It is thought that such passages around İstiklal Street, one of the most popular living areas in İstanbul at that time, might have been built to protect the privacy of the privileged class.

In addition, since there were tradesmen’s shops in the inn, it is also possible that needs such as transportation and storage of goods were met through the tunnel.

The Purpose of Use of the Secret Taksim Underground Tunnel Today

The tunnel, which was registered as an ancient artifact that needs to be protected by the decision of the Supreme Council of Monuments, is currently being worked on to host cultural and artistic activities. It is planned that this historical area will be used for many art events, from painting workshops to exhibitions and concerts. If you would like to explore this mysterious tunnel, which is open to visitors, you can visit Rumeli Han on İstiklal Street.

How to Arrive in Rumeli Han?

Rumeli Han, located on İstiklal Street in the Beyoğlu district of İstanbul, is right next to the Aga Mosque. You can easily reach Taksim by public transportation to visit the inn, which is only a few minutes’ walk from Taksim Square. You can reach Taksim by Marmara, metro, metrobus, tram, bus or minibus and you can also use ferries or minibuses departing from the Anatolian Side.

The Next Stop of the Journey to the Past: Pera Palace Hotel

If you would like to visit another magnificent structure after discovering Rumeli Han and the secret tunnel, you can take your route to the Pera Palace Hotel. The hotel, one of the most special and magnificent structures in İstanbul, is only 1.6 kilometers and 5 minutes away from Rumeli Han.

Dating back to the 19th century and combining the past with today’s modernism, you can witness history at Pera Palace Hotel, participate in various cultural and artistic events and enjoy scrumptious foods that are served in stylish restaurants. If you wish, you can renew your energy with the facilities such as SPA, massage, jacuzzi, Turkish bath and indoor pool that are provided by the hotel. You can contact the Pera Palace Hotel to learn more about the hotel and its services and make your reservation right away.