The Haliç Congress Centre, formerly known as the Karağaç Slaughterhouse or Sütlüce Slaughterhouse, has a rich past that dates back to its opening in 1923. It’s a great place to visit for the day if you’re in the mood for a change from the usual tourist attractions of Istanbul.

Origins and Purpose
◦ The centre was originally established to ensure hygienic slaughtering and supervision in Istanbul.
◦ Its architect, Vedat Tek, designed the building with this specific purpose in mind.

Private Slaughterhouses
◦ Prior to the establishment of the Haliç Congress Centre, various districts in Istanbul had their own private slaughterhouses.
◦ Despite being inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture, these facilities were often in poor condition.

Post-War Changes
◦ During World War I, the number of slaughterhouses in Istanbul was reduced to 147.
◦ After the war, this number further decreased to just 22.
◦ Responsibility for inspections shifted from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Şehremaneti (city government).

Construction and Opening
◦ In response to increasing public complaints, the foundations of the Sütlüce Slaughterhouse were laid on November 29, 1919.
◦ The construction cost was 396,000 liras.
◦ On July 12, 1923, the slaughterhouse officially began operations following an elaborate opening ceremony.

Evolution and Transformation
◦ Over time, the slaughterhouse underwent various changes. It became independent in 1928 under the name of the Karaağaç Institutions Assembly Administration.
◦ Later, in 1932, it became part of the Istanbul Municipality as the Karaağaç Institutions Directorate.
◦ However, due to concerns about pollution in the Golden Horn, the facility transitioned to operating solely as a meat distribution centre after 1985.

Cultural Renaissance
◦ Bedrettin Dalan, the mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, envisioned transforming the idle slaughterhouse into a cultural centre.
◦ This vision was realised as part of the Golden Horn project.
◦ Although several plans were proposed, none were implemented until the centre’s renovation in 2009.

Modern Era
◦ Since 2009, the Haliç Congress Centre has been a hub for national and international events, hosting conferences, meetings, and cultural gatherings.
◦ Its unique location on the shores of the Golden Horn adds to its allure, combining aesthetics, flexibility, and natural light.

Haliç Congress Centre has successfully evolved from its original function as a slaughterhouse to become a vibrant cultural and congress venue, bridging the past and the present in the heart of Istanbul.