Atlas Pasajı (Atlas Passage) is one of the most beautiful arcades with the interior decorations and the ceiling ornaments and hosting many interesting shops, which is not to be missed visiting Istiklal Street. Built in 1877 as a private winter residence, designed in Renaissance Revival architectural style, and visited by Ottoman Sultans, Atlas Passage offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich past.

Atlas Passage became one of the most popular entertainment and culture venues in Istanbul after 1930s. A music hall called Moulin Rouge was opened and national and international notable singers of those years appeared on stage and revues and operettas were staged in 1940s.

In 1948, Atlas Sineması (Atlas Cinema), the movie theatre, was opened and became one of the biggest cinemas with 1800 seats in Beyoglu. Atlas Cinema underwent a restoration in 2021 and the former stage theater section was turned into Istanbul Cinema Museum. 

Atlas Passage is a perfect choice for modern-day flaneurs who want to get lost among many interesting shops selling various cultural products from jewellery to clothing and hand-craft accessories and who want to enjoy watching movies in a historical arcade.