Hazzopulo Passage, built between 1850-1871, is a popular arcade with a central courtyard connecting Istiklal Street to Mesrutiyet Street. According to various sources, the passage is named after either a Greek merchant M. Hacopulo or a Greek banker K. I. Hatzopoulos or a Galata banker Y. Z. Hacopulo. On contrary to its naming, records are clear that the passage was Istanbul’s first shopping and fashion center when it opened. There used to be prominent designers, men’s and women’s tailors, hat makers, shoemakers, and embroiderers in this arcade during the second half of the 19th century. Another important aspect of the passage was that İbret Gazette was published here in 1872-1873. One of its writers was Namık Kemal, who was regarded as the first lead writer in our press history.
The façade of the passage on Istiklal Street features Neoclassical style, while the inner courtyard is more neo-Renaissance style. The stones on the floor of the passage, Podima Stone, were collected from Podima village (now called Yaliköy), whose residents were Ottoman Greeks then. Those stones were frequently used in gardens across Istanbul until 1950s.
A side passage leads to the secluded Greek Orthodox Church of Panagia Isodion which was built in 1804.
The arcade is accessed to Istiklal Street through a narrow passage lined with jewelry and accessory shops on both sides and opens to a nice courtyard full of cafés and tea gardens where you can hear teaspoons clinking, tea sellers shouting and people chatting over freshly brewed Turkish tea.
HappyHomesIstanbul invites you to explore the arcades of Beyoglu and enjoy their rich history and local culture. Our homes are within a walking distance from Hazzopulo Passage.
