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Tersane Istanbul, also known as Haliçport, is an urban development on the north shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. It replaces what was once the Ottoman Imperial Shipyard.
Introduction to Tersane Istanbul
Much of what was once the Ottoman Imperial Shipyard is currently undergoing an urban redevelopment transformation aimed at reclaiming two kilometers of shoreline along the Golden Horn for public use. The Tersane Istanbul project will see 242,000 square meters of the old industrial space converted into a mixed-use complex consisting of retail space, 4 luxury hotels, restaurants, residential units, 3 museums, performance space, marinas, and a shoreline promenade. Much like Galataport, it has great economic potential.
Some sections started opening in September 2024 and the rest will roll out gradually (as of June 2025). The historic Aynalıkavak Pavilion will be part of the project and there will also be the new Museum of Women’s Culture. The Sadberk Hanım Museum, currently in Büyükdere, will also relocate there in the future. Check the official website for more information.
Ottoman Imperial Shipyard
The former eyesore on the northern shore of the Golden Horn was once the Ottoman Imperial Shipyard (Tersâne-i Âmire). The photos below were taken during a ride on the Golden Horn ferry line before work on the Tersane Istanbul project began.
Construction on the Imperial Shipyard began in 1454 under Mehmed II, shortly after the Fall of Constantinople. It was finished during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II.
During the winter of 1513 to 1514, Sultan Selim I began a major development and expansion of the shipyard. 160 dry docks were constructed by 1515 and it became the main base of the Ottoman Navy. The shipyard stretched from Kasımpaşa to Hasköy and was one of the largest in the world.
Between 1546 and 1549, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha (1506-1579) built a storehouse behind each dock. He also built a wall on the land side of the shipyard to prevent spies from peering in. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was the Grand Admiral (Kaptan-ı Derya) of the Ottoman Navy at the time.
Modernization of the Ottoman Imperial Shipyard
After suffering terrible losses during the Russo-Turkish War from 1768 to 1774, Grand Admiral Cezayirli Hasan Pasha (1713-1790) established the Turkish Naval Academy. He also called on French naval experts to teach Ottoman shipbuilders new modern techniques.
By the time Sultan Abdülmecid I came to power in the mid 19th century, the Imperial Shipyard had fallen into disrepair and underinvestment. He launched a major modernization program and the shipyard became relevant once again.
Division of the Ottoman Imperial Shipyard
In 1913, the Imperial Shipyard was divided into three parts. The Taşkızak Shipyard was left to the navy while the Golden Horn Shipyard and Camialtı Shipyard were sold to private companies. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938) ordered their renovation and modernization on July 1, 1933. Equipment was upgraded and new mechanical tools were purchased.
Golden Horn Shipyard
While most of the shipyard towards Hasköy became abandoned and fell into ruin, the Golden Horn Shipyard (Haliç Tersanesi) in Kasımpaşa continues operating today. It has been affiliated with the Istanbul City Lines (Şehir Hatları) since October 1, 2010.
The Golden Horn Shipyard covers 70 acres and contains 3 dry docks, 2 sledges, and several workshops and historic sites. Maintenance on City Lines ferries takes place there.
The dry docks at the Golden Horn Shipyard were built during the Ottoman period. Dry Dock #3 was built between 1796 and 1799, #2 was built between 1821 and 1825, and #3 was built between 1857 and 1870.
