Did you know that the French station building is a historical and cultural symbol of Karşıyaka?
The station was built in 1865 as part of the Basmane-Bandırma line, one of the first railways of the Ottoman Empire. The station building was designed by French architect Raymond Charles Péré. The building is in neo-classical style and is a large two-storey building. It is decorated with arched windows, columned entrance on the front, triangular pediment and columns. It was used until the 1990s and was closed in 2000.
Many years ago, I woke up in the heart of Karşıyaka with the sound of the railways. When I opened my eyes, I saw a historical building in front of me, it was dazzling. This station shed light on the history of Karşıyaka. Here, connections were established with different transportations and it became the meeting point of the people of Karşıyaka. Businesses such as coffee houses, restaurants, barbers and tailors also served here. However, this station was no longer in use.
The station was closed for use within the scope of the İZBAN project in 2006 and a new station was built underground. The historical station building is used as Karşıyaka youth center and it continues to live as a part of Karşıyaka’s cultural heritage.
Caner I.
