Süreyya Opera House

Süreyya Opera House is a historic opera building located on Bahariye Street in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul. Constructed in 1927 by Süreyya İlmen Paşa, it holds the distinction of being the first opera house on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. However, due to deficiencies in its stage and technical infrastructure, it was used for many years as a cinema hall.

History

The foundations of Süreyya Opera House were laid when Süreyya İlmen Paşa, who served as a member of parliament for Istanbul in the 1920s, was inspired by the theaters and opera houses he encountered during his travels in Europe. Recognizing the lack of a similar cultural infrastructure in Istanbul, Paşa decided to commission a building in Kadıköy that could host both artistic and social events.

Construction began in 1924 on Bahariye Street in Kadıköy, and the building opened on 6 March 1927 under the name “Süreyya Operetta.” However, due to the absence of adequate stage facilities and artist rooms, opera and operetta performances could not be staged; instead, the building primarily hosted theatrical plays and, from 1930 onward, cinema screenings. During this period, Nazım Hikmet’s father, Hikmet Nâzım, became the first manager of the cinema.

In 1936, a summer cinema section was added to the building. In 1994, seats imported from Spain were installed, and a 3D-compatible screen and sound system were installed. In 2003, technical equipment was updated, the machine room was repaired, and the curtain systems were replaced with electronic rails.

In 1950, Süreyya İlmen Paşa donated the building to the Darüşşafaka Society, but stipulated that he and his wife retain the right to benefit from its revenues during their lifetimes. Paşa passed away in 1955, and his wife Adalet İlmen in 1966. In subsequent years, the building was used for various purposes; the ballroom on the upper floor hosted weddings and theatrical events.

Architectural Features

The architect of the building was Kegham Kavafyan. The foyer was designed in the Art Deco style, inspired by the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, while the interior reflects the classical characteristics of German theaters. The ceiling frescoes were created by the Russian-born painter Naci Kalmukoğlu (Kalmukov) and restored to their original state. Walls and interior panels are adorned with gilded cartonnage. The relief sculptures on the stage and within the auditorium were crafted by İhsan Özsoy, one of Turkey’s first sculptors. The building, with its architectural details, reflects the European theater decoration aesthetics of its time.

Süreyya Opera House, Current Appearance (Istanbul Governorship)

Art Deco Features

Art Deco is a design movement that gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by geometric forms, symmetry, and the use of luxurious materials. The architecture of Süreyya Opera House clearly reflects these defining characteristics:

Geometric Decorations: The façade and interior spaces feature geometric patterns and figurative reliefs typical of Art Deco.

Ceiling Frescoes and Gilded Cartonnage: The interior ceiling decorations are adorned with frescoes and gilded cartonnage that reflect the luxury sensibilities of the era.

Symmetry and Balance: The emphasis on symmetry characteristic of Art Deco is evident in the overall design and spatial arrangement of the building.

These features have transformed Süreyya Opera House into not only a cultural center but also a significant architectural work that embodies the aesthetic values of its time.

Restoration and Current Use

In 2005, the Kadıköy Municipality leased the building from the Darüşşafaka Society for 40 years and initiated a comprehensive restoration. The restoration work was carried out according to a project prepared by architect Cafer Bozkurt, during which the building was reinforced against earthquakes and fire, an orchestra pit was added, and the stage technical infrastructure was completed. On 14 December 2007, Süreyya Opera House reopened with Ahmet Adnan Saygun’s “Yunus Emre Oratorio” and has since served as the Anatolian side venue of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.

Süreyya Opera House, Main Auditorium (Istanbul Provincial Governorship)

Today, with a seating capacity of 570, it hosts opera and ballet performances, concerts, and various cultural events. Additionally, the ballroom on the upper floor, with a capacity of 500, is used for special events.