Product Description
Located in the inner part of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, and nestled around the historic Eyüp district, is a narrow, elongated stretch of coastline where steep hills meet the sea. On this coastline stood a famous factory that operated continuously from 1835 to 1986, and was well-known to everyone: initially known as Feshane, and later, before its demolition, as the Sümerbank Feshane Defterdar Factory.
In this book, Professor Önder Küçükerman examines the Feshane-i Amire factory, a key institution in the history of Ottoman industrialization. The Feshane-i Amire, a tangible manifestation of the impact of the Western industrial revolution in these lands, represents a turning point in itself. The establishment of the factory led to social and cultural transformations, directly impacting urban life and the world of work. This work, a meticulous example of cultural history that pays attention to detail, presents both the fundamental motifs of Ottoman-Turkish modernization and Istanbul to the reader. The book meticulously documents the history of the Feshane, from its establishment in 1835 to its closure as Sümerbank in 1986, supported by extensive archival research. The Feshane factory, which played a crucial role in the modernization of the army, not only produced fez hats and woolen fabrics but also a wide range of related products, such as military boots, buttons, gun holsters, and insignia, further expanding its production scope and contributing to the changing landscape of the city.
Professor Dr. Önder Küçükerman, in his account of the Feshane-i Amire factory, creates a world that appeals not only to professional historians but also to all those fascinated by Istanbul. He uses a smooth and calm style, interspersed with elements reminiscent of a documentary, and accompanied by visual materials. To engage with this world is to understand what happened there, to reflect on our own strengths and weaknesses, and to look back at our past.