Arts and heritage contribution

Arts and heritage contribution

Kadir Has University proudly embraces its historic Cibali Campus, originally the Cibali Tobacco Factory, one of Istanbul’s most significant industrial heritage sites. The campus serves not only as a modern educational center but also as a cultural hub that preserves and promotes the arts and heritage of the region. Regularly organized exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances enrich the cultural life of students, staff, and the broader community, reinforcing the university’s commitment to arts, culture, and historical preservation. More than 20 art and cultural activities were carried out in 2024.

Rezan Has Museum 

The Rezan Has Museum, located within Kadir Has University, stands out as one of Istanbul’s prominent university museums. Recognized as a private museum by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and audited by the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, it serves as a cultural bridge connecting the rich historical legacy of the past with the vibrant artistic world of today.

The museum, housed in a 17th-century Ottoman building with an 11th-century Byzantine cistern, preserves a significant collection that includes nearly 9,000 years of archaeological artifacts, as well as documents and objects from the historic Cibali Tobacco and Cigarette Factory, acquired in 2009. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (except on the first day of religious holidays and January 1st), Rezan Has Museum continues to contribute to the global arts and heritage scene with its ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and engagement.

The museum organized 1 seminar, 6 panels, 1 children’s workshop, and 2 guided tours within the framework of INRAP’s European Archaeology Days. Together with its newly launched selection, these events reached a total of 4,344 people. Over the course of the academic year, the museum welcomed 15,103 visitors.

For Kadir Has University students and staff, the museum conducted 7 guided tours, 5 adult workshops, and 4 workshops within summer and winter school programs, hosting a total of 53 participants.

Through its updated websites — www.kayipdiller.com and www.rhm.org.tr — as well as its presence on Sketchfab and Google Arts & Culture, the museum reached 49,543 online visitors. Social media and YouTube announcements further extended its outreach to approximately 77,000 people.

In accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum offered free admission every Thursday for all students and on designated days for all visitors. Within this framework, 6,281 visitors from 162 educational institutions and 449 visitors from 18 community groups of various age categories were hosted free of charge.

Rezan Has Museum has also made significant contributions to academic research. Three researchers from different institutions studied three distinct archaeological artifacts from the museum’s collection for their academic work. Additionally, one researcher used seven photographs from the Cibali Tobacco Factory Album in educational videos.

Within the scope of international academic collaborations, the museum supported several foreign researchers by providing access to museum publications, online exhibition materials, and visual resources. One researcher received photographs from the Cibali Tobacco Factory Album, and another was provided with a visual from the online exhibitions. Furthermore, a researcher from Slovenia visited the museum to study artifacts and is currently preparing an academic project based on this research.

Conservation and restoration work continued intensively in the museum’s two restoration laboratories, resulting in 22 restored artifacts being added to the museum inventory this year.

Rezan Has Museum continues to attract great interest from university students and staff, local residents, children, researchers, and art and culture enthusiasts. Through its contributions to culture, art, and archaeology, the museum continues to generate value for both the city and the academic community.

European Archaeology Days 2024

The European Archaeology Days event was held at Rezan Has Museum on Friday, June 14th, 2024, featuring a guided tour and a visit to the restoration workshop. Supported by the French Ministry of Culture since 2010 and organized by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), the European Archaeology Days took place between June 14–16, 2024, with the participation of Rezan Has Museum.

Located on the basement floor of Kadir Has University’s historic building, the Rezan Has Museum is a unique cultural space that incorporates the remains of a 17th-century Ottoman structure and an 11th-century Byzantine cistern. Since its opening in 2007, the museum has displayed a wide collection of archaeological artifacts ranging from the Neolithic to the Seljuk Periods, as well as historical documents and industrial objects from the Cibali Tobacco Factory.

During the event, participants were welcomed by the museum’s experts at Kadir Has University, followed by a guided tour through the exhibition. The tour concluded with a visit to the Byzantine cistern and the restoration studio, offering participants an in-depth look at the museum’s conservation practices and historical context.

Anatolian Languages and Cultures Panel Series at Rezan Has Museum

Organized within the framework of the Whispers of Extinct Languages III online exhibition, the Anatolian Languages and Cultures Panel Series continues to bring together distinguished scholars of Ancient History, Classical Philology, and Archaeology at the Rezan Has Museum, located within Kadir Has University in Istanbul.

Each panel offers a platform for experts to discuss the evolution of ancient Anatolian languages, scripts, and cultures, providing the public with the opportunity to engage with academic research in a museum setting. The series is free of charge and open to everyone, reflecting Kadir Has University’s commitment to public engagement and cultural accessibility.

• Panel I – March 21, 2024

Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sami Öztürk (Marmara University), with Prof. Dr. Hamdi Şahin (Istanbul University), Prof. Dr. Ferit Baz (Atatürk University), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Erten (Istanbul University) as speakers.
This opening session revisited the academic roots of Anatolian epigraphy and ancient languages, continuing the tradition initiated by Turkey’s first Epigraphy Symposium held at Rezan Has Museum in 2010. The discussion explored literary texts, ancient inscriptions, and linguistic interactions across Anatolia.

• Panel II – April 25, 2024

Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sami Öztürk
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Hamdi Şahin (Istanbul University)
Topic: Ancient History and Classical Philology: On the Nature of Ancient Literary Texts
This session examined the interplay between philology, history, and archaeology through the analysis of ancient literary works, offering insights into how textual traditions shaped our understanding of early civilizations.

• Panel III – June 20, 2024

Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sami Öztürk
Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Erten (Istanbul University)
Topic: Ancient Greek Language and Literature: The Dialects of Anatolia
The third panel focused on the regional diversity of Ancient Greek dialects found in Anatolia and their reflection in epigraphic and literary sources.

• Panel IV – October 17, 2024

Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sami Öztürk
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ferit Baz (Atatürk University)
Topic: Anatolia in the Hellenistic Period: Historical and Linguistic Perspectives
This session discussed the linguistic and cultural transformations in Anatolia following the conquests of Alexander the Great, emphasizing the intersections of language, identity, and political change.

• Panel V – December 19, 2024

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sami Öztürk
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Hasan Peker (Istanbul University, Chair of Hittitology)
Topic: Anatolian Hieroglyphic Luwian Studies
This lecture addressed the emergence of the Hittite state, the thousand-year history of Anatolian hieroglyphic writing, and its linguistic connections with Hittite, Luwian, and Hurrian languages, alongside recent archaeological discoveries.

• Panel VI – February 27, 2025

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Sami Öztürk
Speaker: Ali Oğuz Bozkurt (PhD Candidate, Istanbul University)
Topic: Ancient Language of the Nile Valley: Language and Writing Systems of Ancient Egypt from Archaic Egyptian to Coptic
The latest session offered a historical overview of the Egyptian language from its archaic forms to Coptic, covering the development of writing systems, hieroglyphic texts, and the rediscovery of Egypt’s linguistic heritage.

Through this ongoing series, Rezan Has Museum and Kadir Has University continue to strengthen the connection between academic research and public culture, fostering an open and informed dialogue about the ancient civilizations that shaped Anatolia and its neighboring regions.

Discussions on the Urartian Collection of the Rezan Has Museum

A panel event at Kadir Has University focused on the arts and heritage of the Urartian Period, highlighting recent research on Rezan Has Museum’s collection. Experts including Prof. Dr. Rafet Çavuşoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hanifi Biber, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orhan Varol from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, and Dr. Ümit Güder from Charles University, shared valuable insights into Urartian history and metallurgy. The event was free and open to all participants. Attendees with an interest in history, art, and the Urartian heritage had the opportunity to gain new knowledge about this ancient civilization.

Urartian Belts Exhibition

Rezan Has Museum presented the Urartian Belts exhibition, featuring newly acquired and special belts from the Urartian civilization, which ruled Anatolia for 250 years. These significant artifacts, added to the collection with great effort and dedication, had traveled thousands of years to meet the present day. The exhibition was visited daily from 09:00 to 18:00 at Rezan Has Museum, located in Kadir Has University, Cibali Campus. The museum was free of charge and welcomed everyone interested in history and culture.

Student Clubs Activities

Kadir Has University actively enriches both its campus life and the wider local arts and cultural scene through the diverse activities of its student clubs. These clubs organize more than 20 public events and performances each year, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the community while promoting creativity, cultural awareness, and social responsibility.

The Theater Club stages multiple productions annually, featuring both classical and contemporary works that inspire students to explore the performing arts. The Music Club hosts concerts covering a range of genres—from classical to modern—bringing together audiences from within and beyond the university. The Dance Club presents dynamic shows, including modern, Latin, and hip-hop performances, often showcased during cultural festivals on and off campus. The Folk Dances Club preserves Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage through lively traditional dance performances, while the Arts Club organizes exhibitions that display students’ visual artworks and design projects.

Through these artistic and cultural initiatives, KHAS fosters community engagement, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive participation, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Below is the list of student clubs at Kadir Has University and the SDGs they actively support through their events, projects, and community-based initiatives.

KHAS Music Club

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Music Club plays an active role in enriching the local arts scene by providing a platform for students to explore and showcase their musical talents. Through regular performances and workshops, the club brings diverse musical genres to the university and surrounding community.

KHAS Dance Club

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Dance Club actively contributes to the local arts scene by promoting diverse forms of dance and creating a vibrant community of student dancers. The KHAS Dance Club not only enhances campus life but also engages the wider community, fostering an appreciation for dance and supporting the growth of new talent in the performing arts. 

KHAS Folk Dance Club

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Folk Dance Club plays an essential role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage through traditional dance. By organizing performances, the club offers students a chance to connect with and showcase Turkey’s rich cultural traditions.

KHAS Theatre Club

The KHAS Theater Club enriches campus life and brings theatrical arts closer to the local community, encouraging cultural appreciation and supporting the development of new talents in the performing arts.

KHAS Art Club

The Kadir Has University (KHAS) Art Club contributes to the local arts community by fostering creativity and self-expression among students through various artistic mediums. It connects the university with the surrounding community, promoting an appreciation for the visual arts and supporting the development of emerging artists.

Student Clubs and Their Contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 

Below you can find the list of student clubs at Kadir Has University and the SDGs they are actively contributing to through their events, projects, and community initiatives.

OTHER ART ACTIVITIES

KHAS Faculty of Arts and Design has an online exhibition platform: KHAS FADFORT

The Kadir Has University Faculty of Arts and Design hosts an online exhibition platform where students can display their creative works. This virtual space features a diverse range of art forms, including visual arts, digital designs, photography, and multimedia projects, allowing students to share their talent with a broader audience. The platform aims to provide visibility for emerging artists and promote local arts in a modern, accessible format. By regularly updating the exhibits, it allows the broader community to engage with both traditional and digital interpretations of local culture. Some works from 2024 are below.

KHAS Percussion Group’s (HASBAND) Performances

The KHAS Percussion Band, composed of students, academic, and administrative staff of Kadir Has University, aims to make local arts visible and draw attention to cultural heritage through the annual concerts it organizes. These concerts offer a unique musical experience by blending traditional rhythms with modern melodies. The event, accompanied by the rich rhythms of Anatolia, captures the interest of both university students and participants. Through these concerts, the KHAS Percussion Band fosters the meeting of different cultures and brings the energy of local music to a broader audience.

KHAS Turkish Music Choir Spring Concert

Kadir Has University Turkish Music Choir Spring Concert was held on Friday evening, May 23, 2024, at the D Block Grand Hall. The concert, conducted by Presidential Classical Turkish Music Choir Retired Artist Conductor Asuman Ercan, was open to all music lovers.

Cruella Night

On Thursday, December 19, the “Cruella” Movie Night was successfully held at Cinema B. The event brought together participants from various departments for an evening that combined fashion and cinema in a creative and entertaining atmosphere.

Throughout the night, attendees embraced the Cruella-inspired dress code, showcasing stylish and imaginative outfits in red, white, and black, adding vibrant energy to the event. The screening of Cruella was met with enthusiasm, and the audience engaged actively in discussions about the film’s themes of individuality, creativity, and rebellion.

The event highlighted the intersection of film, design, and self-expression, creating a platform where participants could both enjoy a cinematic experience and celebrate their personal style. Overall, “Cruella Night” was a lively and visually dynamic gathering that perfectly closed the semester’s cultural events.

Discovery Stage Event Summary

The “Discovery Stage” event was successfully held at Kadir Has University, bringing together the university’s most talented music and performance groups on one stage. The event created an energetic and inspiring atmosphere, highlighting the creativity and stage presence of student performers. 

Throughout the event, the audience actively participated in a voting session organized by the club. As a result of the votes, two groups were selected to perform at the upcoming New Year’s Carnival, earning the opportunity to showcase their talents once again in front of a larger audience. 

The Discovery Stage not only provided a platform for student artists to express themselves but also strengthened the sense of community and collaboration among participants. Overall, it was a dynamic and engaging event that reflected the vibrant cultural spirit of Kadir Has University.

Jam Session

The “Jam Session” was successfully held at at A Block Hall, bringing together our community’s musician members for an open, collaborative performance. Throughout the evening, rotating lineups improvised across genres and instruments, creating a lively atmosphere that encouraged spontaneous collaboration and audience interaction.

Resif34 Kıyıfest

The 3rd annual “Resif34 Kıyıfest” took place on May 11, 2024, at Kadir Has University Silivri Technopark, in collaboration with Silivri Municipality and Kadir Has University. The event successfully combined environmental awareness, community engagement, and creativity in a full-day program. 

Highlights of the Event:

• Seminar: Participants attended an informative session focused on the importance of marine conservation and sustainable coastal living.

• Coastal Cleanup Activity: Volunteers joined forces to clean the shoreline, collecting waste and raising awareness about ocean pollution.

• Workshop: Attendees enjoyed a creative session designing unique pieces using seashells and natural materials.

• Lunch & Snacks: The event included a communal lunch and sweet treats that fostered a friendly, social atmosphere.

• Concert: The day concluded with a lively music performance, creating a joyful and energetic closing to the festival.

Karaoke Party

The Karaoke Party was held at A Block, Gallery KHAS Door at 16:30, bringing together students and staff for a lively, community-building gathering.

Overview

• Participants pre-registered via the application form, ensuring smooth flow and a balanced performance queue.

• The audience included both performers and supporters, creating an encouraging, high-energy atmosphere.

Program & Atmosphere

• Rotating performances featured solo and group renditions across diverse genres.

• Spontaneous duets and audience sing-alongs boosted engagement and inclusivity.

• The venue setup supported quick transitions, keeping momentum high throughout the event.

Art Club

The Art Club’s New Year-themed Candle Painting Workshop was successfully held at C Block Amphitheatre on December 13 at 18:00. Participants customized candles using acrylics and markers, exploring techniques such as color blocking, stencil use, and simple patterning suited for curved surfaces.

STRANGE DAYS

The screening of Strange Days (1995) drew a strong turnout and lively engagement from sci-fi enthusiasts. The film’s tense portrait of late-millennial Los Angeles and its focus on illicit memory-recording technology sparked active discussion both during and after the session.

Cinema & Photography in the Shadow of War

Co-hosted by the Cinema Club and the Photography Club, the session featured a talk with Özer Bereket followed by a screening of Civil War. The program examined the practice and ethics of war reporting and photojournalism, and reflected on how conflict shapes individual and collective experience.

Program Highlights

• Talk with Özer Bereket:

  • Behind-the-scenes methods in conflict zones (access, verification, risk management)

  • Ethical considerations: consent, representation, and trauma-informed storytelling

  • The role of image-making in public memory and policy debates

• Film Screening — Civil War:

  • Audience focused on the film’s depiction of frontline perspective, media responsibility, and the tension between witness and participation

  • Comparative discussion linking real-world practices to the film’s narrative choices

“Together Forever” — Screening & Talk Event

Hosted by Sinehas Film Club, the program featured a screening of Together Forever followed by a Q&A with the creative team: Director Zeynep Sude Karabulut and Producers Güven Can Bulut & Kerem Uluçay. The film’s portrayal of co-dependency and ruptured harmony prompted an engaged audience discussion.

Program Highlights

• Screening: Strong audience focus on character dynamics and visual storytelling choices.

• Q&A Session:

  • Student filmmaking challenges: budgeting, team building, festival strategy

  • Breaking into the industry: networking, pitching, short-to-feature pathways

  • Balancing creativity & practicality: time management on set, iterative script work

• BTS Showcase: Select behind-the-scenes clips from the team’s other projects illustrated workflow, set etiquette, and problem-solving under constraints.

The World of TV Meets the Youth!

Organized by the Association of Popular Culture and Arts in collaboration with EPISODE, Turkey’s first and only TV culture magazine, “Series Days” took place at Kadir Has University on November 14–15.
With support from the General Directorate of Cinema and Kadir Has University, the event hosted the creators, screenwriters, actors, and producers of series that have attracted major interest in Turkey and around the world.