{"id":28214,"date":"2025-09-17T15:01:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T12:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.khas.edu.tr\/?page_id=28214"},"modified":"2025-11-07T14:47:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T11:47:11","slug":"public-access-to-buildings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.khas.edu.tr\/en\/public-access-to-buildings\/","title":{"rendered":"Public access to buildings"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Kadir Has University (KHAS), founded in 1997 in Istanbul, is deeply committed to sustainability in education, research, and campus life. The University aims to become a national and international leader in both academic excellence and cultural preservation while actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its teaching, research, and community engagement.<\/p>\n

With its five faculties\u2014Art and Design, Communication, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences, and Law\u2014KHAS integrates sustainability and ethical values into its curricula and institutional practices, shaping a generation of responsible global citizens.<\/p>\n

\"Mezunlar<\/p>\n

Cibali Campus: A Heritage Site<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Located on the Golden Horn in Istanbul\u2019s Fatih district, the Cibali Campus demonstrates how historical architecture can be adapted for sustainable education. Once home to the Tekel Cibali Tobacco Factory\u2014an industrial complex established in 1884\u2014the site was repurposed by Kadir Has University after 1997. Guided by Dr. Mehmet Alper\u2019s architectural vision, the transformation preserved the original industrial character while integrating green technologies, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly materials.<\/p>\n

This careful restoration earned KHAS the Europa Nostra Award for its outstanding contribution to cultural heritage preservation and sustainable urban renewal. The campus now spans 50,000 square meters and hosts the Rectorate, faculties, laboratories, the Information Center, performance halls, and social spaces\u2014all designed around eco-conscious infrastructure and resource-efficient systems.<\/p>\n

Importantly, the Cibali Campus is open to the public, allowing citizens and visitors to experience its historic architecture, exhibitions, and landscaped courtyards. The Rezan Has Museum, situated within the campus, provides free and appointment-based access to archaeological collections and rotating exhibitions, enabling the public to engage directly with Istanbul\u2019s industrial and cultural heritage. In this way, KHAS not only preserves the architectural legacy of the Tekel Factory but also ensures its continued role as a living cultural and educational landmark in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n

Historical and Cultural Context<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cibali district, framed by the ancient Byzantine walls, represents one of Istanbul\u2019s oldest neighborhoods. Its strategic location by the harbor made it a center of trade and shipbuilding during the Ottoman period. The area\u2019s evolution\u2014from the Porto del Pozzo harbor to a bustling tobacco factory and finally to a modern university campus\u2014illustrates how adaptive reuse of heritage sites can promote sustainable urban regeneration.<\/p>\n

Built in 1884, the Cibali Tobacco Factory served as one of the most significant industrial facilities of its time, employing over 2,000 workers\u2014many of them women\u2014and contributing greatly to the city\u2019s economic and social life. After decades of operation, the factory was closed in the mid-1990s, marking the end of an era in Istanbul\u2019s industrial history. In 1997, the site was transferred to Kadir Has University, which initiated an extensive restoration and conservation process.<\/p>\n

Since then, KHAS has preserved and continuously used the historic factory buildings as part of its Cibali Campus, ensuring that the architectural integrity and cultural value of the site are maintained. The carefully restored complex now hosts classrooms, laboratories, exhibition spaces, and the Rezan Has Museum, blending education, culture, and history in a single setting.<\/p>\n

Today, Kadir Has University\u2019s commitment to protecting and revitalizing this heritage site stands as an inspiring example of how cultural identity, academic innovation, and environmental sustainability can coexist harmoniously. Through its publicly accessible campus, exhibitions, and guided tours, KHAS continues to strengthen its connection with Istanbul\u2019s cultural memory while offering the community direct access to a living piece of the city\u2019s industrial and architectural heritage.<\/p>\n

\"Kadir<\/p>\n

Selimpa\u015fa Campus<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Opened in 1998 on the Silivri seafront, the Selimpa\u015fa Campus covers 100,000 square meters and embodies KHAS\u2019s commitment to green innovation. The campus was recently designated a Technological Development Zone (Technopark) and is being developed in partnership with Silivri Municipality to foster research and entrepreneurship in sustainable technologies.<\/p>\n

As the only active technopark within 100 kilometers between Avc\u0131lar and \u00c7orlu, Selimpa\u015fa focuses on ten strategic areas linked to the SDGs:
Agriculture and Green Transformation, Disaster Management, Energy, Robotics, Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Health, Finance, and Advanced Materials.<\/p>\n

The Selimpa\u015fa Campus is publicly accessible, featuring open coastal green spaces, recreational areas, and walking routes that connect the community to the natural environment. Visitors can freely access these outdoor areas for leisure, educational activities, and public events. Through this open campus design, KHAS promotes environmental awareness, community well-being, and inclusive access to nature\u2014turning the campus into a model of how technological innovation can coexist with sustainable environmental stewardship.<\/p>\n

Public Access to Cultural and Natural Heritage<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kadir Has University ensures that its campuses remain open, inclusive, and accessible to the public, integrating sustainability with community participation.<\/p>\n

At the Cibali Campus, public access is available to the Rezan Has Museum, courtyards, and historical spaces within the restored Tekel Factory complex. These areas host cultural events, exhibitions, and academic symposia, inviting the public to experience Istanbul\u2019s industrial heritage within a contemporary educational setting.<\/p>\n

At the Selimpa\u015fa Campus, public green areas and coastal walkways are open to both students and local residents, creating opportunities for outdoor recreation, scientific engagement, and environmental education.<\/p>\n

Through these open-access initiatives, KHAS contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reinforcing its mission to serve not only as an educational institution but also as a cultural and social resource for the community.<\/p>\n

\"Resim\"<\/p>\n

Rezan Has Museum: Preserving and Sharing Istanbul\u2019s Cultural Heritage<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Located within Kadir Has University\u2019s Cibali Campus on the shores of the Golden Horn, the Rezan Has Museum stands as a bridge between Istanbul\u2019s ancient past and its contemporary academic life. Open to the public since May 2007 with its inaugural exhibition \u201cTimeless Simplicity\u201d during the 11th International Conference on Oriental Carpets, the Museum has since become an active cultural center hosting original exhibitions, research events, and art programs.<\/p>\n

The Museum\u2019s permanent collection dates back nearly 9,000 years, featuring artifacts from Anatolia\u2019s prehistoric and classical civilizations. In 2009, the collection expanded to include documents and industrial objects from the Cibali Tobacco Factory, enriching its narrative of Istanbul\u2019s urban and industrial transformation. Within its exhibition space lie two remarkable archaeological structures that connect visitors directly with the city\u2019s layered heritage: a 11th-century Byzantine water cistern (the Seferikos Cistern) and the remains of a 17th-century Ottoman structure believed to have been used for water management.<\/p>\n

The Byzantine cistern, built from stone, terracotta bricks, and lime mortar, consists of 48 arches, 15 piers, and 20 columns\u2014some of which display capitals from different periods between the Early Byzantine and Middle Byzantine eras. After losing its original function, the cistern served successively as a tobacco warehouse for the factory and later as a food storage depot during World War II. The Ottoman-era remains adjoining it add another layer to this complex history, demonstrating the continuity of Istanbul\u2019s water and urban systems through the centuries.<\/p>\n

Today, the Rezan Has Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year and plays a vital role in public education and cultural preservation. It operates under an open-access policy, inviting both the University community and the wider public to explore its exhibitions, heritage architecture, and research programs. The Museum is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, except on the first day of religious holidays and on January 1st, and offers free and appointment-based entry for individuals, school groups, and researchers.<\/p>\n

Easily accessible by public transport through the \u0130stanbul Metropolitan Municipality\u2019s IETT \u201cNas\u0131l Giderim\u201d route planner, the Museum ensures convenient entry for all visitors. Its location\u2014Kadir Has University, Cibali Mah. Kadir Has Cad. 34083 Fatih, Istanbul\u2014places it within one of the city\u2019s most historically significant districts, allowing people to experience culture, archaeology, and education in the same space.<\/p>\n

By maintaining open public access to its collections, archaeological remains, and historic architecture, Kadir Has University affirms its role as a steward of Istanbul\u2019s tangible and intangible heritage, turning its campus into a living museum that connects the past, present, and future of cultural sustainability.<\/p>\n

For more information: https:\/\/www.rhm.org.tr\/en\/visit\/<\/p>\n

\"Resim<\/p>\n

Promotional Activities<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kadir Has University organizes comprehensive promotional activities each year to help prospective students and their families explore the University\u2019s academic programs, campus life, and facilities. These activities aim to strengthen KHAS\u2019s relationship with secondary education institutions and provide accurate, inspiring information to guide university choices.<\/p>\n

As part of the annual \u201cKadir Has University Introduction and Promotion Programme,\u201d high school students, guidance counselors, and families are invited to visit the Cibali Campus, meet with faculty members, learn about undergraduate and graduate programs, and take guided campus tours. Visitors also have the opportunity to attend presentations about scholarships, international exchange programs, double major options, and student clubs.<\/p>\n

In addition to on-campus events, KHAS engages in school visits and online information sessions to reach a wider audience beyond Istanbul. Through these efforts, the University ensures that students from various regions of T\u00fcrkiye gain insight into KHAS\u2019s academic quality, research culture, and student-centered learning environment.<\/p>\n

Between 2021 and 2025, KHAS welcomed a total of 14,747 visitors to its promotion events. Despite the shift to hybrid and in-person formats, interest has remained steady, with a noticeable increase in conversion rates \u2014 from 10% in 2021 and 2022 to 18% in 2025, indicating stronger engagement and growing recognition of KHAS\u2019s reputation among prospective students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Year<\/strong><\/th>\nVisitors (On Campus)<\/strong><\/th>\nVisitors (Online)<\/strong><\/th>\nTotal Visitors<\/strong><\/th>\nEnrolled Students<\/strong><\/th>\nConversion Rate<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
2021<\/td>\n2,696<\/td>\n515<\/td>\n3,211<\/td>\n311<\/td>\n10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2022<\/td>\n3,571<\/td>\n\u2013<\/td>\n3,571<\/td>\n341<\/td>\n10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2023<\/td>\n2,695<\/td>\n\u2013<\/td>\n2,695<\/td>\n282<\/td>\n10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2024<\/td>\n2,712<\/td>\n\u2013<\/td>\n2,712<\/td>\n392<\/td>\n14%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2025<\/td>\n2,658<\/td>\n\u2013<\/td>\n2,658<\/td>\n472<\/td>\n18%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The data show that, in 2025, Cibali Campus hosted 2,658 visitors, marking a consistent level of public interest. The increasing enrollment-to-visitor ratio (18%) reflects the growing impact of KHAS\u2019s outreach efforts, especially through interactive sessions and faculty-led presentations that highlight academic excellence, innovative teaching, and student success stories.<\/p>\n

Kadir Has University remains committed to providing open and inclusive access to its campus, allowing high school students and the public to experience its historical architecture, modern facilities, and vibrant academic culture. These outreach activities demonstrate KHAS\u2019s dedication to community engagement and the promotion of higher education accessibility in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n

Information Center<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The core services and resources of our library directly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly \u201cQuality Education\u201d (SDG 4), \u201cReduced Inequalities\u201d (SDG 10), and \u201cResponsible Consumption and Production\u201d (SDG 12). Additionally, we conduct various projects and activities aimed at supporting goals such as \u201cGender Equality\u201d (SDG 5), \u201cClean Water and Sanitation\u201d (SDG 6), \u201cAffordable and Clean Energy\u201d (SDG 7), \u201cDecent Work and Economic Growth\u201d (SDG 8), “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11), and \u201cLife on Land\u201d (SDG 15).<\/p>\n\n

Public Access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Other university members (external users) can benefit from the services and facilities of the Information Center according to the following rules:<\/p>\n\n

\u00a0Academic staff from other universities can benefit from the Information Center on weekdays during office hours by presenting their valid university ID cards.<\/p>\n\n

\u00a0Appointment: Master\u2019s\/Ph.D. students from other universities can benefit from the Information Center on weekdays during office hours (08:30 \u2013 17:30) once a month, provided they make an appointment at least two business days in advance. Benefit applications made by coming to the campus are not accepted. Master\u2019s\/Ph.D. students from other universities can send their applications to\u00a0bilgimerkezi@khas.edu.tr\u00a0with their \u201c\u2026@edu.tr\u201d email addresses provided by their universities, subject to the condition that they make an appointment in advance. Applications containing visual images of valid student IDs will be processed. The Information Center reserves the right to reject all benefit applications. The number of external users accepted daily is limited to 10 people.\u00a0Click here\u00a0<\/a>for the External User Application Form.<\/p>\n\n

During midterm and final exams, external users cannot be admitted to the Information Center.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Borrowing-Benefit: External users are advised to check the status of the resources they want to benefit from in the Information Center collection through the Information Center online catalog\u00a0http:\/\/bilgimerkezi.khas.edu.tr<\/a>\u00a0before making an appointment.<\/p>\n\n

\u00a0Other university members can borrow printed resources from the Information Center through Interlibrary Loan Service (ILDS) via their university libraries (5 books for 30 days) or make copies\/duplicates from the university\u2019s photocopy office to the extent permitted by copyright laws.<\/p>\n\n

External User Access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

In 2023, 1,027 unique external users visited the Information Center 5,933 times, utilizing both print and electronic resources in the library’s collection for their research.<\/p>\n\n

Source: Information Center External User Statistics – 2023<\/em>
https:\/\/bilgimerkezi.khas.edu.tr\/en\/external-users\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Workshop<\/p>\n

OPEN ACCESS EVENTS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Please find below the list of open access educational events held by our university in the year of 2024:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcdaEvent Title:<\/strong>\u00a0KHAS Law Academy \u2013 IV: \u201cClimate Crisis and Law\u201d
Date & Time:<\/strong>\u00a0January 12, 2024 \/ 10:30\u201312:35
Venue:<\/strong>\u00a0Galata Hall, Cibali Campus, Kadir Has University
Description:<\/strong>\u00a0A campus event for high-school students organized by the Law Faculty, bringing together students and faculty to examine the legal responsibilities of states in relation to climate change, as well as case-based education on being a law student at KHAS.
Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n