The Feshane ArtIstanbul was a former factory to produce a hat called fez, a powerful symbol of change and modernization in the Ottoman Empire as a redefining of national identity. Built in 1827 by Sultan Mahmud II, the factory was made to supply fezzes for the military and the public. Changes in clothing were a key part of modernization in both Ottoman and modern Turkish history.The rise of the fez as a cultural icon triggered a surge in demand that reshaped the industrial landscape along the Golden Horn. Following the abolition of the Janissary Corps, an aging military unit deeply resistant to modernization, the adoption of the fez as official military headgear led to its widespread popularity among the general public. While demand was initially met through imports from Tunisia, Egypt, and Europe, this proved insufficient. Consequently, the Feshane was built on the shores of the Golden Horn. Chosen for its proximity to water sources, it produced over 100,000 fezzes annually. In its early years, the factory generated significant profit from state sales. Much of this money was reinvested in its own modernization and expansion.With the founding of the Turkish Republic, official fashions shifted, leading to a 1925 law that changed the dress codes for civil servants and effectively halted the production of the fez. Following this date, the abandoned weaving machines and molds were transferred to the Istanbul City Museum. Today, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has transformed the site into a free center for art and events following a comprehensive restoration under the name of Feshane ArtIstanbul. It is located right next to the Feshane stop on the T5 Tram line, departing from Eminönü, and is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM.