Haydarpaşa Train Station stands as a gorgeous landmark on the Asian side of the city, welcoming you with its historic charm. As you step into its story, you find it is also a modern symbol of migration from villages to cities in Turkey, especially after the 1950s. For decades, it has been the gateway from Europe to Anatolia and the Middle East, inviting travelers to begin their journeys.Following its role as a gateway, the station’s impressive structure has a unique backstory. The site was reclaimed land because it was once part of the sea. To support the structure, thousands of piles were driven into the seabed. The train station was inaugurated in 1908 and designed by German architect Helmut Kuno as a symbol of the close German-Ottoman friendship in the early 20th century. The building’s façade features masterful stonework and arched windows. It integrates Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance elements with the structural symmetry and monumental scale typical of German architecture.Transitioning from the exterior to the interior, the station reveals its dedication to craftsmanship. Inside, the marble flooring and woodwork catch the eye. Renowned stonemasons were brought from Italy specifically for this station. The ceilings are adorned with ornate hand-painted decorations (kalem işi). Although the ornaments of double-headed eagle at the top are German symbols, a winged wheel was later added, transforming them into the emblem of the modern Republic of Türkiye State Railways (TCDD).Throughout its history, the building has faced several challenges. Used as an arsenal during World War I, the structure suffered two major fires, one in the 1970s and another in 2010. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since 2012. Once complete, the station will reopen for railway use, and a separate museum will be established within the building to house artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. You can capture the best photographs of the station at sunset while taking the Eminönü-Kadıköy ferry.