Where Is the Haliç Congress Center Located?

The Haliç Congress Center is a major convention venue situated in the Sütlüce district of Istanbul. Originally constructed in 1923 as the Sütlüce Slaughterhouse, it ceased operations in 1990. The building was redesigned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and reopened as the Haliç Congress Center in 2009 during the 5th World Water Forum, marking its introduction to national and international event tourism.

A Cultural Project Completed in 14 Years Under Four Mayors

During Mayor Nurettin Sözen’s administration, the structure was first planned as a cultural center. Its construction tender was initiated in 1997 during the term of Mayor Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The demolition of the old slaughterhouse began in 1998, and the new project was designed by Prof. Dr. Cengiz Eruzun. According to the initial tender, construction was planned to be completed by August 1999; however, the project remained unfinished during the administrations of mayors Ali Müfit Gürtuna and Kadir Topbaş.

In November 2007, Dr. Luic Fouchan, President of the World Water Council, requested that the unfinished cultural center be used for the World Water Forum scheduled for March 2009 in Istanbul. Following this request, the project accelerated significantly.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who initiated the project as mayor in 1997, officially inaugurated the center in March 2009 as Prime Minister during the World Water Forum.

The construction, initially tendered in 1998 for 7 million TL (adjusted for today’s value), ultimately cost around 220 million TL due to multiple renovation tenders. The reconstruction along the Haliç shoreline—previously cleared of buildings in 1985—was also a subject of public criticism.

About the Haliç Congress Center

The Haliç Congress Center spans a vast area of 100,000 square meters. It features five auditoriums with seating capacities ranging from 219 to over 3,000 people. Additionally, its interconnected foyer and gallery spaces cover 9,172 square meters. The venue also includes 23 multi-purpose halls with capacities from 50 to 850 seats.

The complex consists of four interconnected buildings—Sadabad, Kuleli, Pera, and Haliç—as well as the Galata Ballroom. It hosts a wide range of events, from international congresses, conferences, exhibitions, and fairs to cultural events, film premieres, weddings, gala dinners, and corporate functions.

Located in the heart of Istanbul, the center is just 7 minutes from Taksim and Eminönü, 20 minutes from Atatürk Airport, and 45 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Its unique location along the Golden Horn makes it one of the most iconic event venues in the city.

Sütlüce Slaughterhouse – Its Historical Background

Originally known as the Karağaç Slaughterhouse, the facility was inaugurated on 12 July 1923 after its foundation was laid in 1919. Designed by renowned architect Vedat Tek, the building represents early Republican architectural characteristics.

By 1985, pollution in the Golden Horn led to the termination of livestock slaughtering. The facility continued to operate as a meat distribution center until 1990, after which it was fully shut down. The cultural center project began during Sözen’s term and was eventually completed and opened in 2009, 14 years after the 1997 tender.

Today, only the preserved external structure and nearby small eateries offering traditional dishes like “uykuluk” (sweetbread) remain as traces of the old slaughterhouse.

How to Get to Haliç Congress Center

By Bus:

36T Taksim–Cebeci
41ST Topkapı–Seyrantepe
47 Eminönü–Yeşilpınar
47E Eminönü–Binevler
47Ç Eminönü–Güzeltepe
54HT Mecidiyeköy–Taksim–Hasköy
54HŞ Taksim–Şişli–Hasköy

By Metrobus:

Get off at Halıcıoğlu Station (near Haliç Bridge) on the E-5 (D100) highway and follow the signs to the congress center.

By Dolmuş / Minibus:

Minibuses departing from Şişli and Şişhane stop directly at the Haliç Congress Center station.

By Ferry:

The Golden Horn Line operates between Eyüp and Üsküdar.
Stops include: Eyüp – Sütlüce – Ayvansaray – Hasköy – Balat – Fener – Kasımpaşa – Karaköy – Üsküdar

By Boat:

Small boat services operate between Eyüp and Sütlüce piers.

Contact Information

Address: Sütlüce Mah. Karaağaç Cad. No.19, 34445 Beyoğlu / Istanbul, Turkey
Email: info@halic.com
Phone: +90 (212) 311 11 11
Website: halic.com

Hotels Near Haliç Congress Center

Nearby accommodation options include:

  • Lazzoni Hotel (with Sea Shuttle)

  • Clarion Hotel Golden Horn

  • EightDays Hotel Istanbul

  • Deniz Palace Hotel

  • Ramada Istanbul Golden Horn

  • Mövenpick Istanbul Golden Horn

Additionally, areas such as Topkapı, Şişli, Mecidiyeköy, Okmeydanı, Kasımpaşa, Bayrampaşa, Taksim, Tepebaşı, and Karaköy offer many hotels suitable for both business and leisure stays.

Haliç Congress Center remains one of Istanbul’s most significant cultural and event venues, contributing greatly to the city's cultural, artistic, and commercial life.