130-year-old mysterious tunnel on Istiklal Street, Istanbul

A hidden tunnel beneath the Rumeli Han, built in 1894 on Istanbul’s iconic Istiklal Street, was uncovered during a restoration project in 2017. This mysterious tunnel, recently discovered, has quickly become a popular attraction for visitors.

Located on Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu district, the Rumeli Han was constructed in 1894 by Saricazade Ragip Pasha, a prominent figure in the Ottoman Empire. Ragip Pasha, who also served as the Chief of the Imperial Court and Head of the Chamberlain in Sultan Abdulhamid II’s administration, built three inns on street. These inns were named after three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—reflecting the vastness of the Ottoman Empire.

It is said that these three inns, namely Rumeli Han, Anadolu Han, and Afrika Han, are connected by secret tunnels beneath them. These tunnels were allegedly used by wealthy and noble individuals who wished to avoid the public eye, enabling them to move discreetly between buildings.

The hidden tunnel beneath Rumeli Han was discovered during its restoration, which began in 2017. The tunnel was registered as a protected historical monument by the High Council of Monuments on July 14, 1978, under the decision numbered 10538.

Rumeli Han, a neoclassical building, features eclectic architectural elements at its main entrance on the street side. The building also showcases a blend of Baroque and Empire-style decorations. After the 1990s, various cultural venues were opened in the han, including theaters, concert halls, artist studios, and cafes. The recently uncovered tunnel, still part of the ongoing restoration efforts, has become a notable spot for visitors.

The restoration team plans to use the tunnel for cultural and artistic activities, further contributing to the site’s rich historical and cultural significance.

Rumeli Han is significant because it has witnessed many important moments in the history of the Ottoman Empire and Türkiye. It was once a gathering point for artists and politicians. Before the building was constructed, the area that is now the tunnel was used for firewood storage, according to historical documents. Before that, there was likely another building used for different purposes, and when it was abandoned, it became a storage area. The cellar section of the building covers an area of 1400 square meters and consists of several small rooms.

There is a rumor that the main corridor here connects with other inns. While this has not been confirmed yet, the restoration team is preparing to open the site for exhibitions and concerts in the future. The tunnel is open to tourism with an entrance fee of 100 Turkish Liras (~$2.75).