Tophane or Tophane-i Amire is the cannon foundry from which the district takes its name. The district was a harbor since Genoese were occupantsof the region. When the people coming by sea, Tophane was the first place they had to land. During siege of Constantinople, Mehmet II chose Tophane as the place to position cannons in order to shoot the Byzantine city walls. After the city captured by Ottomans the Cannon foundry was built on a high ground by Mehmet II, then it was extended and improved by Beyazit II. According to Evliya Celebi, Suleiman the Magnificent period the old foundry was pulled down and reconstructed new one. The actual domed building was constructed by Selim III period in 1803. The building with its harmonious windows and beautiful domes is an architectural work of art. The building was under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence until 1992, then restored and transferred to Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Today the building is one of the most important exhibition, concert, receptions and meeting place in Istanbul.

Tophane District on Google Maps