Initiated by the Vehbi Koç Foundation, the recently inaugurated Meşher is an exhibition space characterised by a broad spectrum of disciplines. Meşher advocates the creation of new dialogues across time and cultures, not only through its exhibitions but also its comprehensive array of parallel activities such as publications, workshops and conferences. The exhibitions are mainly conceptualised and produced in-house through a network of collaborations with national and international experts, curators, and institutions, thus providing a platform of dialogue and inspiration in Turkey and abroad.

Meşher’s characteristic historical building was first mentioned in the Charles E. Goad map as Friedmann Appartments, and later referred to as Meymaret Han on the 1932 map of J. Pervititich, which presumably indicates that its architect might have been Petraki Meymaridis Effendi. Under the Republic, the building changed its name to Meymenet Han, as indicated in the 1950 map by Suat Nirven. Restored between 2007 and 2009, the building housed VKV’s contemporary art center Arter until 2018.

Located in the historic and cultural center of Istanbul, on the pedestrian street of Istiklal, Meşher, which takes its name from the Ottoman Turkish word meaning exhibition space, aims to heighten public understanding and appreciation by attracting the widest possible audience, thus leading to greater cultural awareness and discernment.