Upcoming Trade Shows Istanbul, Turkey for Power & Energy

Istanbul has had a storied history, when it comes to power generation, and there’s a whole museum dedicated to the city’s power and energy industry. The Silahtaraga Energy Museum actually sits in Türkiye's first urban-scale power plant turned museum along the banks of the Golden Horn. Originally founded in 1913 and operational since 1914, the Silahtaraga power plant played a crucial role in powering Istanbul through its early years of electrification. Constructed by the German company Ganz, it was later managed by Sofina, a French firm, before being nationalized and operated as Türkiye expanded and modernized. The plant, initially designed for city-oriented electricity distribution, evolved alongside Istanbul’s growth, undergoing several renovations and upgrades over the decades. It functioned as Istanbul’s primary electricity generation center until 1952, when its role expanded to become a distribution hub for the surrounding area. Fuelled by coal from Zonguldak, Türkiye's Black Sea mining region, Silahtaraga continued to provide electricity until 1983, marking 70 years of operational history. Following its cessation as a power plant, the site underwent a transformation in the early 2000s. A comprehensive upgrade project converted it into the Energy Museum. Engine rooms were preserve alongside the general architectural integrity. Managed in collaboration with Istanbul Bilgi University since 2004, the Energy Museum serves as both a keeper of energy history and an educational hub. Students can sign up for workshops on energy production, which target students of all ages from primary school to university. Key to the museum's appeal is its preservation efforts. Original turbines dating back to 1931 have been meticulously restored to their former glory, showcasing technological advancements of the era. The museum's archive provides insights into the lives of Istanbulites during the plant's operational years, offering a glimpse into the city's social and economic fabric at that time.