Beyoglu's facelift — Once home to artists and migrants, Istanbul's Beyoglu district is attracting upscale investors. Ryan Powell Last orders — Kooperatif, a performance hall housed in a district HQ of the Turkish Communist Party, is closing its doors due to rent increases. Ryan Powell Rising rents — Beyoglu tenants say some rents have quadrupled as the area undergoes its overhaul, attracting international chain outlets. Ryan Powell Fading glory — Beyoglu is known for its grand old buildings, many of which are crumbing or now in ruin. Ryan Powell Artists move on — Kooperatif owner Safak Velioglu says the art galleries and venues that once filled Beyoglu are all moving out. Ryan Powell New York-style change — Some compare Beyoglu's gentrification to the redevelopment of New York's Times Square in the 1980s. Ryan Powell Political forces — Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party has pushed to overhaul Istanbul. Ryan Powell From ruins to riches? — Under this tide of change, 19th- and 20th-century shopping arcades are being replaced by modern shopping malls and luxury hotels. Ryan Powell Controversial change — Taksim Square in Beyoglu is popular with locals and tourists, but the charm some visitors may be looking for is being replaced with new construction. BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Locals unimpressed — A new mall is being planned for the pedestrian-only area in Taksim, a development that triggered a series of protests in 2013. BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Prev Next
