İSTANBUL DIRECTORATE OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

Zeytinburnu – Leather

History of leather trade at Zeytinburnu dates back to the reign of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. During that period the region became a main production hub after tanneries located in different areas of Anatolia were moved to Zeytinburnu, to produce leather goods which are required by the soldiers. Relocation of leather businesses run by Greeks to this area, also accelerated the development of leather tanning in this area. Today, even though tanneries which used to be in the region are relocated to Tuzla for environmental reasons; the district continues to be one of the places where visitors can easily access all kinds of leather goods.