There is talk of tearing this monstrosity down, but apparently the building has its defenders, if the level of dissent is any indication. The building dates to 1969 although a fire in 1970 required it to undergo significant repairs. The center houses the State Opera and Ballet, a theater company, and an exhibition gallery.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Istanbul, 1st Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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