Rainbow Stairs in Istanbul – The Shocking Story & How to Visit
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Istanbul has countless Instagram spots, but one of the most popular places to take photos is the Rainbow Stairs.
These colourful stairways may be everywhere on your Pinterest feed when researching the city, but what is the story behind them?
On my recent trip to Istanbul, I was curious about this myself. Sure, getting some pretty photos of these stairs was great. But what did they mean?
Are they street art? An LGBTQIA+ protest? Or do they mean something much deeper?
More importantly, you may be wondering how to find them in the city and take photos yourself.
In this helpful guide, I’ll explain the shocking story behind the Rainbow Stairs Istanbul and exactly where to find them on your trip.
What are the Rainbow Stairs in Istanbul?
The rainbow stairs of Istanbul are just that. A set of beautifully bright, colourful steps among the city’s grey buildings.
But they are becoming a little bit of a sensation in the capital of Turkey, and it’s easy to see why.
Not only do they make a great photo spot, but they also make people really happy.
Colours are always guaranteed to put a smile on people’s faces, and that’s exactly what Hüseyin Çetinel aimed to do with them.
The story behind the Rainbow Stairs in Istanbul
In 2013, Hüseyin Çetinel, a retired engineer, decided to paint some dull-looking steps in his local neighbourhood.
These steps linked both the artsy districts of Findikli and Cihangir around the popular Gezi Park.
He spent around $800 Dollars painting 145 steps in all colours of the rainbow.
It took 40 kilos of paint and four gruelling days to create the masterpiece.
After he finished, it created quite a buzz in the area, and news of it spread across the city.
Local people were so surprised and impressed by the spectacle that word soon spread on social media.
It drew crowds to the site, and everyone was talking about it. Unfortunately, it also grabbed the attention of the local government.
The government’s response
Due to the ongoing protests around the Gezi Park area against the local government, the authorities saw the rainbow steps as a rebellious act.
They thought that the rainbow steps were just another social and political agenda against their rule.
Sadly, the government decided to paint over the beautiful steps in a boring shade of grey, completely ruining all of Hüseyin’s hard work.
But was Hüseyin’s rainbow road really an act of protest and rebellion?
Many believed it was part of the LGBT and Pride movement in the city because of its similarities to the rainbow flag.
Others agreed it aided the Gezi Park protests against the government. But when they interviewed Hüseyin, he said:
“I didn’t do it for a group or as a form of activism. I did it to make people smile.”
An outcry from the people
At first, no one knew who painted over the steps. But local people knew who had ruined Hüseyin’s hard work.
The people saw this move as a lack of respect for citizens’ rights in Turkey.
People took to social media and shared the hashtag #DirenMerdiven or #ResistStairs.
They shared pictures of what the government had done. It went viral, and people were outraged.
At first, the government denied all involvement. They even said they would launch an inquiry to catch the culprits.
But in the end, the government was forced to own up to what they did, and the local mayor admitted his guilt on his Twitter account.
Hüseyin was angry and said, “Are they accusing me of disturbing public order? We’re the public. They are our stairs”.
Then, something magical happened…
Rainbow Steps movement
After the public outcry, rainbow stairways were popping up all over the city and even around the country. It was like a chain reaction of colour.
Eventually, the government relented and allowed the rainbow stairs in Istanbul to be returned in their gorgeous colours.
Many people see these rainbow steps as a sign of triumph over the local authorities. Many just turn up to take some photos.
But if there is one thing they never fail to do. It is to bring smiles to people’s faces every day, just as Hüseyin intended.
How to visit the Rainbow Stairs in Istanbul
Although these steps were painted in 2013, by 2015 they were clearly in serious need of repair.
So the Beyoğlu Municipality destroyed the original steps that Hüseyin painted and replaced them with a new set of stairs.
The ‘new’ stairs now have permanent rainbow tiles to show respect for Hüseyin and his masterpiece.
You can find these new, but ever so popular, Rainbow Steps on Sali Pazari Yokusu.
If you’re using a local bus or tram, there is a stop called Salıpazarı. Just alight here and head over.
You’ll know you’ve arrived as Café Nove is there on the corner.
Fun fact: Hüseyin Çetinel’s granddaughter Nazli owns the café. It’s definitely worth visiting while you’re here.
Things to know before you visit
- You can find plenty of rainbow steps in Istanbul. But the ones between Findikli and Cihangir are the original, painted by Hüseyin Çetinel.
- The original steps have been replaced with colourful tiles now as a permanent fixture in the city.
- The rainbow steps are open 24 hours a day and are free to visit.
- These are a really popular stop in the city, so expect some crowds. You may have to wait for your turn for photos.
- Some rainbow steps are usually repainted and ‘freshened up’ on a voluntary basis. So, they may be faded/dirty when you visit.
Instagrammable places in Istanbul
If you’re here looking for information on this photography location, you’re probably already aware that Istanbul is a highly Instagrammable city.
You have the gorgeous Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, and beautiful views from many rooftops. It’s got an endless list of inspiration.
Related Post: 20+ Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
Where to stay in Istanbul
There are plenty of amazing places to stay in the city. But if you want to stay somewhere magical, I recommend the Seven Hills Hotel.
Their rooms are spacious and, despite being in the middle of the city, really quiet.
The Seven Hills Hotel is located near the popular Sultanahmet Camii and has an epic rooftop overlooking the Hagia Sofia.
You can even have breakfast here each morning with those views.
Recommended Travel Resources
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Read my Istanbul guides
Basilica Cistern – visit a sunken palace in Istanbul
Things to do in Balat – Istanbul’s most colourful area
How to visit Beyazıt State Library in Istanbul
The top places to visit in Istanbul
How to spend the perfect weekend in Istanbul
Where to find the best Baklava in Istanbul
Discover Turkey
Save the Rainbow Stairs in Istanbul for later
