212-year-old Lebon Patisserie closes store on Istiklal Avenue

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The 212-year-old iconic Lebon Patisserie & Cafe on Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue shuttered its doors on Oct. 29.

Established in 1810, one of the patisserie’s owners said that they could not pay the new rent of 10,000 dollars (about 185,000 TL).

The co-owner, Abdurrahman Cengiz, said, "This patisserie was the first patisserie in the history of the Ottoman Empire and Republic of Turkey. My hope was that we would continue, but it didn't happen. I need 10 million liras to move to another place.”

Lebon Patisserie & Cafe, one of the historical shops of Istanbul’s iconic Istiklal Avenue, was founded in 1810 by Edouard Lebon. 

Cengiz said that they could not pay the new rent demanded by the owner Karagözyan Foundation. Accordingly, the foundation increased the rent to 10,000 dollars (185,000 liras) from 42,500 liras.

"Lebon opened its patisserie in Beyoğlu district in 1810, then moved to a different building on Istiklal Avenue in 1940’s. It was closed in 1972. I struggled for 2 years to get the Lebon brand. Finally, I got its patent in 1985. I have tried to raise this brand to a high level for nearly 38 years. We have served Istanbulites and tourists,” Cengiz told to Demirören News Agency.

Cengiz stated that the Karagözyan Foundation has been trying to evacuate them from the building for 15 years.

Before the patissarie was closed, Istanbul Municipality Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat on Twitter said that “Today is the last day for Lebon, Beyoğlu's 212-year-old brand. For a long time, we made a special effort to keep Lebon going. For the last time, I invite the landlord to compromise for a reasonable rent increase.”