santral

Santral is a Turkish term that denotes central or central facility. It is used to refer to central installations such as power plants (elektrik santrali) and telephone exchanges (telefon santrali). Beyond its generic meaning, Santral is also used as a proper name for cultural and educational sites in Turkey.

The best-known example is SantralIstanbul, a cultural center and contemporary art museum housed in the historic Silahtarağa Power Plant in Istanbul. The complex preserves industrial heritage and includes art galleries, an archive, and educational programs, combining historical infrastructure with arts and learning activities.

In Turkish usage, the word Santral can appear in the names of other centers or institutions, signaling a central or flagship facility. Its usage reflects a common practice of naming important civic or cultural sites to convey centrality and prominence.