Besiktas Square

Besiktas is a large town on the European coast of the Bosphorus. Besiktas square is very crowded at all hours of the day. Besiktas is always a popular place with its vibrant and colorful neighborhood life, bazaar, student population, culture and art events, night life, shopping.

Besiktas square is a transportation center. It is a place with bus, minibus stops and sea piers, where there is intense transit passengers. Bosphorus, Kadiköy and Üsküdar ferries depart from here. Buses to many places such as Taksim, Levent, Sariyer, Ortaköy depart from here. The square next to the Bosphorus is one of the most popular meeting places. There are restaurants and cafes at the seaside with views of the Bosphorus. This is a great place to rest and spend time, we recommend.

Besiktas Square, Famous Naval Museum and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Tomb are located. The historical Besiktas Ferry Pier is worth seeing with its architectural structure. Besiktas Ferry Pier serves the Üsküdar and Kadıköy ferries. It is within the borders of Besiktas district in the world-famous Dolmabahce palace. It is 10 minutes walk from the square.

There is a Yildiz park, a 10-minute walk away from besiktas square. It is the greenest and largest park of Beşiktaş and the nearby region. It is a park that can be visited and comfortable.

Besiktas sport club, Turkey‘s oldest (1903) and is one of the biggest sports club. They have over 25 million fans. Black and white is the color. It is known as BJK and is called “Black Eagles”.
Besiktas fans fill the square in the match days. They wait for a challenge until match time. The already crowded square becomes even more crowded. Besiktas football stadium Vodafone Park is a 10-minute walk away. The fans go to the match collectively on foot. It is recommended to be here on match days is nice and enjoyable. Let’s not forget, do not enter this road by car during the match time, the traffic is terrible.

Kadiköy Square

Kadiköy is a district located at the entrance of the Bosphorus on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. It is known as the ancient Chalcedon settlement in history.
Kadiköy square is one of the most important centers of sea transportation in Istanbul. There is sea transportation from the ferry piers in the square to Eminönü, Karaköy, Besiktas, Bostanci and Princes’ Islands. There are regular buses to many places such as Üsküdar, Camlıca, Bostancı, Moda, Kartal, Ümraniye, Göztepe, Beykoz,  from the bus stops in the square.
It is also a popular place with its live and colorful life, bazaar, student population, culture and art events, nightlife, shopping, historical buildings, seaside recreation and eating and drinking ferry piers.

The most important and popular places near Kadıköy square are Kadıköy Bazaar and Bahariye Street.
There are many shops in the Kadıköy bazaar, from greengrocers to fishermen, from spice shops to bakeries, restaurants and cafes. It is 5 minutes walk to the square.

Bahariye street is closed to vehicle traffic. It is one of the popular of Kadıköy. Bahariye Street is always alive and crowded. There are many shopping and eating places and historical buildings and churches. It is a 10 minutes walk from the square.

One of the most important symbols and meeting places of Kadıköy is the Bull Statue located at the entrance of Bahariye street. It is known as exactly six roads. This is also the meeting place for fans of Fenerbahce sports club, for match days.

Fenerbahce sports club, Turkey‘s oldest (1907) and is one of the biggest sports club. They have more than 30 million fans. They have yellow dark blue colors .. It is called “Yellow Canaries”. It is nice and enjoyable to be here on match days. Fenerbahce stadium is 10 minutes walk from the Bull statue.

Üsküdar Square

Üsküdar square is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, on the coast of the Bosphorus. You can go to Besiktas and Eminönü by ferry on the European side from the piers located on the sea side in Üsküdar square. You can go to places like Kuzguncuk, Beylerbeyi, Cengelköy, Kanlica, Kandilli, Pasabahce, Beykoz, Kadiköy, Camlıca, Ümraniye by buses in the square. The square is also a transit way for passengers who want to go Europen side. There is a Marmaray metro station, under the square, which goes to the European side.

Located in the middle of the square, Sultan III. The Ahmet Fountain was built in 1728. It is like the symbol of the square. Water always flows and is drinkable.

Famous Turkish architect Sinan built, on the sea coast Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. Mihrimah Sultan is the daughter of the Magnificent Sultan Suleiman. This mosque is the second mosque built in the name of the Mihrimah Sultan. The other mosque is at the Edirnekapı.
Also, the miniature Semsi Pasha Mosque and Madrasa are on the sea coast of square.

There is the famous Fethi Pasha grove, a 10 minutes walk from the square. It is a place where you can get away from the noise of the city and be calm and comfortable.
It offers beauty to its visitors with it is Camlıca hill. It is highest point of Istanbul. You can watch all around Bosphorus. It is beautiful and best view. There is a 15 minute drive from the Uskudar square.

Among the beautiful activities that can be done in Üsküdar are watching the Maiden Tower from the sea coast. Resting in Fethi Pasha Grove, and going up to Camlıca Hill, sipping your tea and watching the magnificent view of Istanbul on the other hand.

There are many historical baths close to the square in Üsküdar. Some of these are Sifa Bath, Valide Atik Bath, Tiled Bath, and Aga Bath.
When you come to Istanbul, we recommend that you come to the Anatolian side and visit Üsküdar and its surroundings.

Kumkapi Fish Village

Kumkapi is an old Istanbul village. Kumkapi Fish Village consists of approximately 50 buildings with two and three floors on the street, which is closed to vehicle traffic. It is a 20 minutes walk from Sultanahmet square. If you want to go by car, it is 5 to 10 minutes to Sultanahmet square. Taksim square is 20 minutes by car.

With the restoration made in Kumkapı in the 1980s, the old houses have become their current form. Interior and exterior facades in all buildings have been renewed to give a modern and more even appearance. In winter, indoor service is provided. In the summer, tables are placed outside the restaurant and served both inside and outside.

Which of the restaurants that are similar to each other is a difficult decision you will want to sit. Finally you find the place where you want to eat and sit. Waiters come with a tray filled with cold appetizers to order food and drinks. You order the appetizers you like from the tray. You can also order appetizers called intermediate hot. Then you choose fish for the main dish. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Turks prefer to drink raki. Beer, wine and vodka options are also preferable. Fresh fruit is served towards the end of the meal. Finally, the famous Turkish coffee comes.

The street is crowded and fun from 7pm to 12pm in the evening. Gypsy musicians come to restaurants and sing every music and song they want. (A small tip is required for gypsy musicians) It will be even more enjoyable in the coming hours. Some people sing along with music, some of dancing.

For many Istanbul residents, Kumkapi is a colorful, fun and interesting place. They would be happy to bring their guests here for fun and fresh fish.

Flower Passage

Flower Passage is on the right side of the street, in the middle of Istiklal street, on the way from Taksim square to Tunnel. It is the historical passage where visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of their food restaurant. There are especially restaurants serving seafood.

The Flower Passage dates back to the 1870s. There was the famous Naum theater where. It was one of Europe’s leading cultural centers for Italian opera stages.

In 1870, the Naum Theater was burned and destroyed in the big fire in Beyoglu. After the fire, new buildings were built in Beyoglu. Greek banker Hristaki Zografos bought this place in 1876. He built a new building in the Italian architectural style with a bazaar and apartments.

In 1908, Sait Pasha bought this place and was called Sait Pasha Passage. In the 1940s, the passage became the location of small flower shops. Russian women fleeing the October revolution sold flowers here. Later, all the florists in Beyoglu gathered here and it was called ”Flower Passage”.

Beer houses and pubs came to here after the 1940s. Flower shops left the building and moved to another place. But the name of the building remained “Flower Passage”.

Restoration work was carried out in 1988 and 2005. Today, it continues to serve as pubs and restaurants. With its magnificent architecture, here is a great place for those who want to spend a lively night in Istanbul. We highly recommend.

Ortaköy Square

Ortaköy Square is a place on the European side, on the shores of the Bosphorus. It is a 10 minutes walk from Besiktas square. Ortaköy Mosque is the symbol of the district.  It is located near under the Bosphorus Bridge.
Boats that make a short Bosphorus tour leave from the pier on the sea shore of the square. You can have short bosphorus boat cruise.

There are different religious symbols including Ortaköy, mosque, church and synagogue. It is one of the favorite places of Istanbul with its beautiful and colorful bazaar and lively atmosphere. Ortaköy is also one of the most popular meeting points of Istanbul residents with its popular night clubs, bars, nice cafes and restaurants, pier square and baked potato shops. We can recommend to eat baked potato (kumpir). It is a delicious food. You will like it.

One of the best events in Ortaköy is to visit the lively streets and shops of Ortaköy, buy baked potatoes and watch the Bosphorus at Ortaköy Square or sit in restaurants and cafes by the sea.

There is Yıldız park close to Ortaköy square, it is a nice place to get away from the noise of the city and relax. It is 5 minutes walk to the square.

One of the places to see in Ortaköy is the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, known as Ortaköy Mosque. There is a Greek Orthodox Church named Ayios Fokas and a Synagogue named Etz Ahayim. There is also a historical fountain in the square and it is worth seeing.

Especially on weekends, on the narrow streets, handcrafted jewelry, hats, bags, second hand books and various colored handicrafts are sold. Night life is very active in Ortaköy square, especially in summer evenings.

When you come to Istanbul, we recommend you to visit Ortaköy and its surroundings.

Istiklal Street

Istiklal street is the most famous street of Istanbul. It is meeting place especially for young people.
Istiklal street is one of the most important touristic places in Istanbul with its entertainment and cultural venues. There is always a lively nightlife. It is which extends from the square to the tunnel, is the favorite entertainment street. Nostalgic tram passes on Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic. This street has ancient buildings, cinemas, theaters, art workshops, exhibition halls, bars, discos and cafes. Some of the buildings on the street have restaurants with wonderful Bosphorus views on the rooftops.
There is 24 hours movement here. Night clubs do not close until the morning hours.
It is one of the places to visit in the fantastic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on the street.

Nevizade is on the back of the flower passage. The small narrow street is a place where there are lots of pubs. It is a place where young people are especially interested.

Flower passage has bars and restaurants.. Especially in restaurants, seafood is served. A great place with amazing architecture. We strongly recommend for those who want to spend a lively night in Istanbul.

Visiting Places: Atlas Passage, Aleppo Passage, Aznavur Passage, Marquise Passage, Flower Passage, Syrian Passage, El-Hamra Passage, European Passage, Saint Antuan Church, Asmalimescit, Nevizade, Tunnel, Algerian Impasse, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Demirören Shopping Mall.

Taksim Square

Taksim square is the most famous square in Istanbul. There is a Republic monument in the middle of the square. The square has also hosted many political and social events in the past. Vehicle traffic in the square is lowered underground.
There are bus services from places close to the square. There are regular bus services to places such as Besiktas, Aksaray, Eminönü, Topkapi, Edirnekapi, Bakırköy, Ataköy, Yesilköy, Florya, Levent. There is a fast way to many places with the metro passing under the square.
The square is the meeting place of those who come to spend time in and around Istiklal Street.
It is one of the biggest touristic attractions of Istanbul with its restaurants, shops, hotels, entertainment and cultural places in and around the square.
It is always a lively nightlife, shopping and restaurant district. Nostalgic trams run on Istiklal Street, which is closed to vehicle traffic. There are 19th century buildings, international store chains, churches, cinemas, theater hall, art workshop, exhibition hall, bar, disco, cafes lined up on this street. Small narrow side streets also feature bars, antique shops and rooftop restaurants with Bosphorus views.
Especially on weekends, there is a 24-hour movement in Taksim; Most of the buffets (including some on weekdays) at the entrance to the square are open all day on the weekend. Night clubs do not close until the morning hours. Transportation is provided around the clock with taxis located near the square and is a place where absolutely everyone can meet.
Galatasaray fans fill the square on match days
Galatasaray sports club, Turkey’s oldest (1905) and is one of the biggest sports club. They have more than 30 million fans. They have yellow red colors. It is called “lions”.
Galatasaray fans on match days they have to go by metro to stadium.

Yedikule Fortress

Yedikule Fortress consists of seven towers like its name. 4 of these towers were built in the Byzantine period and the other 3 were built in the Ottoman period. The famous Golden Gate, which was made as a triumphal arch, was made by order of Byzantine Emperor I. Theodosius. It is combined with city walls built by Emperor II. Theodosius. The Golden Gate was the most important entrance door of the Byzantine, where Byzantine emperors returned from the expeditions entered the city in magnificence with ceremonies.
During the Ottoman period, the walls and the castle were further enlarged and received their current appearance. It was used as a castle where the state treasury was preserved and the loot was collected for a long time in the Ottoman period.
It was used as a dungeon for a short time during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. In the list of the introduction, the names of the prisoners are written here, why they are here and their fate.
Young Osman (II. Osman), the youngest sultan of the Ottoman Empire, was massacred here. The room where he was murdered is on the second floor.
Reformist II. Osman (Young Osman) was a tragedy in Ottoman history.
Today it is open to touristic visits and visits. It is 10 minutes by taxi from Sultanahmet Square. There are regular bus services from Eminönü Square bus number 80, from Beyazıt Square bus number 80B and from Taksim Square bus number 80T. Also you can go by Marmaray to Kazlicesme station, It is 5 minutes walk from Kazlicesme to Yedikule.
It is open every day of the week and serves between 09.00-18.30.
One of the places to see and visit in Istanbul. We recommend.

Istanbul City Walls

The walls of Istanbul were first built and expanded throughout history when there is a small village called Ligos in Sarayburnu.
The land walls we see today in Istanbul were built in the Byzantine period. First, Theodosius built a city wall in the 5th century and then in the 6th century due to the expansion of the city during the Justinian period.
The city wall is divided into 3 parts: Marmara Sea walls, Golden Horn walls and Land walls. There were more than 300 large towers (20-25 meters in height) and 55 gates to the city for the defense of the walls; Of these, 19 were on the Sea wall, 25 on the Golden Horn wall and 11 on the Land wall. The walls were a total of 22 kilometers, 9-12 meters high and 2-5 meters thick. There was a water channel in front of the land walls. Because to stop a climb with a ladder or to avoid digging a tunnel underneath.
These city walls were strong enough to stop attacks in the 7th and 8th centuries. But in 1453 it could not stop the Ottoman army. In the Ottoman period, city walls would not work. Because Istanbul was in the middle of a great empire. It worn over time and mostly collapsed due to earthquakes.

Today, the city walls are restored by the municipality of Istanbul, reminding of magnificent times. We recommend you to visit and see the walls of Istanbul.

• Some of the prominent doors of Istanbul land walls are:

Golden Gate (Aura Porta)
Yedikule Gate (Pentapirgi)
Belgrade Gate (Xylokerhos)
Silivrikapi (Pege)
Mevlenakapi (Region)
Yenikapi
Topkapi (Romanos)
Sulukule Gate (Aya Kiriaki)
Edirnekapi
Egrikapi (Kaligaria)
Aya Kalinkos (no more)
Cirkoporta (no more)

• Istanbul Golden Horn Walls Gates:

Balat Gate
Lantern Gate
Rocky Gate (Petrion)
Old and New Moon Gates
Cibali Door
Unkapani Gate
Wood Gate
Dungeon Door

• Istanbul Marmara Walls Doors:

Mill Door
Lazaros Gate
Palace Gate (Palatium Magnum)
Catladıkapi
Langa Door (Vlanga)
Emilianos Gate
Samatya Door (Psamatia)
Pomegranate Door (Yannis)