Besiktas: A Naval Neigbourhood

There is a district called Besiktas, which consists of Yildiz, Bebek, Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy and so on. But I think every neighbourhood deserves an article of its own, so I will mention you about Besiktas, the neighbourhood, or Besiktas centre as the locals call it.

Besiktas is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Turkey. It is on the intersection point of Barbaros Boulevard Ciragan Street. The centre is also mentioned with the famous football team Besiktas. You'll see eagle statues here and there. Eagle is the symbol of Besiktas team.

History

Apart from Besiktas team, the neighbourhood have the traces of the admiral in chief from Lesvos Island, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, or Barbarossa (red beard) as he is known abroad. The original name of Besiktas is Bestas, meaning five stones. It is named after the five stones Barbarossa erected on the coast.

This area was a very convenient port in 17th century. It was used to anchor the ships of Ottoman fleet. The square with Barbarossa monument and the rest was all under water back then. Later, the coast was filled in and was turned into a private garden of the sultans. Today, it is a very busy coastal neighbourhood with various transportation means and flats for rent that are preferred mainly by students.

Sights

Sinan Pasha Camii: This is one of the works of Mimar Sinan for the admiral in chief, Sinan Pasa. It is on the opposite of Besiktas pier and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Tomb. It was being built in 1553, when Sinan Pasa died. The mosque was completed in 1555.



Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Tomb: This is also a work of Mimar Sinan. It is octogonal with one tomb and with many windows. There are some other tombs on the small yard.



Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Monument: The bronze casted monument is erected on Besiktas square. The controversial city planner Henry Prost decided the location of the monument.



Besiktas Pier: This pier was built in 1913 by the architect Ali Talat Bey. Until 2000's it was used for both Kadikoy and Uskudar ferries, but today it is used only for Uskudar ferries. There is also a pier called Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, but it is fairly a new pier (from 2004-2005) to ease the burden on the former one.


Istanbul Naval Museum: It is the biggest naval museum of Turkey. There are about 20.000 artefacts in the museum. It was founded in 1897 and reorganized in 1914. It was transferred to Anatolia at World War II. It was brought back to Dolmabahce in 1946 and was placed its permanent building in 1948.



Let's get just a little bit farther than the center.

Dolmabahce Palace: There were gardens and mansions on the area now and then, but the palace was built in 19th century. The palace was built in 1843-1855 with the order of Sultan Abdulmecit I. Ataturk also used it for his Istanbul meeting. He died there on 10 November 1938. The room where he spent his last moments is still exhibited inside the museum.


Dolmabahce Mosque: The mosque was built by the Armenian architect Garabet Balyan and was opened to service in 1855. The building was started with the order of Bezmialem Valide Sultan and was finished with the order of Sultan Abdülmecit. This was the place where the Naval Museum had been carried back from Anatolia.

Ciragan Palace: In 17th century, the location of the palace was known as Kazancioglu Gardens. Sultan Mahmud II was the first one to make changes on the gardens and to order a palace. Sultan Abdulmecit made the first palace demolished in 1857, but he couldn't see the completed version of it. It was completed at the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. The palace is a luxurious hotel today.

Transportation

Besiktas is one of the most central places in Istanbul. You can use the bus and the ferry to get in and out of Besiktas. You can also walk from Taksim or Kabatas in 15-20, if you like walking. You can also walk to Ortakoy and maybe to farther neighbourhoods on the coast.

There are frequent bus services from Taksim or Kabatas. Likewise, Uskudar and Kadıkoy ferries are also frequent. Uskudar is only ten minutes away from Besiktas.

Accomodation

Besiktas is a cosy neighbourhood that is usually preferred by students and young adults, because it is very close to central places. However, the rents aren't so economic as it was before. (All Istanbul rents have gone crazy.) You are more lucky, if you are to stay shorter.

There are many luxurious hotels, such as Shangri-la Hotel, Point Hotel, Ciragan Palace, Four Seasons Hotel and Raddison Blue Hotel. If you aren't addicted to the stars and the sea view, you can find more economic hotels at side streets.