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Showing posts with label Districts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Districts. Show all posts

Friday, 1 April 2016

Beyazit: Historical Neigbourhood With a Politically Active University Campus



Beyazit is a special neigbourhood for me, because my university, Istanbul University, is here. When I am on a tram, tourists always ask me "How can I go to Istanbul University?" Then I thought that this article can help you.

Beyazit is one of the names of Ottoman sultans. It is a neighbourhood of Fatih district. Beyazit is very close to Sultanahmet. If you have time, you can add it to your plan. One of the gates of the Grand Bazaar is at Beyazit, so, you can also add it to your plan, especially if you are eager to walk.

Sights


Beyazit Square: It is in the middle of the Historical Peninsula. It was the biggest square of the Byzantine times. Today, Beyazit Mosque, an entrance of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul University Arts and Literature Faculty, and many other buildings are in this square.

Bayezid Mosque: Sultan Bayezid II ordered this mosque to be built. It is one of the early period works of Ottoman architecture. The architect is unknown. The tomb of Sultan Bayezid II rests at a forbidden place in the mosque.

Bayezid Madrasah: Sultan Bayezid ordered this madrasah to be built as a part of the mosque. It was built in 1506-1508. There is a pool in the middle of it. It was destroyed severely at 1509 earthquake, but it was renovated. When Rebuplic was founded, it began to be used as a library. Then the library was carried to Taksim (You can visit is as Ataturk Library today). Since 1984, the madrasah is used as the Museum of Turkish Foundation Caligraphic Arts.

Beyazit Tower: It is built in 1749, in order to watch for the fires and report them. It is 85 m high and has 180 stairs to the top. The tower was first wooden, but it burned in 1756. The new tower reburned at janissary revolt in 1826. It was built for the third time at the reign of Sultan Mahmut II in 1828. Along with reporting fires, it was lighted with different colours to report the weather to the Istanbulites. Today it is in the confines of the central campus of Istanbul University.

Istanbul University campus: The first and only university of 1933, Istanbul University, is a direct continuation of Ottoman university system. Some units of the university dates back to the day after the conquest of Istanbul, 30 May 1453, when Sultan Mehmet II ordered Sahn-i Seman madrasahs.

You may not be able to enter the university building, but you can see the historical gate that originally a part of Ottoman Ministry of War. It became the ministry of defence, after the republic is founded. Then the former ministry was liquidated.

Food and drink


There are many traditional restaurants at Beyazit where you can find traditional foods, drinks and desserts. If you are in a hurry, you can just stop by the souvenir shops that sell Turkish delight and other beautiful things. Bigger shops have usually fixed prices, but you may need to bargain at smaller shops.

How to get to Beyazit


You can go to Beyazit with tram. Kabatas-Bagcilar tram has a Beyazit stop. Haciosman-Yenikapi metro line has a Vezneciler stop which is about ten-minute-walk away from Beyazit Square. The distances are legitimate from Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Sirkeci and Karakoy, so you may prefer to walk around the Historical Peninsula, including Beyazit.

Where to stay at Beyazit


Beyazit hotels, along with Suleymaniye hotels, are some of the most preferred hotels by the tourists. There are many hotels with different styles and prices. Four star and five star hotels give quality service. There are also B&B hotels that will provide you enough comfort.

Thursday, 30 July 2015

Dolmabahce: Dolmabahce Palace and Dolmabahce Mosque

From outside

Dolmabahce is a neighbourhood at Besiktas. It has a beautiful view with historical sights. Dolmabahce is the place where Sultan Mehmet II set foot on Istanbul. It is said that the neighbourhood that was formed by filling earth at the reign of Sultan Ahmet I or Sultan Osman II.

No photo is allowed inside. You cannot visit Selamlik and Harem by yourself. You should join a tour with guide. The tickets are sold with different options. If you have time and money, I suggest you to buy a full ticket which allows you to visit both Selamlik and harem, also the Painting Museum. The outside of the palace is very nice, so you will have a great time when not visiting the buildings.

From inside

Dolmabahce Palace


Dolmabahce Palace is on the Marmara coast. It is on the opposite of Uskudar and Salacak. When you are on a Besiktas-Kadikoy or Besiktas-Uskudar ferry, you also see it from the sea. This is a palace sultans lived after they left Topkapi Palace, just like Yildiz Palace.

Before Dolmabahce Palace, the area was a cove where Ottoman fleet used to anchor. It became a marsh over time. The cove began to be filled in 17th century, and was used as the private garden of the sultan. There were kiosks and pavilions scattered then.

It is unknown, when those buildings were destroyed and the excavation started. But according to some records, the palace was in place in 1842. But a French nomad says that the palace was still decorated and there was still no furniture in 1853. (Perhaps the government was out of money.)

After Ottomans, the palace was still used to entertain important guests. Ataturk stayed there, when he came to Istanbul. He spent his last days at Dolmabahce Palace and died there on November 10, 1938. You can see the room and the bed (as well as his study room), while you are visiting the museum,

There are some animals on the yard of Glassed Kiosk

Buildings


Clock Tower: This is probably the first thing that catches your eye about Dolmabahce Palace, even when you're not thinking to visit the palace. The dates are between 1890-1895 and like the palace, at the reign of Abdulmecit. The architect is Sarkis Balyan. It is a very impressive clock tower with all its details. Below it, there is a cosy café with a sea view.



Selamlık: Selamlik is generally a building, reserved for men at Ottomans. The sultan used to host his political guests here and there used to be diplomatic meeting. Women weren't allowed to enter this building. The selamlik of Dolmabahce Palace is quite extensive. Single visits aren't allowed. You should join an English (or a Turkish) tour with a guide. I think it is better to do that way, because you can have more information about the details.



Harem: Harem is generally the building, reserved for women (except the Sultan and eunuchs). Dolmabahce Harem has a couple of windows that allowed women watch the meeting from above the big hall. Dolmabahce Palace continued to be active, even after Ottoman Empire collapsed. Harem is also special for Turkish Republic, because Ataturk used to stay here at his Istanbul visits. At the tour, you will be able to see the bed he died, his study and his bathroom.



Painting Museum: This is one of the most impressive museums I've seen in Istanbul. If you aren't much into painting, it is still good. If you are into painting, you'll love it. There are about 200 original paintings in the museum, including Ottoman painters and foreign painters who painted for Ottomans. There are 11 galleries that are Sultan Abdulmecid, Westernization in Ottomans, Istanbul views from Abdulmecid, the paintings that were taken from Goupil gallery, Ivan Konstantinoviç Ayvazovski, imperial painters, orientalist painters, assistant painters, Turkish painters (1870-1890), the landscape at Ottoman Empire, Turkish painters (1890-1930).

This is in front of Selamlik (not from Painting Museum)

Clock Museum: This is an interesting museum with original clocks and watches. There are automatic machines from 18-19th century, glorious mechanics made by French masters, and beautiful works of Mawlawi watch makers from 19th century. 71 clocks and watches are displayed at the museum. Unfortunately, I couldn't make a way inside it. All the doors were closed and the building was surrounded with a fence.



Glassed Kiosk: This was the Ottomans' window to the world and the equal of regiment kiosk at Dolmabahce Palace. Sultans used to watch the parades from inside. There are two transitive halls and a glasshouse in the building. You can see animal reliefs, fireplaces, coffee tables and so on as decorations. There is a little pool in its garden and many animals, including a peacock, roosters, ducks, and pheasants.

Glassed Kiosk from outside

Dolmabahce Mosque


The construction of the mosque was started by the the mother of Sultan Abdulmecid, Bezmialem Valide Sultan. After her death Sultan Abdulhamid took over the project. Architect Garabet Balyan decorated the mosque. It was opened to worship in 1855.

It began to be used as Naval Museum after 1948. Following 27 May Coup in 1960, the mosque was evacuated and the Naval Museum was carried to Besiktas centre. The mosque became famous again at Gezi Park incidents.

Sunday, 26 July 2015

Anadolukavagi: A Lovely Fishermen's Village at Anatolian Coast


Anadolukavagi is a neighbourhood of Beykoz. It is a touristic village with nice restaurants that serve sea food, as well as Yoros Castle.


Yoros Castle


This is a castle dates back to the Eastern Roman Empire times. After the empire weakened, the Genoese took hold of the castle. So, many people mistaken it for a Geneose castle. The area the castle covers is the largest, compared to the other castles in and around Istanbul. Some of the interior towers are still intact, and there are some Greek inscriptions on them. The origin of its name isn't for sure. It may be Hieron that means "sacred place", the nick name of Zeus that is "proper winds", or oros that means "mountain".

The castle isn't cared for how it should be, but at least it isn't idle. The archaeological studies are still going on, and it is forbidden to go in. However, I was lucky a couple of years ago. I was mistaken for an "Australian" and the door keeper let me and my friend in. So, long before the idea of this blog occurred, I had photos of Yoros Castle from inside. Enjoy the one below.


How to get to Anadolu Kavagi


There are two ways to go to Anadolu Kavagi: one from the road, one from the sea. If you take the road, you need to come to Kavacik and there you should get on 15A, Anadolukavagi bus. It is a frequent line, but you may stuck in the traffic. If you want to come with ferry, you can get on the Bosphorus line from whatever port it stops. The ferries aren't as frequent as buses, but if you don't have any hurry, I suggest you to prefer ferries for a scenic trip.

Rumelikavagi for the Best Mussel


Rumelikavagi is a neighbourhood between Sariyer centre and Rumelifeneri. It is famous for its mussels and pearls. There are many restaurants with sea food.

The neighbourhood is normally isn't crowded, but it gets crowded at weekends. So, you may need to go there early to get a table with a nice view.

You can try mussels at Rumelikavagi. The famous mussels are also sent around Istanbul, but I don't know where else you can eat them.

There are some beaches of Rumelikavagi, one of which belongs to military, so you cannot enter it. You can try other beaches.


How to get to Rumelikavagi


There are two ways to go to Rumelikavagi: one from the sea, one from the road. If you take the road, you'll get on 25A from Haciosman Metro stop. It is quite a frequent line. If you decide to come with ferry, you will get on the Bosphorus line, which isn't as frequent as the bus, but much more scenic.

Thursday, 23 July 2015

Anadolu Hisari: The Fortress on the Anatolian Side


When you say Anadolu Hisari, it means the fortress. When you say Anadoluhisari, it means the district. I'll mainly tell you about the sight, but also mention the district.


The Fortress


It is on the spot where Goksu Stream pours into the Marmara Sea. Like Rumeli Hisari (but before that), it was built on the narrowest part of Bosphorus. It was built in 1395, at the reign of Yildirim Beyazid. Passing from Bosphorus was important for the Genoese, who were allied with Eastern Romans. However, it was also important for the Ottomans. After the conquest of Istanbul, the fortress lost its importance. Unfortunately, it wasn't lucky as Rumeli Hisari, which is being used as a concert arena and open air museum. It is mostly a ruin and there is a road passing in the middle of it.


The District


It is between Kanlica and Kandilli. Goksu Stream is the distinctive geographical element there. It was sure cleaner and more beautiful at the past, based on the Kucuksu Pavilion.

Kucuksu Pavilion was built by Nikogos Balyan by the order of Abdulmecit in 1856. Its previous name was Goksu Pavilion. Pavilions were thought to belong to sultans apart from the palace, and they were larger than the kiosks. Today, there is a cosy tea house/café on its yard and the pavilion is used for weddings. I recommend you to drink tea or coffee next to the sea. The prices are reasonable.

The area between Goksu Stream and Kucuksu Stream is called Kucuksu Meadow. Next to the pavilion is Kucuksu Fountain, namely Mihrisah Valide Sultan Fountain.


How to get to Anadolu Hisari?


The Beykoz buses that follow the coastal road will pass from Anadolu Hisari. Beware that the road is narrow and the traffic jam is very heavy on week ends. 15F is the line between Kadikoy and Beykoz. You can also use the ferry which is much more scenic, but it is less frequent than the bus lines.

Rumeli Hisari: The Fortress on the European Side


When you say Rumeli Hisari, it means the fortress. When you say Rumelihisari, it means the district. I'll mainly tell you about the sight, but also mention the district.


The Fortress


Sultan Mehmet II made it built before the conquest of Istanbul, in order to prevent the attacks that may come from the north of Bosphorus, the narrowest part of it. It is just on the opposite of Anadolu Hisari. The construction finished on August 31, 1452. It was built in ninety days. It has three big towers and the biggest bastions in the world. The fortress is now a concert arena. Artillery, cannon balls, and the chain that is thought to be used to block the Golden Horn are exhibited on the yard.


The District


Rumelihisari is a coastal district with many restaurant choices. You can have a great breakfast with the view, or delicious lunch and dinner. The prices may be a little bit higher than usual because of the view, but I think it's usually worth it. The district is also very close to Bogazici University.


How to get to Rumeli Hisari?


The Sariyer buses that follow the coastal road will pass from Rumeli Hisari. Beware that the road is narrow and the traffic jam is very heavy on week ends. You can also use the ferry which is much more scenic, but it is less frequent than the bus lines. If you don't like the traffic, you can try to reach there backwards. You can get on the Haciosman metro and there, you can take a Sariyer bus and then go to Rumeli Hisari.

Monday, 13 July 2015

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.

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Eminonu: Bazaars, Spices and Traditions

Eminonu is a neighbourhood of Fatih. It is on the East of the Golden Horn. It is inside the walls of the old city. Its neighbours are Sirkeci, Karakoy and Suleymaniye. Istanbul Ticaret University has a campus here and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is also here.

History


Byzantium is thought to cover the area where today surroundings of Topkapi Palace, Sarayburnu and Sirkeci. At Ottoman times, it continued to be a port of trade. Due to the new ships and Sirkeci Station that started to operate, and Ottoman porte was carried to Cagaloglu. The center of Istanbul was still here. (Some old people still say "I am going to Istanbul" out of habit, referring to this area. It sounds strange to new generations.) After the republic was founded, roads were built and new transportation means were put into service. Today it is one of the most crowded areas of Istanbul.

New Mosque closer

Sights


New Mosque (Yeni Cami): It was laid in 1587 and was opened to worship in 1665. The mosque is very famous, because it is a part of Istanbul silhouette. Yeni Cami is very large with its building and yard that is flocked with pigeons.


Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi): This historical bazaar is behind Yeni Cami. It is mainly famous for its herbalists and souvenirs. My father used to work there and I've been there many time since childhood. Unfortunately modern malls that provide diversity in products and prices have negative effects on tradespeople.


Great Post Office (Büyük Postane): This is the biggest and the most historical post office of Turkey. The construction began in 1905 and the building was ready in 1909. Between 1927 and 1936, it was used as Istanbul Broadcasting House (but today it is at Harbiye). It is very close to the Egyptian Bazar and Yeni Cami.


Rustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii): This mosque is at Tahtakale, which I'll tell you about below. The architect of this mosque is Mimar Sinan! The completion date is written as 1562, but it may be between 1562 and 1564.


Hidayet Mosque: This mosque was built in 1814. It was wooden at first, but architect Alexandre Vallaury rebuilt it in 1887. The mosque is on Yalikosku Street, which is close to the coast.



Ahi Celebi Mosque: This mosque is behind Istanbul Ticaret University and close to Galata Bridge. Rumour has it that famous traveller Evliya Celebi had seen his dream that revealed him to travel at the rest of his life.

Galata Bridge: It connect Eminonu with Galata. It has two floors and you can walk on either of them. The view of the Golden Horn is spectacular. There are cosy sea food restaurants at the bottom floor.


Tahtakale and Mahmutpasa: These are actually two separate streets, but they serve similar purposes. You can find cheap stuff like fabrics, clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils, toys, and so on. Some of those are local, and some others are "made in China".

Food and drink


If you are into traditional food and drinks, Eminonu is the right place among some others (Sultanahmet, Beyazit, etc.). Beware of "too cheap" places due to hygienic concerns, but if you have a strong stomach like me, you don't have to worry much. You won't probably find alcoholic drinks at most places. You can try the fish of the restaurants of Galata Bridge, where you can also find alcoholic drinks.

How to get to Eminonu


It is very easy to get to Eminonu. You won't probably deal with the traffic, unless you travel with car. One of the stops of Kabatas-Bagcilar tram line is Eminonu. Sirkeci port is just a few minutes away, so you can easily come from Uskudar or Kadikoy, if you are staying at Anatolian coast.

Where to stay at Eminonu


It is hard to find many Eminonu hotels, some of which are luxurious. There are some hostels around. Sultanahmet has more hotels with different prices. You can look for the hotels, according to the stops of the tram line. Kadıkoy also has many budget hotels.

Arnavutkoy: Beautiful Old Houses Will Take You Back in Time



You may hear about two Arnavutkoy's, but don't get confused. Arnavutkoy district and Arnavutkoy neighbourhood are two different things, although the neighbourhood is in the district. Arnavutkoy neighbourhood is on Bosphorus. It is between Kurucesme and Bebek. You can see Kandilli, Uskudar and Vanikoy on the Anatolian coast.


History 


 Arnavutkoy means "Albanian village" in Turkish, but it almost has nothing to do with Albanians. The original population was mostly Greek. It was actually a Greek village in 16th century. It was famous for its gardens. It continued to be so until 18th and 19th century. Unfortunately, big Istanbul fires affected Arnavutkoy negatively.

 You can still see the Greek style old buildings. The neighbourhood lost some of its beauty, after the Greeks fled to Greece due to 6-7 September 1955 incidents, after the apartments started to rise in 1960's and after in  a causeway was built in front of the mansions 1980's. (Plus third bridge and third airport...) However, it is still one of the most beautiful districts in Turkey.


Sights


 Tevfikiye Mosque: It was ordered by Sultan Mahmut II and was built in 1832. It is a very plain and new looking building, so it may not seem so old at the first look.

 Aya Strati Taksiarhi Greek Orthodox Church: The Hellenic church was built at the beginning of 1900's. It is dedicated to the archangel.

 Arnavutkoy Police Station: This is also a historical building. It is an elegant old building near the coast.

 Robert College: It was founded in 1863 as an American school within Ottoman Empire. In 1871, American Girls' College was also founded. In 1971 Bogazici University was founded on the area of Robert College. Robert Collage was carried to and combined with American Girls' Collage.

 Curious Children Kindergarten:  It was formerly Arnavutkoy Greek School. You can still see the Hellenic architecture.

 Painted Kiosk Pavilion (Izzetpasa Pavilion): The one you'll see today is the replica made in 21th century. The original one was built in 1791. But it burned seven years later. It was demolished i n 1840's, then in 1975. It is the building of Bayraktar building since 1992.

 Akintiburnu: It means "the cape with current" in Turkish. It is a little cape in Arnavutkoy. There is a continuous surface current, of which swirls are still a problem for sailors. There is a small lighthouse on it.


What to Eat at Arnavutkoy


 Especially near Akintiburnu, there are fancy sea food restaurants where you may want to spend your money, if you can afford. There are also lovely cafés around.

How to Get to Arnavutkoy


 Arnavutkoy Port is active throughout the day. You can have a great Bosphorus tour in the ferries that stop by this port. You can also use the bus. However, the traffic jam is very heavy on week ends, because the road is so narrow. If you have time you can at least walk one way to or from Arnavutkoy. The view is so nice that you may not even feel tired.

Yesilkoy: A Beautiful and Busy District at Marmara Coast


Yesilkoy means "green village" in Turkish. Its original name was Ayastefanos (Saint Stefan) and it was Greek. Yesilkoy was one of the neighbourhoods where Greek population was high. Unfortunately today most of the Greek people are gone, but the neighbourhood is still trying to keep its beauty.

Yesilkoy is a coastal neighbourhood with a Marmara view and a couple of beaches. It is between Florya and Yesilyurt. It is a little farther than the center. That's why it feels like you escaped the city (except weekends). It is one of the most expensive and luxurious neighbourhoods of Istanbul. It looks like Moda at Kadikoy or Tesvikiye with sea.


History 


In 1203, the Latin army of Crusaders landed on Yesilkoy coast. In 1204, Istanbul was conquered. In 19th century, the whole neighbourhood belonged to the Armenian family, Dadyans, as a present from the Sultan.

After the Cremeria War, French people settled here and built one of the three lighthouses in Istanbul. Ayastefanos Treaty was signed here in 1878. Its name was Ayastefanos until 1924. In 1930, it name was changed into Yesilkoy for sure.

Most of the Greek population fled to Greece, after 6-7 September 1955 incidents. Today there are some churches and schools, but much more fewer than it was before.



Sights


Yesilkoy is a nice district for a weekend walk in every season. There are many art nouveau buildings and some churches you can enjoy while you are walking. You can also visit Yesilkoy lighthouse. When the weather is hot, you can go to the sandy beaches and enjoy the sea.


How to Get to Yesilkoy


If you come to Istanbul via Ataturk International Airport, then you'll automatically land on Yesilkoy. Yesilkoy is a little bit farther than the centre, but you have the metro from Airport, and bus and "dolmus" from Yesilkoy centre. There are direct lines from Taksim. The train line is being renovated, so we have to wait for it for some time.
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