Heart of Istanbul: The Istanbul Strait
With notable history on its shores as well as its waters, the Bosphorus flows past mansions and palaces, mosques and churches, markets and parks…The cultures of civilizations reaching back thousands of years have merged into the bustling metropolis of Istanbul and the Bosphorus has witnessed all.
As the lifeblood of Istanbul, the Bosphorus has its own story, beginning with the origin of its name. This month, we look at the Bosphorus from various angles, each offering a distinctive view of this illustrious strait.
Click to read: Heart of Istanbul: The Istanbul Strait
24 hours along the Bosphorus: The European side
On the European shore of the Bosphorus, our route begins from bustling Sirkeci. We cross the Galata Bridge – presenting striking views of the Galata Tower and Sultanahmet – towards Karaköy, with hip boutiques and cafes sandwiched between long-standing shops and bakeries. Keep strolling towards Beşiktaş and, while you’ll lose sight of the water at points, eventually you’ll pass the ornate Dolmabahçe Palace, the Yıldız Palace and the Naval Museum, as well as one of the city’s notable doner restaurants, Historical Karadeniz Doner. Continue along this stately (and busy) tree-lined avenue towards Ortaköy, and snap a photo of the Bosphorus view from the recently renovated Ortaköy Mosque.
Another three kilometers brings you to Arnavutköy, famous for its gingerbread-style wood mansions. In Bebek, take a promenade in the Ayşe Sultan Grove, a wander among magnificent mansions and historical streets, and a break for the famous “kup griye” at Baylan Patisserie. Continuing to Emirgan, we visit the Japanese Garden and the Emirgan Grove. After a tea break at a café with a Bosphorus view, we motor towards İstinye and Yeniköy. Stay the night in Sarıyer and breakfast in tranquil Garipçe Village.
Click to read: 24 hours along the Bosphorus: The European side
24 hours along the Bosphorus: The Anatolian side
The Anatolian side route begins with Kadıköy and the street arts in Yeldeğirmeni. We walk towards Moda, with its upscale coffee shops and sleek street cats, and on to Üsküdar via picturesque Tıbbiye Street, where Haydarpaşa train station is located. After a tea break and a view of the Maiden’s Tower, we stop by Fethipaşa Grove and Kuzguncuk.
Next is Beylerbeyi, presenting Beyberbeyi Palace, magnificent mansions and rustic seaside fish restaurants. The next stop is Çengelköy site of the Historical Çınaraltı Tea Garden, prominently featured in the famous 90’s TV series, Super Baba, and offering wonderful views. We walk away from the beach towards Havuzbaşı Sokak, lined with historical homes and considered among Istanbul’s most beautiful streets. Then, on to Kandilli.
With its striking architecture, Kuleli Military High School is a symbol of Kandilli; Vaniköy is also famous for its mansions. But most significant is the view of the Bosphorus from Sevda Hill. After we take pictures, we go to Anadolu Fortress, surrounded by trees, and then to Beykoz. After spending the night in Beykoz, we breakfast at Anadolu Kavağı, completing our route along the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus with a view from historic Yoros Castle.
Click to read: 24 hours along the Bosphorus: The Anatolian side
The Bosphorus shore: The best Instagram-ready locations
As befits one of the world’s most special places, the Bosphorus is also extremely photogenic. In this blog, we present the best locations for the perfect Instagram post.
While the Bosphorus area encompasses a 30-kilometer region between Rumeli and the İnciburnu Lighthouse, its beauty is visible from many parts of Istanbul. In this blog, we present the most Instagrammable views of the Bosphorus – six on the European side and nine on the Anatolian side.
Click to read: The Bosphorus shore: The best Instagram-ready locations
Pearls of the Bosphorus: Mansions and their stories
The stately mansions along the Bosphorus are known for their beauty and distinctive architecture, and most were erected in the most picturesque areas, with backdrops of hills and groves. Today, there are approximately 360 mansions along the Bosphorus, 150 of which are preserved in their original state.
We list 13 mansions on the Anatolian and European sides, some among the most expensive residences in the world and all with very interesting stories!
Click to read: Pearls of the Bosphorus: Mansions and their stories
Century-old challenge across of the strait: Fenerbahçe – Beşiktaş
Türkiye is a football nation. Similar to Brazil and Italy, football is an important part of everyday life, whether playing the game or supporting a team. Newspapers that focus on football teams are some of the best-selling, and the outside world comes to a screeching halt on match days.
The game developed in Istanbul and there are now football clubs in nearly every region of Türkiye. However, two very popular Istanbul teams, Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe, have a longstanding history and a longstanding rivalry.
The Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe clubs have their home bases in Beşiktaş and in Kadıköy, respectively, giving a new twist to the meeting between east and west.
Click to read: Century-old challenge across of the strait: Fenerbahçe – Beşiktaş
Choose a side!
This month’s Turkish Airlines Blog examines the Bosphorus Strait, so we have prepared a quiz for our readers. Which side of the Bosphorus are you?
To join our quiz: What side of the Bosphorus are you?
Stories knock at your door!
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