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BEYOGLU (PERA)
The district, which is on a steep hill north of Golden Horn called Beyoglu, the heart of the new city, for centuries was home to the city's foreign residents. First to arrive here were the Genoese. As a reward fortheir help in the reconquest of the city from the Latins in 1261(Byzantine Period) they were given the Galata area. Which is now dominated by the Galata Tower. During the Ottoman period Jews from Spain, Arabs, Greeks and Armenians settled in communities here. From 16th century on European countries have established their embassies here. The district has not changed much in character over centuries and is still a thriving commercial quarter today.
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ISTIKLAL CADDESI (INDEPENDENCE STREET)
The pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi is Beyoglu's main street. This street once known as Grand Rue de Pera or Cadde-i Kebir (kebir means grand),
is lined by late 9th century apartment blocks and European consulate buildings and churches. With hundreds of shops and a lot of cinemas,
the street is still one of the most attractive shopping and entertainment areas of Istanbul. Today, the once seedy back streets of Beyoglu, off Istiklal Caddesi, are taking on a new lease of life, with trendy jazz bars, cafes, antique shops and stylish restaurants. Places of Interest are; Cicek Pasaji, Mewlevi Monastery, Galata Tower.
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CUKURCUMA
This charming old quarter of Beyoglu, radiating from a neighborhood mosque, has become an important centre for Istanbul's furnishings and antiques trades.
The old warehouses and houses have been converted into shops and
show rooms, where modern upholstery materials are piled up in carved marble basins and antique cabinets. One may find beautiful examples of 19th century Ottoman embroideries and ornaments.
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BOSPHORUS
The straits separating Europe and Asia, joining the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. It is 31,7 km.s long with a width of 3,2 km.s at the maximum and 0,118 km.s at the minimum. For much of their length the shores are lined with handsome buildings; wooden waterside villas known as yalis, graceful mosques and opulent 19th century marble palaces. The two sides of Istanbul is now linked to each other by 2 suspension bridges namely; Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge (opened in 1974) and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (opened in 1988). At night, with the lights they look like the bracelets of the Bosphorus.
Places of Interest on the Bosphorus:
Palaces: Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace,
Yildiz Palace, Kucuksu Palace
Mosques: Dolmabahce Mosque, Ortakoy Mosque, Besiktas Mosque
Parks: Yildiz Park, Emirgan Park Pavillions
Kiosks: Beyaz, Malta, Sari Kiosks, Pembe, Tanzimat Pavillionas
Mansions: Khedive’s Mansion, Sait Halim Pacha Mansion
Museums: Sadberk Hanim Museum, Naval Museum, Fine Arts Museum and Asiyan Museum
Historical Fortress and Castles: Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses,
Genovese Castle Towers, Leander’s Tower
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ORTAKOY
Crouched at the foot of Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy is one of the most vivid districts of Istanbul but still retained a village feel.
This village is an obvious indicator of the tolerance for other religions. It is here Mecidiye Mosque (this mosque located on the waterfront is Ortaköy’s most impressive landmark) Haghios Phocas Greek Orthodox Church and Etz Ahayim Synagogue stand next to each other for centuries. Today, Iskele Meydani
(the quayside square) and its surrounding streets with many restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, street sellers and street food kiosks attract citizens and visitors of all ages. It is one of the hubs of Istanbul’s nightlife.
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KUMKAPI
This district, known as 'Kondoskali' meaning 'small quay' during the Byzantine period is today one of the most vivid entertainment centers
of Istanbul. The district is by Marmara Sea, off the coast road behind Sultanahmet (historical peninsula) The charming narrow streets and colourful taverns contribute the joyful atmosphere of Kumkapi. When enjoying a dinner or lunch with fresh fish from the Marmara Sea at a table colorfully decorated with seafood mezes (Turkish appetizers) you will also feel like dancing with the music of the street musicians. A casual dinner
at one of VISITUR's selected restaurants here, always colours a successful incentive program.
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PRINCES'S ISLANDS
The pine forested Princess Islands provide a welcome break from the bustle of the city and are just a short ferry ride southeast from the city. The Islands take their name from a royal palace built by Justine II on 'Buyukada', than known as Prinkipo (island of the prince in 569)
During
the Byzantine era the island became infamous as a place of exile.
Members of the royal family and public figures where often banished
to the monasteries here.
In the later half of the 19th century, with the inauguration of a steamboat service from Istanbul, several wealthy expatriates settled on the islands. Among the foreign exiles to live here was Leon Trotsky.
The 19th century atmosphere is enhanced by the omnipresence of horse driven carriages (phaetons) these quaint carriages are in fact the only form of public transport, as motorized transport is banned. At the top of Buyukada's wooded south hill, in a clearing, stands the monastery of
St. George.
VISITUR organizes quite a number of outdoor activities on the islands.
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Contact |
VISITUR Travel & Tourism
Inc.
Şehit Muhtar Cad.
No:17
Özerk İş Hanı Kat:2/3
Taksim 34437 İstanbul TURKEY
Tel: +90 212 254 32 30
Fax: +90 212 254 27 83
+90 212 235 01 77
visitur@visitur.com.tr
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