This is actually a very important topic. Istanbul is a large and heterogeneous city. Choose the wrong area and you will have transgender prostitutes under your windows every night. I tell you this from my own experience. In addition, when traveling to Istanbul, you must constantly think about logistics. How will you get to the airport? How will you get around the city? And will you have to constantly spend money on transport?
In general, carefully weigh the pros and cons. And I, for my part, will now tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of these or those areas, so that you are as prepared as possible for a meeting with Istanbul before the start of your trip.
Europe or Asia?
Let's start simple. I think everyone knows that the largest city in Turkey is located in two parts of the world at once. Most of Istanbul's attractions are located on its European side. Therefore, it is best to choose this part of the city for the first trip.
Asia is also good in its own way. It has a pleasant atmosphere, lower prices in cafes and many modern neighborhoods. But at the same time, the choice of hotels and apartments is much worse here than in Europe. When we were looking for housing for ourselves (in the Asian region of Kadikoy), we actually considered only 2 (!) Housing options. The rest was about nothing at all.
It is possible to stop in Asia for those travelers who want to look at the real non-tourist Istanbul. If this is not your first time in the city, this is a great solution. Plus, Asia is better suited for those who travel through the city in transit and must leave for Sabiha Gokcen airport in the morning. It is, of course, easier to get to it from Asia.
Which area to choose in the Asian side of Istanbul?
In terms of tourism in the Asian part of Istanbul, only two districts, in fact, can be of interest - Kadikoy, where we ourselves lived for 3 days, and Uskudar, located a little to the north. If during your trip you want to live on two shores of the Bosphorus at once, then I advise you to pay attention to them.
Kadikoy good for its atmosphere, tea gardens, fish restaurants and the energy of life, which is in full swing here as well as on the famous Istiklal Street.
It is POSSIBLE to choose this area for a trip. It is easily accessible from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (by Havabus buses or city routes E10 and E11). And the historical quarters of Sultanahmet (where, in fact, all the main attractions of Istanbul are located) can be reached from here in 15 minutes.
There are two ways to do this.:
- With the help of the "transcontinental" metro Marmaray. The station is located next to the embankment. You need to get off on the European side at the Sirkeci station.
- By sea transport. Ships from the Kadikoy pier go constantly. I boarded the ship and in 15 minutes you are at the Galata Bridge.
The most convenient way to pay for travel is with the Istanbul Card. The cost of one trip is 2.15 liras. If you transfer from one vehicle to another (for example, when traveling to the city from the airport), the second trip will be even cheaper.
Uskudar- this is an area near the Beylerbey Palace and the Maiden Tower. These are quite important sights of the city.
You can get to Europe by ship (here everything is the same as in the previous case). 15 minutes - and you are at the Galata Bridge. Step forward - you will come to the Blue Mosque. Go back - exit to Galata Tower and Istiklal Street. Everything is very convenient.
Regions of Europe: map
Most of Istanbul's attractions are concentrated in the area of the Golden Horn. There is a district on the north bank Beyoglu, on the south - Fatih... Several bridges are stretched over the water - including the Galata Bridge, the Atayurk Bridge, as well as the metro bridge bearing the same name as the bay itself - the Golden Horn. Therefore, it is not difficult to get from one area to another on foot.
Both of these areas are good for living. Personally, I myself have lived in Beyoglu twice (both times in different parts of it). But for tourists, the Fatih area is also a good solution (there are even more attractions, for example). Further more about everything.
Fatih
I'll start with the main thing ... Fatih is the most popular and tourist area of Istanbul. There are sights at every step. Most points can be easily reached on foot.
The advantages of this area are as follows:
- It is convenient to get here. In terms of transport, this is generally a great place. From Ataturk Airport you can get here by metro (to Sishane or Taksim stations). Havabus buses also travel to the area. You can also get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim Square with their help. Need to go to Asia or the Princes' Islands? You just go down to the embankment and get on the right ship.
- Life in the Istiklal area is in full swing. Here are bars, restaurants, nightclubs, trendy shops. At the same time, as soon as you turn onto some side street, it immediately becomes quiet around. I personally did not hear any noise at night in both hotels that I rented in Beyoglu. Do you want to play it safe (well, you never know, what if there really is a club under the windows)? Look for hotels near Galata Tower or Karakoy Waterfront. Well, read the hotel reviews carefully! Alternatively, you can still rent the hotel that I recommended above. It's quiet there at night.
- There are many inexpensive restaurants in the area of Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. The main thing is to look for them not on the main street, but on those streets that cross it, turning to the side. Personally, I can recommend cafes such as Varuna gezgin, Melekler Durum and the Balkan Lokantasi cafeteria. It's cheap and tasty there. I came across good establishments with pleasant prices here at times more often than in the tourist area of Fatih.
- The Galata Tower is located in the Beyoglu district. You can also walk to the Dolmabahce Palace. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to Sultanahmet quarter. But during this time you will pass many important sights of the city one after another.
Cons of Beyoglu area:
- A hill leading from the Galata Bridge to the Galata Tower. She constantly pissed me off. When you step down, everything is OK. But returning home from the center is already hard. The incline is pretty steep there.
- Possible noise under the windows. I already wrote that Istiklal Street is dynamic and lively. Therefore, it is better to rent an apartment NEAR this street, and not on it. I lived on a parallel street. And I didn't hear any noise at night. And I went to Isktiklal itself in the evenings in a cafe - to drink, eat and listen to live music.
- Parallel to Istiklal stretches Tarlabasi boulevard. In the evenings there are prostitutes (some of whom used to be men). When I lived in the first Kumbaraci hotel, I had no idea about this fact. And when we moved to the Berry Life Hotel, I greeted them every night.
Other areas of Istanbul Europe
Laleli district is famous in Istanbul for its wholesale trade. There are many Russian-speaking people here, as well as various markets and shops. It's quite convenient to get here. The Sultanahmet quarter is close. To the embankment with ships - too. But the proximity of the markets is always a special flavor.
Getting lost (even with a navigator) is as easy as shelling pears. And there are a lot of people on the street.
Shishli district is located north of Taksim Square. But to tell you the truth, I haven't been there myself. On the Internet, he is praised for having a large shopping center. From here you will have to travel to the sights by transport. I don't know what to say about him anymore.
Besiktas district... One of my favorites in Istanbul. Here a bright tomorrow has already come. The Dolmabahce Palace and Mosque are located here. But to the rest of the sights you will have to travel by transport.
What is good about Besiktas is the style of life. If Fatih, Beyoglu and Laleli are relatively poor areas. That, in Besiktas live those who have a good life. There are many 5-star hotels with swimming pools near the Bosphorus, their own spa complexes, hammams and other joys of life. There are yachts near the shore. Some hotels even occupy the building of the Sultan's palace. Imagine how cool it is to live in such a place!
In general, if you have money, it is better to live in Istanbul in the Besiktas area. If money is not so cool - then welcome to Beyoglu or Fatih. Uskudar and Kadikoy are gourmet dishes. And fans of beaches (yes, there are also beaches in Istanbul) can go to the Princes' Islands. But that's a completely different story.
Goodbye country!
Today, the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul can be called an autonomous settlement, consisting of 45 separate parts. At present, about 225,000 residents permanently reside on its territory. But since Beyoglu is the center of business, recreation and culture, life in it does not stop for a minute. Every day, up to several million visitors come here, including both the Turks themselves and tourists.
Beyoglu district in Istanbul
In Byzantine times, this site was called the Vineyards of Pern. For a long time, foreigners called Beyoglu simply Pera, and the locals called him more broadly - Pera Beyoglu. The last part of this name nevertheless began to dominate over time, and the name of Per was completely forgotten after it was removed from official circulation in 1925.
Beyoglu's history is very rich and varied. The settlement of these territories began about 8 millennia ago. Replacing each other, a wide variety of peoples lived here - from the Thracians to the Greeks and the ancient Romans, but before the Ottomans came to power, the area was minimally developed and was considered just a suburb of Constantinople, although important from the point of view of trade.
Active development began in 1492, when water supply was established in Beyoglu and foreign embassies began to concentrate here. The area between Galatasaray and Tunel began to develop not only as a trade, but also as a residential area.
Due to the fact that foreigners lived in Beyoglu almost from its very foundation, the area turned out to be much more Europeanized than other similar territories of Istanbul.
Mass development "for Europe" began in the 20s of the 20th century, during the reign of Kemal Ataturk, who was famous for his progressive views and moods. But at the same time, the monuments of ancient architecture, such as the Galata Tower, were preserved.
Until 1927, the most famous street in the area - Istiklal, was called Cadde-i Kebir, Buyuk jadde (Big street - Büyük Cadde) or Grande Rue de Péra in French.
It is worth saying a little more about the sights of Beyoglu.
Beyoğlu landmarks
Among the attractions of Beyoglu - Galata Tower
Beyoglu is a treasure trove of everything unusual and interesting. It is very difficult to single out one thing in a series of historical and modern cultural monuments, but there are several places that you should definitely visit.
Arab mosque: This Istanbul shrine dates back to 1337. The initiators of its construction were the Genoese. Initially, it played the role of a Latin church, but with the arrival of the Muslim conquerors it was turned into a mosque with an extremely interesting architecture (a mixture of stone and wood).
: the building dates back to 1348. The height of the tower allows you to see the beauty of Istanbul at a glance. Therefore, travelers are happy to pay for the entrance ticket in order to enjoy the breathtaking city panorama to their fullest. 
Church of christ: interesting not only from a historical, but also from an architectural point of view. The interior decoration is striking in its splendor. Many people talk about unusual church acoustics, so it is worth visiting the Church of Christ during the service.
Jewish Museum of Turkey: Not far from Galata Bridge is the beautiful Zilfaris Jewish Synagogue. It was within its walls at the beginning of the 21st century that a compact museum complex was founded. A small but harmonious collection tells about the historical and cultural relationship between Jews and Muslims.
Church of St. Mary Draperis (Santa Maria Draperis Kilisesi)... In the central part of Istanbul's Beyoglu district, stands the famous Catholic shrine - the Latin Church of St. Mary Draperi. The sight, dating back to the 17th century, has suffered from fires several times in its history, but each time it was restored. The church acquired its modern look thanks to the famous architect from Italy, to whom the ruler Abdulahmet II issued permission for the reconstruction of the Catholic monastery in 1904.
Salt Galata Cultural Center: This is one of the main attractions of Beyoglu. A large number of exhibition areas in different directions are located on an impressive territory. Scientific conferences and seminars are regularly held here. Extensive research activities have been launched on the basis of the cultural center. The building itself is also an architectural monument, erected at the end of the 19th century under the direction of the architect Alexander Vallaury and modernized with the help of the architectural bureau Mimarlar Tasarym.
You can also look at the Fish Market (Balık pazarı) - the name of the market is conditional, since in fact everything is sold here, fruits, vegetables, seafood, spices, sweets, leather goods and much more. In front of the entrance to it, there is an arch with a sign installed in honor of its 150th anniversary.
These are not all the attractions of Beyoglu, which should be paid close attention of the guests of the city. Of great interest are the Mevlevi Museum in Galata, the Depo Cultural Center, Casa Galeri and much, much more.
Taksim Meydanı in Beyoğlu
Taksim Square in Istanbul (Taksim Meydanı)
The local Taksim square should be examined in particular. It can be called a kind of border line between the old and the new city. Around the square there are luxury hotels and hotels, expensive and budget catering establishments, etc. The transport network is very developed. Taksim Square is a traditional venue for large-scale public events and military parades.
A large number of attractions of the region are concentrated on this territory - the park with the same name Taksim, the Independence Monument, the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ataturk Cultural Center, Taksim Mosque, Taksim Art Gallery and much more.
Not far from the square, the famous Istanbul Istiklal Street, leading to the historic center of Beyoglu, originates.
It is in Taksim Square that official demonstrations are often held. By the way, it is here that the Gezi Park is located nearby, due to the demolition of which strikes began in Taksim in 2013. As a result, after lengthy skirmishes, the demolition of the park was stopped.
The fans of Galatasaray and Beşiktaş also gather in the square after the matches.
It is interesting that the square has already been reconstructed a significant number of times, the architectural appearance has been improved, but the general style, which appeared in the late 30s of the 20th century through the efforts of the Frenchman Henri Prost, has been preserved to this day.
The Marmara Taksim Hotel in Beyoglu
There are a lot of hotels in this area, and accordingly, the range of prices is quite large. The most popular hotels are as follows:
- Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah
- Gezi Hotel Bosphorus
- Tomtom Suites
- Rixos Pera Istanbul
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera
- Witt Istanbul Suites
- Corinne Hotel
- Georges Hotel Galata
- CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
If you are going to spend most of your time on excursions and trips, then of course there is no point in taking an expensive hotel, given that you will only be spending the night in it. I advise spending more time walking, having breakfast outside the hotel in picturesque places - it is much more interesting, and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Turkish cuisine and flavor better.
Shopping in Beyoglu: Istiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Caddesi in Istanbul
The concentration of a large number of shops is Istiklal Street, which stretches from Taksim Square to the final stop of the famous red tram.
Here you can find everything: souvenirs, clothes, silver and gold, cosmetics, shoes, antiques, Turkish sweets and much more.
Therefore, when you are going for a walk along the boulevard, plan your time taking into account the fact that you will want to look into different stores and this will not be limited to one or two hours.
Basically, all shops are open as free-standing, there is only one shopping center and a small one - Demirören Avm. On the ground floor there is a large Sephora department, there are also departments Gizia, DeFacto, Vakko (brand clothing store), Brandroom (brand clothing store), Guess, Gap, Koton and others.
Throughout Istiklal Street you can find shops: Colins's, Mango, H&M, Adidas, Lacoste, Diesel, Flo, Waikiki, MAC, SNR Shop, Kemal Tanca, Hotiç, Tudors, Elle, Mavi, Collezione, New Balance, Yves Rocher, Faik Sonmez and much more (mass market and accessory stores).
Istikal street on the map:
Restaurants and cafes on Istiklal street in Beyoglu
360 Istanbul Restaurant on Istiklal Street
For lovers of cafes, restaurants and hangouts in the Beyoglu area on Istiklal Street, as well as on the alleys close to it, you can find a huge number of different establishments, sometimes completely different from each other.
These are fish restaurants, restaurant clubs with an unusual view, traditional Turkish kebab restaurants, pide and much more.
I will give examples of those establishments that would be interesting for a tourist to visit.
Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı)
Flower passage in Istanbul (Çiçek Pasajı)
First of all, be sure to check out içek Pasajı, a historical landmark in the Beyoglu district. It has been partially restored and reconstructed; its approximate age is about 140 years. On the territory that the building now occupies, in the 19th century there was a wooden theater of Mikhail Naum Dukhani.
Today, on the ground floor of the passage, there are restaurants popular with both locals and tourists.
The Flower Passage is interesting not only for its restaurants, but also for its unconventional architecture, which can remotely resemble the passages of France.
Flower passage on the map
Restaurant-bar Leb-i Derya
Located on the top floor of the Richmond Hotel. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the strait. Here you can spend an evening both in a restaurant format and at a bar counter with a sea view.
On weekends, Leb-i derya hosts local DJs, Lounge, Nu Jazz, Electro Bossa, Chillhouse, Nu Disco, Lounge, Jazz, Oldies and Chilout.
Prices on the menu for 2017: hot dishes from 36 to 55 TL, salads from 14 to 20 TL, snacks from 14 to 36 TL, desserts from 8 to 20 TL.
ELEOS Restaurant
Eleos Restaurant in Beyoglu
Located in a side street next to Istiklal. If you go through the Russian consulate (it will be on your left), you need to turn into the first lane on the left, after a couple of minutes walk you will find it.
The top floor of the restaurant offers a magnificent view.
It is advisable to reserve a table before visiting, especially if you plan to visit in the evening.
The average bill for 2017 is 245 Turkish Lira for two with alcohol.
360 Istanbul
This is a fairly well-known among tourists and a popular place that combines a bar, a club and a restaurant. Why is it so famous? Of course, with its 360-degree view of Istanbul. This beauty is especially breathtaking at night. I advise you to visit!
The concept of the institution: delicious food, atmosphere and relaxation.
Prices on the menu for 2017: snacks from 29 to 37 TL, hot from 55 to 95 TL, alcohol (in bottles) from 145 TL (local Turkish wines) to 2250 TL.
Barba Rasimo Restaurant
A fairly old restaurant with Greek and Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is located on the terrace overlooking the strait and Istanbul.
Hot and cold appetizers: from 10 to 30 Turkish liras, salads from 12 to 18 liras, hot from 26 to 35 liras, desserts from 12 to 16 liras.
Finding the Beyoglu area is easy enough. Beyoglu district on the map.
Good day, friends!
But with transport, not everything is so smooth here. losing ground already at his station of course Kabatash that even before Dolmbahce Palace you need to get about 10-15 minutes on foot.
True, there is a pier Beşiktaş supporting. But direct contacts with Eminonu per day can be counted on one hand. And then, only in the morning and evening.
There are buses and private cars, as the metro does not get here either.
As for me, the Besiktas district is not suitable for independent tourists who want to explore the surroundings. All-inclusive lovers should dig in here and live happily, admiring the most expensive view of the Bosphorus.
Beyoglu - the main district of the New City
Kabatash district
A quarter located between neighboring Besiktas, Taksim and Karkoy, which is identified mainly by its ferry berths. Generally Kabataş- this is a kind of analogue of the nodal center Yenikapi but on a smaller scale.
This is the point of application of the 3 forces:
- ferries in the Asian direction start from here
- "tourist" finishes here tram T1 from the historical part of Istanbul
- here funicular F1 picks up everyone and takes them up the hill to Taksim Square
Nearby attractions Dolmbahce Palace, Maritime Museum and the stadium football club Beşıktaş in the neighboring district of the same name.
I don't see much sense in renting a house here. It is noisy, bustling, and there is very little room for walking.
Taksim district
This includes Taksim Square and the surrounding area, including the famous Istiklal.
Purely for me, the tourist value of the area is zero. The monument on the square and the Ataturk Cultural Center are of some kind of revolutionary character. If suddenly, that, then there is already a strike and people with flags and slogans gather in a circle of interests.
To the north is the business center with large hotels, and behind them the terminus of buses to and. For me, the square is purely an intermediate point for reaching Istiklal.
Another thing is the street area Istiklyal... Fun and delicious. There is where to add calories to the body, there is where to take a walk and show yourself on the dance floor in the evening.
This quarter will appeal to those who are not used to living in peace and quiet. Something is always happening here and the movement does not stop even at night.
A kind of Turkish Deribasovskaya and Rambala at the same time, seasoned with Parisian contrasts. Behind the fashionable facade of the first houses, a discreet look of Istanbul's everyday life can often be hidden.
In general, if you like to hang out near the place of deployment, so that you can always run home to change your T-shirt, then you can
The Galata Tower can be reached on foot, as, in principle, the Galata Bridge. For the rest, you will have to travel by metro or funicular, which can be reached by
And further. Find Tarlabashi Boulevard on the map. The territory north of it is considered unfavorable, so don't even look at housing there.
Djigankhir district
The quarter, promoted in many guidebooks under the term Istanbul Paris ... Geographically, it is located on a slope between Istiklal and the Kabatash and Karakoy regions.
Nice and pleasant area, where bright facades are shamelessly mixed with abandoned buildings. Here you can stroll in the evening, look for adventures, themed cafes and interesting staircases that lead to the Bosphorus.
A big and significant minus is that the area is located on a slope, so all dashes will be accompanied by either a loss of altitude or a gain.
And closer to the tram tracks and the Kabatash quarter, you can find real slums, although not dangerous.
Galata area
This is, in my opinion, one of the most authentic and attractive areas to live in after Sultanahmet.
Firstly, you live on a hillock and you just have a beautiful view of old Istanbul across the bridge. If you can't see something somewhere, then feel free to climb onto Galata tower or an adjacent roof to expand your horizons.
Secondly, the local streets, flooded with various shops and shops on a relief hill, will really remind you of Italian back streets with soulful cafes and cobbled courtyards.
It is a pleasure to walk here, besides, it is here that the cheapest souvenirs are sold with the largest selection. You can buy gifts for all your neighbors in an apartment building for only 30-40 liras.
This area is liked not only by me, but also by the Jewish representatives. There are at least 3 synagogues here, one of which is the largest in Turkey, and the Jewish Museum.
In terms of dislocation, this is also a convenient area, since it is just a stone's throw to Galata Bridge, as well as to public transport stops. The only problem Like any Crimean South Coast resort, these are steep ascents and descents.
Excellent area in terms of location. A few steps away from the pier, from which you can sail anywhere by ferry. Nearby is the T1 tram stop, which is responsible for transporting you to all the main attractions of Istanbul. Well, and Galata Bridge, which sells the most delicious fried mackerel in bread that I have tried, for 10 liras.
Although Karaköy does not have the charm of the Galata area, which is located a little higher, it is suitable for those who do not share my passion for hiking, especially at different levels above sea level.
There are no special attractions here, except for the already mentioned Galata Tower and Museum of Contemporary Art. But due to the favorable geopolitical position, there will be no problems with visiting the objects from my article "".
I'll add a fly in the ointment.
Despite all the transport benefits, the area itself is slightly neglected. I think this is not at all the same image you have about Istanbul, which you will see here.
Therefore, it is better to rent a hotel either near Galata or in the Sirkeci quarter.
Further more
Friends, congratulations!
After reading the third article (here it is) on the topic of Istanbul's districts, you will now be able to navigate in Istanbul better than a local resident. After all, this poor fellow outside his area will be lost in no time, unlike you.
Recall your values and requirements for your habitat and feel free to choose your area and hotel to stay.
It is a great happiness that there are plenty of locations in Istanbul. And your eyes will no longer get tired of the number of options, since you already know what you need!
But not everywhere you can find a street where Catholic churches and nightclubs, museums and cinemas, an old lyceum (with a competition of more than 1000 people per seat!) And the ancient tower of the Ottoman Empire, where Asian and European styles in architecture are combined and you can feel the spirit of the times ...
A tram from 1871 still operates here and a unique metro line with only two stations has been built, a street along which about 3 million people pass every day!
Welcome to Istiklal - the heart of the Beyoglu district and the place must-see in Istanbul!
The history of the emergence of the street begins during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (are there fans of the “Magnificent Century” series among my readers? Istiklal began to be built up at that time).
In the 17th century the street connected the Galata Tower and the Galata Palace, then embassies of other countries began to appear on the street, churches were built, the street was called the Main Avenue. At the beginning of the 20th century Turkey declared itself a Republic, and the street was renamed to its current name, which means "Independence Street".
In 1955 the street was seriously destroyed during the Istanbul pogroms and was in decline until the 90s. Now the street is being renovated, historical buildings are being restored, many shops, restaurants and cafes have been opened.
2. Where is it located and how to get there
Istiklal Street starts at Taksim Square and goes towards. We walked from the Galata Tower, so first we walked a little down the street Şahkapısı Sk, and then already ended up on Istiklal.
Location on the map and our route:
There are several ways to get to Istiklal, depending on where you plan to start your journey and where you are going.
2.1. Walking route from Sultanahmet
Basically, if you live in or Beyoglu, you can walk to Istiklal on foot. A very beautiful route goes from Sultanahmet along the Galata Bridge, through the Galata Tower and to Taksim Square. There you can already take a bus or metro and get to another area. We got there exactly this way, but we were very tired, because I had to go on foot for quite a long time. But if you don't have heavy suitcases and / or small children, then this is a great way!
2.2. Public transport
You can also get to Istiklal from Sultanahmet by high-speed tram T1 to Kabatash station, there change to the funicular and get to Taksim station.
From other areas you can get to Karakoy station (also by light rail). From the stop you can take a funicular or walk.
You can also get to Taksim by metro, the station is called Taksim.
2.3. Excursions in Istiklal
You can also walk along Istiklal Street as part of an excursion group. Plus - they will tell you historical aspects and unusual facts, minus - the excursion time is limited and besides you there will be other tourists on the excursion.
3. Photo walk
The famous historic red tram, which has become the hallmark of Istanbul, is still possible to ride on it, the route is from Taksim Square to Tunel metro station:
Some buildings are under reconstruction:
Even the sellers of simits (bagels with sesame seeds) stylized their carts to look like a historic tram:
The beginning of Istiklal Street (from the side of the Galata Tower):
Immediately we meet the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, built in 1838 - 1845, according to legend, was erected on Russian soil, which was specially imported by ships. True or not, we will never know, but the fact that the building was recognized as a monument of palace architecture is a fact!
Unfortunately, the street is not monitored, which is why in some places it looks so unsightly:
Again we meet a tram, it turns out that you can ride not only inside, but also outside:
Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua:
The entrance to the territory is absolutely free:
Statue of John XXIII, who preached in the church in the 30s of the XX century:
Nameplate in different languages. I wonder how the same name is pronounced in different languages - Giovanni, Jean, John:
Internal decoration of the church:
Inside the church:
Monument 1923-1973:
To be honest, I never found any information about this monument (1923 is the year of Turkish independence), if you know what it is dedicated to, share in the comments!
The street is decorated with flags:
Flower passage, an architectural monument built back in 1876 on the site of the theater. Initially, the shops here were located on the 1st floor, the rest of the floors were occupied by residential apartments.
Now the first floor is occupied by shops and restaurants, so you can dine in a historical place, admiring the French architecture in the center of Istanbul.
Istiklal is full not only of historical monuments, but you can also watch the performances of street musicians here:
Founded once by the Genoese and remaining a truly European quarter until the early 20th century, this area is today a favorite meeting place for Istanbul youth. An introductory walk through this part of the city usually takes three to four hours and starts from the Galata Tower.
The tower, erected in 1348, has a circular observation deck on its last floor, from which a wonderful panorama of the Golden Horn and most of the Old City opens. After admiring the views of the city, we set off from the tower along Galip Dede street up the hill. Having passed about half of the street, to the intersection with Istiklal Street, we see on the right side "Teutonia" - a gray stone building, which for a long time was the center of the German community in Istanbul and which now houses a branch of the famous Goethe Institute. Regular exhibitions are held on the ground floor of the building. And a little further and up the street, not reaching the Tunel square, there is the famous antique bookstore "De Pera", which sells unique old books. Directly opposite the store, we see an inconspicuous entrance to Galata Mevlevihanesi - the monastery of the dervishes of Galata. Today, dervishes are no longer to be found in the monastery. Instead, it houses a museum of ancient musical instruments and manuscripts. A small and well-kept historic cemetery has been preserved in the courtyard of the former monastery.
We turn right and literally in a few steps we find ourselves on Tunel, to the upper exit of the underground funicular, the line of which starts below, near the bay. The subway, built in 1875 (and this is how this transport line is proudly called here), is one of the oldest in the world (second after London), but at the same time the shortest. Its length is only 573 meters. In front of the metro entrance there is the terminus of the Tunel-Taksim tram line, which is a tourist attraction. Trams have been preserved here in the form in which they traveled back in the 19th century, and tourists are happy to admire the views of Istiklal Street from the windows of retro carriages. Directly opposite the subway entrance, there is a passageway where you can visit one of the most beautiful cafes in Beyoglu. It is called K & V and is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm. From behind the tables you can contemplate the inner space of the passage - the atrium, in which you can also see many antique rarities and wonders.
We pass along the passage further to Asmali Mesquit Sokak street. On this short street, not exceeding hundreds of meters, there are two more exquisite antique shops, as well as several expensive cafes and small shopping galleries. A little further, on the left, in the Sebender Sokak Lane, is "Babylon", one of the most popular places in Istanbul for rock, pop and jazz lovers. In addition, various performances, shows and revues are staged here. Not far from Sebender Sokak we pass the legendary art and intellectual tavern "Refik" (open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 pm to 1 am), where we turn left again to Asmali Mesquite and head down the slope. At the end of the street we turn left and find ourselves in front of the once famous hotel in Istanbul "Pera Palace". This building witnessed the "golden age" and received guests with world-famous names. But even today the hotel is worthy of a visit.
From "Pera Palace" we go further along Mesrutiyet Caddesi street and along a large square, past the Italian cultural center to Odakule, a high-rise office center. From here we walk along the pedestrian street to Istiklal Caddesi, the main artery of the Beyoglu district and one of the most important centers of business life in Istanbul. When an appointment is made in Istanbul, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the place is assigned in restaurants or cafes in the side streets of Istiklal. And those who are going to the cinema begins watching the repertoire from the cinemas located in the area. Most of the city's discos and opportunities to listen to music are concentrated here. The stretch in front of Odakule is considered one of the quietest and most peaceful in the entire street. We turn left and immediately see on the right side the largest Catholic church in Istanbul - the Church of St. Anton, slightly spaced from the general line of buildings inland.
A little further the street turns into a small square with huge wrought iron gates. Behind these gates is Galatasaray Lisesi - an elite French-Turkish gymnasium with a long tradition. In the 90s, mothers of those killed and missing in the course of the Kurdish war gathered in front of the gates of the gymnasium in the 90s, expressing their protest against the policy of the authorities. Opposite the gate is the entrance to Chisek Passage. This beautiful Art Nouveau arcade is literally packed with restaurants, where life reaches its climax in the evening and at night. If we go through the passage, we will get directly to Galatasarayalik Pazari, the most beautiful fish, vegetable and fruit market in the city. This market is a real delight for the eyes and is worth a walk even when you are not going to buy anything. At the very beginning of the market, on the right side, behind a large iron gate and without any sign (if necessary, of course, you can ask the merchants), there is Yuk Horan, one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in Istanbul. After going a little further and turning right, we find ourselves on a small street with simple but very good fish restaurants. This small street of restaurants, called Nevizade Sokak, is the best place in Beyoglu to taste "meze" - typical Istanbul snacks and deliciously cooked fish in the open air.
At the end of the restaurant street, we turn right and again get to Istiklal Caddesi. And here we find ourselves in the very center of human flows, trade and entertainment. From here to Taksim Square, cinemas, cafes and restaurants stretch in continuous rows, interspersed with chic boutiques and old shopping arcades. Among them is the Atlas passage, which will be interesting to everyone.
Before reaching Taksim Square, we see the building of the French consulate. And to the right of it, a sign that says "Haci Baba" shows us the way to a great dining experience with traditional cuisine and an outdoor terrace. Here, in a wonderful Turkish restaurant, we end this walk.
