Walk along the main tourist street of Istanbul - Istiklal. The colorful beyoglu district in istanbul Other areas of Istanbul Europe

April in the yard, in the yard - Istanbul. I tell, I show - without edits, everything is on my knee, otherwise everything is upside down - tomorrow I'm leaving for Bulgaria.

The Golden Horn Bay cuts the center of Istanbul into two parts. To the south of the bay is Sultanahmet, historical Constantinople with its top attractions and masses of tourists, in some places noticeably outnumbering the local population, and to the north is secular Beyoglu with its always busy Istiklal Boulevard and narrow lanes running to the sea. There are also many tourists here, but the local rhythm of life is so strong that visitors voluntarily or involuntarily obey it. It's all right, it's comfortable for everyone.

I have already been to Constantinople, I have also been to Beyoglu - I knew what to choose from. I settled in the Chambers of the Boheme hostel (available on booking.com, http://goo.gl/maps/qpiJq), a 30-second walk from Istiklal (http://goo.gl/maps/lYQsE). 12 euros for a place in a dorm for 12 people. Satisfied. There is no heat, + 13-23 during the day in early April, so it's gluttonous - about 25 lira per day. There will be an addition to the link.

Istiklal

Nobody is in a hurry. Whether it’s raining or sunny, thousands of Istanbulites flock to Istiklal to parade back and forth, sit in a cafe, drink Turkish tea, smoke a hookah, play backgammon.

And with the onset of night, Istiklal is captured by concentrated electronic rhythms - here, among other things, is also the center of Istanbul's nightlife.

Istiklal - Europe. Not a synthetic Europe for tourists, but purely its own, Turkish. Just a few kilometers, behind the Ataturk bridge in the alleys of the former Constantinople, everything is imbued with Islam, but here, in Beyoglu, it’s like another country.

However, once it was so: before the appearance of the Ottomans, the Genoese city of Galata stood to the north of the Golden Horn, and the Byzantine Constantinople to the south. The Venetians also built here, and the Ottomans, apparently, never wanted to dissociate themselves from the European; the successor of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Turkey, went even further into Europe. It is not clear whether this somehow affected Beyoglu or the land itself is saturated with a special, irresistible European spirit.

In the Istiklal region, there are even more functioning churches than mosques. One of them is Ayia Triada, a Greek Orthodox church.

Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova

Another church in Istiklal is Sant'Antonio di Padova (Church of St. Anthony of Padua, http://goo.gl/maps/8abRv).

According to some reports, the largest active church ().

A certain Mr. Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII, served here for 10 years. A friend of the Turkish people - this is how the plaque under the monument characterizes him. On weekdays, masses are held at 8:00 am in English, at 7:00 pm in Turkish, and on weekends also in Polish and Italian.

And here's the local Jesus. Amazing statue!

And this is the 61-meter Galata Tower (http://goo.gl/maps/m1WZa), built by the Genoese in the 14th century. One of the main landmarks in Istanbul - visible from almost everywhere from the center.

They take the elevator here for 13 liras (about 6 euros). Hundreds of tourists a day - more income than from an oil rig.

The square under the tower is also remarkable - always lively, always in a good mood. Genius place.

On the banks of the Golden Horn

Attractions, no matter how many there are, can be seen for a certain period of time. Beyoglu, as well as the whole huge, many-sided center of Istanbul, is good because you can always find something new here - hundreds of lanes and streets, and almost every one has something interesting.

The whole Beyoglu is full of curious details, full of taste - people have been putting their souls into this corner of the world for centuries, and it is felt.

The Galata Bridge is thrown across the Golden Horn (http://goo.gl/maps/a9Jqf), leading to "Constantinople". On the right is a small fish market (http://goo.gl/maps/ChGSr), traders and birds waiting for fish giblets scream here.

The Galata Bridge is buzzing under the wheels of cars and trams, hundreds of tourists, hundreds of locals, fishermen throw fishing rods with long fishing lines, and between the water and the road there is another tier filled with fish restaurants, and all these fishing lines from somewhere above sparkle in the rays of the sun, and people feel good: there is winter in Istanbul too, and it is over.

• 4940 views

For most visitors, the area is associated with a small area occupied by Taksim, Galata and Tarlabashi Avenue, it is this part that is the most visited, there are many attractions, and the settlement of this coast began with Galata. In fact, it is officially allocated, huge, completely occupying the northern coast of the Golden Horn, going deep into the mainland and stretching along the coast to the borders. The district has 45 officially allocated quarters that are little known to visitors, and most local residents they are guided by historically distinguished areas, paying attention to the official names only in that part of the area where there are no historical landmarks.

View of Beyoglu from the Bosphorus

Part of Beyoglu District

There are a lot of historically distinguished areas in the official one, it is sometimes quite difficult to determine the clear boundaries of these areas, sometimes they intersect and overlap each other, but the locals manage to navigate them quickly enough and are happy to tell tourists the right address. The historically distinguished areas include: Taksim, Tophane, Kabatash, Pera, Galata, Kasimpasa and others. Since most of these areas are well known to tourists and are considered safe and quite respectable, the whole area is perceived as safe. In fact, there are much more poor and extremely unsafe areas - this is the gypsy Kasimpasha, passing through which the locals close the windows and doors of cars, and the opposite part of Tarlabashi Boulevard, here the contrast is celebrated especially sharply, you just need to cross the road and you will find yourself to another world, and many of the quarters located on the banks of the Golden Horn. Of course, poor neighborhoods have a special flavor and attract many tourists, but it’s better not to go here alone, if you still want to wander around and do colorful photos, then take a minimum of valuables and money with you, go for inspection in groups in which men are always present and be extremely careful.

There are quite a lot of attractions in the area, most of which are in the Taksim and Tophane districts, but there are enough interesting objects worth visiting and located outside of them, these include the park, the Rahmi Koch Industrial Museum, the Aynaly Kavak pavilion, several mosques and churches, etc. To find these attractions, you will have to focus on the officially allocated quarters. The official designated quarters are: Arap cami; Asmaly (Asmalı mescit); bedrettin; Bereketzade; Bostan; Bulbul; Camiikebir; Catmalı mescit; (Cihangir); Çukur; Emek yemez; Evliya Çelebi; Fetih tepe; Firuzaga; Gumüş suyu; Hacı ahmet; Hacimimi; Halıcıoğlu; Huseyinaga; Istiklal; Kadı Mehmet; Kaçeci piri; Kade Mehmet efendi; Kalyoncu kulluk; Camer hatun; Kaptan paşa; Katip Mustafa Çelebi; Kemnkeş Karamustafa paşa; Kılıçali paşa; Kocatepe; Kuloglu; Kulaksiz; Küçük piyale; Muyyedzade; Ömer Avni; Ornektepe; Piri pasha; Piyalepaşa; Pürtelaş Hasan efendi; Sururi Mehmet edendi; Sültlüce; Şankulu; Şehit muhtar; tomtom; Yahya Kahya; Yenişehir. Of the official quarters, it is worth highlighting the respectable Jihangir and Asmali. Cihangir is a prestigious area for living, the famous writer Orkhan Pamuk grew up here, and the views of the Bosphorus from this area are amazing, expensive restaurants and popular cafes are located here. Asmali or unofficial Pera is famous for expensive restaurants, clubs and hotels, the most famous of which is Pera Palace.

The area borders with Besiktas, Caethane and Eyup, by means of bridges across the Golden Horn will connect with Fatih. It is worth starting a visit from Istiklal Street and the Galata district, it is here that the most interesting sights are located that are worth seeing on your first visit to Istanbul. These areas should be chosen for living if your goal is a rich nightlife and shopping.

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 place!) And an 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 is still functioning here and a unique metro line with only two stations has been built, a street through which about 3 million people pass every day!

Welcome to Istiklal - the heart of the Beyoglu region and the place A must visit in Istanbul!

The history of the appearance of the street begins during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (are there any fans of the TV series “The Magnificent Age” 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, at the same time embassies of other countries began to appear on the street, churches were built, the street bore the title of 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 are open.

2. Where is it located and how to get there

Istiklal Street originates at Taksim Square and goes towards. We walked from the Galata Tower, so at first we walked a little along the street Şahkapısı Sk, and then 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 the journey and where you are going.

2.1. Walking route from Sultanahmet

In principle, if you live in or Beyoglu, you can walk to Istiklal. 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 in this way, but we were very tired, because. It took quite a long time to walk. But if you do not have heavy suitcases and / or small children, then the method is great!

2.2. Public transport

You can also get to Istiklal from Sultanahmet by high-speed tram T1 to the Kabatash station, then transfer to the funicular and get to the Taksim station.

From other areas you can get to Karakoy station (also by light rail). From the stop you can take the 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 - you will be told historical aspects and unusual facts, minus - the time of the tour is limited and other tourists will be on the tour besides you.

3. Photo walk

The famous historical red tram, which has become the hallmark of Istanbul, you can still ride on it, the route is from Taksim Square to the Tunel metro station:

Some buildings are under renovation:

Even sellers of simits (bagels with sesame) stylized their carts as 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, it was built on Russian soil, which was specially brought in 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, so in some places it looks so unsightly:

Again we meet the tram, it turns out that you can ride not only inside, but also outside:

Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua:

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. It is interesting how the same name is pronounced in different languages ​​- Giovanni, Jean, John:

The interior of the church:

Inside the church:

Monument 1923-1973:

To be honest, I did not find any information about this monument (1923 - the year of Turkish independence), if you know what it is dedicated to, share it in the comments!

The street is decorated with flags:

Flower passage, an architectural monument, built in 1876 on the site of the theater. Initially, shops here were located on the 1st floor, the remaining floors were occupied by residential apartments.

Now the first floor is occupied by shops and restaurants, so you can dine in historical place while admiring the French architecture in the center of Istanbul.

Istiklal is not only full of historical monuments, here you can also watch performances of street musicians:

Today, the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul can be called an autonomous settlement, consisting of 45 separate parts. Currently, about 225,000 residents permanently live 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 there are up to several million visitors, which include both the Turks themselves and tourists.

Beyoglu district in Istanbul

In Byzantine times, this area was called the Vineyards of Pern. For a long time, foreigners called Beyoglu simply Pera, and the locals called it more widely - 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 withdrawn from official circulation in 1925.

The history of Beyoglu is very rich and varied. The settlement of these territories began about 8 thousand years ago. Replacing each other, a 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 in terms 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 commercial, 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 areas of Istanbul.

Mass building "under 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, 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 (Cadde-i Kebir), Büyük Cadde (Big Street - Büyük Cadde) or Grande Rue de Péra in French.

It is worth saying a little more about the sights of Beyoglu.

Attractions Beyoglu (Beyoğlu)

Among the sights of Beyoglu - Galata Tower

Beyoglu is a storehouse 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.

Arabic 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 advent of Muslim conquerors, it was turned into a mosque with extremely interesting architecture (a mixture of stone and wood).

: the construction 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 an entrance ticket in order to enjoy the breathtaking city panorama.

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 Christ Church during the service.

Jewish Museum of Turkey: Not far from the Galata Bridge is the beautiful Jewish Synagogue of Zilfaris. It was within its walls that a compact museum complex was founded at the beginning of the 21st century. 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 the Istanbul district of Beyoglu, the famous Catholic shrine rises - the Latin church of St. Mary Draperi. The landmark, dating back to the 17th century, has been badly damaged by fires several times in its history, but each time it has been 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.

Cultural Center Salt Galata: This is one of the main attractions of Beyoglu. A large number of exhibition areas of various 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 Vallor 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 erected in honor of his 150th birthday.

These are not all the sights of Beyoglu, which should be paid close attention to 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 Square (Taksim Meydanı) in Beyoğlu

Taksim Square in Istanbul (Taksim Meydanı)

Especially in detail it is necessary to study the local Taksim square. It can be called a kind of border line between the old and the new city. Luxurious hotels and hotels, expensive and budget catering establishments, etc. are located around the square. 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 area are concentrated on this territory - the park of the same name Taksim, the Independence Monument, the Holy Trinity Church, the Ataturk Cultural Center, the Taksim Mosque, the Taksim Art Gallery and much more.

Not far from the square, the famous Istanbul Istiklal Street originates, leading to the historical center of Beyoglu.

It is on Taksim Square that official demonstrations are often held. By the way, it is here that 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.

Fans of Galatasaray and Beşiktaş also gather in the square after matches.

Interestingly, the square has been reconstructed a significant number of times, the architectural appearance has been improved, but at the same time, the general style that 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, respectively, and 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 it makes no sense to take an expensive hotel, given that you will only spend the night in it. I advise you to spend more time walking, having breakfast outside the hotel in picturesque places - this is much more interesting, and will also give you the opportunity to get to know Turkish cuisine and flavor better.

Shopping in Beyoglu: Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi)

Istiklal Street in Istanbul (Istiklal Caddesi)

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 want to look into different shops and this will not be limited to one or two hours.

Basically, all stores are open as freestanding, shopping center here is one and a small one - Demirören Avm. On the ground floor there is a large department of Sephora, there are also departments of 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 accessories stores).

Istikal street on the map:

Restaurants and cafes on Istiklal street in Beyoglu

Restaurant 360 Istanbul on Istiklal Street

For lovers of cafes, restaurants and party places in the Beyoglu district on Istiklal Street, as well as on the lanes close to it, you can find a huge number of different establishments, sometimes completely different from each other.

These are fish restaurants, club-restaurants with an unusual view, traditional Turkish kebab restaurants, pide and much more.

I will give examples of those institutions that would be interesting to visit for a tourist.

Flower Arcade (Çiçek Pasajı)

Flower Arcade in Istanbul (Çiçek Pasajı)

First of all, be sure to check out the "Flower Passage" (Çiçek Pasajı), which is a historical landmark of the Beyoglu district. It was partially restored and reconstructed, its approximate age is about 140 years. On the territory now occupied by the building, 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 vaguely 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 the evening both in the format of a restaurant and at the bar with a view of the sea.

On weekends, Leb-i derya plays local DJs, Lounge, Nu Jazz, Electro Bossa, Chillhouse, Nu Disco, Lounge, Jazz, Oldies and Chilout style music.

Menu prices for 2017: hot dishes from 36 to 55 Turkish liras, salads from 14 to 20 liras, snacks from 14 to 36 liras, desserts from 8 to 20 liras.

Restaurant ELEOS

Eleos Restaurant in Beyoglu

It is located in an alley next to Istiklal. If you pass 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 of walking you will find it.

The view from the top floor of the restaurant is magnificent.

Before visiting, it is advisable to reserve a table, 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 and popular place among tourists, which combines a bar, a club and a restaurant. Why is it so famous? Of course, with its view of Istanbul, covering all 360 degrees. This beauty is especially breathtaking at night. I advise you to visit for sure!

The concept of the institution: delicious food, atmosphere and relaxation.

Prices on the menu for 2017: starters from 29 to 37 Turkish liras, hot dishes from 55 to 95 liras, alcohol (bottled) from 145 liras (local Turkish wines) to 2250 liras.

Restaurant Barba Rasimo

Quite an old restaurant, with Greek and Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is located on the terrace overlooking the strait and Istanbul.

Hot and cold snacks: from 10 to 30 Turkish liras, salads from 12 to 18 liras, hot dishes from 26 to 35 liras, desserts from 12 to 16 liras.

Finding the Beyoglu area is quite easy. Beyoglu area on the map.

On the Galata Bridge, on foot or by tram, we got to the other side of the Golden Horn, where the Beyoglu quarter or ancient Pera or modern Karakoy stretched. Once upon a time, fig trees grew here, hence the name.

Galata- the historical core of the Istanbul quarter of Beyoglu.

View of the Galata tower.

Karakey.

Karakey. Istanbul.

The town of Galata was a center mainly for merchants from Genoa. At that time, there was a stormy movement of ships between the two banks, and in order to protect themselves, the Genoese in 1348 built Galata tower.

Galata tower. Istanbul. Turkey.

The tower was significantly damaged during the Fourth Crusade, repaired and enlarged in 1446. The height of the tower is 70 meters, its walls are about 4 meters thick, the outer diameter is 17 meters, and the inner diameter is 9 meters.
In the 17th century, the traveler and romantic Ahmed Chelebi Hezarfen made artificial wings and jumped from the tower, he was able to fly over the Bosphorus and landed in Yuskyudar.
Now the tower houses a restaurant with a beautiful view.

Bankalar Caddesi- Avenue of the Banks, during the Ottoman period was the financial center of Galata.
In 1453, when the Ottomans attacked Constantinople, Pera remained a neutral territory. Later, the expanded Istanbul swallowed up Galata and Peru.
The area is characterized by narrow, steep streets and Libertarian architecture.

Let's go underground Funicular Tunel in Beyoglu on Istiklal street.
The funicular was built in 1875, it connects Karakoy with Beyoglu and rises to a height of 573 meters.

*To get from Sultanahmet to Taksim, you need to take a tram to the Karakoy stop, then climb the Tunel or walk. The second option: take the tram to the final stop Kabatas (Kabatas), then take the funicular to Taksim Square.

Taksim Square- This is the center of modern, lively and crowded. The square got its name from the central distribution (taksim) of water located here during the Ottoman Empire. Nowadays, various ceremonies and meetings take place here.
In the center of the square is the Monument of the Republic, erected in 1928 by the Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. It is curious that on the right side of the stone figure of Ataturk are Kliment Voroshilov and Mikhail Frunze, installed as a token of gratitude for the military assistance of Soviet Russia.
From Taksim Square stretches the famous Istiklal Boulevard (Istiklal Caddesi)- Pedestrian area with many shops, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Most of the buildings on the boulevard were built in the Art Nouveau style and date back to the end of the 19th century.

As for shopping, on Istiklal Boulevard there are numerous shops of democratic Turkish and European brands. You can’t find special design delights here, then well-known brands are represented.

Old tram.

Streets of Beyoglu.

Streets of Beyoglu.

On Istiklal Boulevard is the most famous Catholic church - Church of St. Anthony of Padua.

Church of St. Anthony of Padua.

Taksim and Pera are the heart of Istanbul's nightlife, there are many clubs, restaurants and cafes, and a crowd of young people flock here every evening and night in search of entertainment.