- 23 Şub 2023
Istanbul
Istanbul is a unique city located in two parts of the world: Europe and Asia. It was here that the interweaving of culture and religion took place, the clash of political and trade interests of different peoples and civilizations, which directly influenced the population and society of modern Turkey.
Although both sides - European and Asian - belong to the same city, each has its own differences and characteristics, it is impossible to confuse them. This is connected with the history of the country and Istanbul in particular.
The European part of Istanbul includes 25 districts, and their total number is 39. The remaining 14 districts are located in the Asian, or as it is also called, Anatolian, part of Istanbul. Accordingly, 2/3 of the city's population lives on the European side, and 1/3 on the Asian side.
What region is Istanbul in?
The province of Istanbul (in Turkish "İstanbul ili") is a northwestern region (il) on the Black Sea and Marble Sea coasts of Turkey, dividing the country into Europe and Asia, one of the main centers of the country's tourism industry. This area is characterized by a warm climate with hot summers and comfortable winters. The extended sea coast of the province consists of numerous bays and gulfs. The total population of the province is 13,854,700 people.
What are the districts in Istanbul?
There are many districts in Istanbul - about 40 pieces, most of them are of value only for local residents. The most interesting for tourists are Fatih (with quarters: Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Aksaray and Laleli), Besiktas, Beyoglu, Sisli, Kadikoy, Uskudar. The best areas in Istanbul for tourists. Less popular areas. What is the best area to choose in Istanbul?
How many districts are there in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a huge city with a large number of districts, each of which is special in some way. In total, officially there are 39 districts, but unofficially even more, in addition, each district is also divided into so-called quarters. But tourists do not need to understand all this at all, since there are not so many places suitable for tourist accommodation, but in fact only two: the historical Sultanahmet district, and the tourist Beyoglu.
The best areas to live in Istanbul
Most of the most prestigious quarters of Istanbul are located in the Besiktas district. Among them are residential Bebek, business Levent and multi-storey Etiler. Ortaköy and Ulus residential areas are also considered favorable for living and investing in real estate. Bosphorus view properties are highly valued in Besiktas trabantos / Shutterstock. There are many old mansions in Besiktas overlooking the Bosphorus.
The most prestigious districts of Istanbul
According to Best realty Turkey in Turkey, the most prestigious residential areas of the city are Beşiktaş and Sarıyer. They are located in the European part of Istanbul. “Crowded, lively neighborhoods where many tourists stay are more suitable for doing business. These are, for example, Ortaköy, Taksim, Sultanahmet and Laleli,” she adds.
Is there access to the sea in Istanbul?
Istanbul can rightfully be called the Turkish Venice. On the one hand, the city has access to the Bosphorus Strait, from the south it is washed by the Black Sea, and from the north by the Sea of Marmara.
How many people are there in Istanbul?
The total population of the province of Istanbul as of January 1, 2021 was 15 million 462 thousand 452 people - this is 18.5% of the population of all of Turkey (almost every 5th resident of Turkey lives in Istanbul).
Bayrampasa
Geographically, the Bayrampasa district is located in the very "heart" of the European part of the Turkish metropolis. This is one of the most densely populated areas of the city. At the moment, the population is about 273 thousand people.
The local attraction is well known to both residents of Istanbul and tourists: the giant shopping complex Forum Istanbul, which is actively visited by thousands of Turkish residents and foreigners daily. On the territory of this shopping and entertainment complex there is a huge aquarium Turkuazoo (İstanbul Sea Life Akvaryum). Therefore, the area will be interesting from the point of view of visiting the aquarium, and for those who love shopping centers.
In the same area, there is a large Esenler bus station, from where buses depart not only to Turkish cities, for example, to Cappadocia, but also to international flights.
Bakirkoy
Magnificent in beauty, clean and bright Istanbul area. It is located on the sea coast. Nearby is an air transport hub - Ataturk Airport, which today is a military airport.
There are cafes, restaurants and a shopping center (Gallery) near the yacht marina in Bakirkoy. Here you can find cafes for every taste and take a walk along the promenade.
The territory of Bakirkoy is a permanent place of residence for 220,000 people.
Beyoglu
The Beyoglu area is highly demanded by tourists from all over the world. In fact, it can be called the "heart" of the city. Travelers are attracted by many unusual attractions in the area. Among them is the Istiklal pedestrian street, along the entire length of which an old red tram rides tourists. No less attractive for the guests of the city are Taksim Square, the Museum of Modern Art, the Church of St. Anthony.
This area is famous for its excellent pastry shops, clothing stores, chic restaurants, theaters, exhibition centers, etc. This is a real center of culture and fun. Beyoglu is not too densely populated: there are about 230,000 indigenous people. At the same time, more than a million tourists from all over the globe come here every day!
Besiktas
It is located on the opposite side from Uskudar district. Besiktas has the status of a historical part of Istanbul. A huge number of tourists come here every day to enjoy the majestic view of the ancient palaces and mosques. The symbols of the Besiktas district are the Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Mosque, or Buyuk Mecidie Cami, the Vodafone Arena stadium.
For the convenience of travelers, luxurious hotel complexes have been built here, including the former Chiragan Palace, and today the Chiragan Palace Hotel. Frequent guests of the area are fans of football and the local football team Besiktas. The total population of this district of Istanbul is about 200,000 inhabitants.
Sariyer
A huge, overpopulated area of Istanbul, which borders on large water bodies: the Black Sea and the Bosphorus. Tourists are fascinated by the local natural beauties: majestic, impenetrable forests and gentle, clean sea coast.
The first settlers appeared here a very long time ago. The indigenous people are fishermen and their families. After some time, the fishing villages attracted the attention of the Turkish rich, and chic villas, cottages and palaces began to actively “grow” in the area.
The southern part of Sariyer is known for the fact that the ancient fortress of Rumelihisar (or "cutting the Bosphorus") is located here. In the north of the district there is a popular beach area of Kilyos, where there are always many vacationers from among local residents and guests of the country. The indigenous population of the region is relatively small - about 200 thousand people.
Fatih
An area that is in great demand among travelers. Fatih can be called without exaggeration the historical and cultural center of Istanbul.
Particularly noteworthy are such attractions as Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome Square, Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, Feodosia Cistern and much more. And this is not a complete list of local attractions, the lion's share of which is located on the territory of two quarters - Eminenu and Sultanahmet. The second of them is under the protection of UNESCO.
Fatih also includes such quarters as Aksaray and Laleli (by the way, there are also many historical monuments here). Shopping lovers tend to visit the Laleli quarter, where both retail and wholesale stores are located in large numbers.
Shishli
A rich and ennobled area of the city, adjacent to Sariyer and Beyoglu. Sisli is known for its breathtaking skyscrapers, the largest of which is the Sapphire skyscraper with an observation deck, rising 240 meters above the ground.
This area of Istanbul is also famous for the Istanbul Cevahir shopping complex, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. In general, Sisli is a center of luxury and prestige. There are expensive boutiques, designer shops and shops, various restaurants and cafes. Walking the streets or drinking coffee in one of the cafes, it's easy to meet a local celebrity or actor. Buying a home here is not for everyone. The local population is about 315 thousand people.
Eyup
This area is extremely popular with tourists from all over the world. It is located among natural beauties, on the coast of the Golden Horn Bay.
This place is well known for the fact that once its guest was the famous French writer Pierre Loti. Today, a cafe popular among tourists and locals is named after him, located on a hilly peak, from where stunning views of the bay and the city open up.
One of the most important mosques for Muslims, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, is also located here.
You should definitely visit here and enjoy the incredible views of Istanbul, capture them not only in photographs, but also in memory.
Arnavutkoy
This area was separated from the general Istanbul territory not so long ago - in 2008. In terms of area, this district of Istanbul is extremely vast, and its population reaches 200,000 people.
Arnavutkoy occupies the north-west of the city of Istanbul and, in fact, already goes beyond its borders.
It is worth coming here to take a walk and take interesting photos with local wooden houses.
Tourists can rarely be found here, although Arnavutköy is very picturesque.
Avcilar
This old district of Istanbul is located on the very coast of the Marmara Sea. His story began in a small village. In the 80s of the last century, it began to grow rapidly and today it has already occupied a very vast area, on which about 350,000 inhabitants live.
This area is known for the fact that the largest port of Ambarli in the Turkish state is located on its territory, and there is also a branch of Istanbul University. Avcilar, despite its vastness, is not of interest to travelers.
Bagjilar
It is located near another urban area - Bayrampaşa. Today, the largest number of inhabitants live here. The population of Baggylar exceeded 720,000 people. The lion's share of them are simple Istanbul workers, the working class.
This area is not particularly remarkable. It is known that in 2001 a huge Olympic sports complex was erected here, but this, unfortunately, did not make Bagcilar popular for guests of the city.
Bahcelievler
Bahcelievler is very densely populated. About 600 thousand people live here permanently. It is in the fifth position in terms of population among all urban areas.
In the Ottoman era, small Greek villages were located on this territory, and in ancient times, building stone was mined in this area for the improvement of the city. The rapid development of the area began in the 60s of the 20th century. It is still not popular with tourists.
Basaksehir
Quiet Istanbul area, which has the status of "sleeping". During the reign of the Ottoman dynasty, gunpowder was actively produced in this territory, which the state military forces used to fight the enemy army.
If we talk about the sights of the region, then the main one is the Olympic Stadium, which bears the name of Ataturk. Local authorities are currently developing a plan to build the next building of Istanbul University in this part of the city. Now 200,000 people live in Basaksehir. This area attracts few travelers.
Beylikduzu
This area was annexed to the Istanbul territory already in the 21st century - in 2008. This part of the city is very actively developing. But despite the convenient geographical location and the presence of the sea coast on the south side, Beylikduzu has not yet received tourist favor.
By the way, it is in this area that there are many Russian-speaking residents, there are salons and studios where the staff is completely Russian-speaking.
Of the interesting: 2 large objects attract attention - the CNR and TUYAP exhibition centers. About 230,000 people live in the district.
Buyukcekmece
Calm, quiet Istanbul area, stretching along the sea coast. This sleeping part of Istanbul was previously very popular with local residents: whole families came here and had picnics in nature, went fishing and just took a break from the bustle of the city.
But industrialization did its job, and the townspeople lost interest in this area. About 170 thousand people live in the region, the lion's share of them are immigrants from Anatolia. Tourists here are a rarity, as sights or museums
Gaziosmanpasha
The area did not develop for a very long time, and its active development and development began after the Balkan gypsies began to move to these lands. As a result, the district now has the maximum population.
There was a catastrophic lack of housing for emigrants, so there are an uncountable number of illegal buildings. There is also nowhere for the local population to work, so unemployment is the main problem for the residents of the region. Gaziosmanpasha is not popular with travelers.
Gungoren
The industrial zone of Istanbul, bordering the Fatih district. The local population is 300 thousand people. This area is not popular with tourists.
In recent years, the textile industry has been actively developing in the region - this includes both ready-made clothes and fabrics, which are sold both for export and for the domestic market.
Also, various exhibitions related to industrial and textile development are often held on the territory of the district.
Zeytinburnu
Another Istanbul district adjacent to Fatih. Known as one of the largest transportation hubs in Istanbul.
Leather and textile crafts have been flourishing here since ancient times. It is in this area that people come to buy leather products - shoes, sheepskin coats, fur coats, jackets, etc. The production and marketing of goods in these industries is very active. The local population is 300 thousand people.
Those who want to see the range of leather products of local shops can be reached from Sultanahmet by the Marmaray metro line (metro station near Sirkeci station).
Küçükçekmece
Pronouncing the name of this district of Istanbul correctly is not possible for every local resident, not to mention tourists.
On the south side, Küçükçekmece is bounded by the waters of the Sea of Marmara.
Its most famous attractions are the Ataturk Sports Stadium, as well as the building of the Istanbul University. The tourism potential of the area is minimal.
Kyagytkhane
Quite well-known and popular among tourists is the Istanbul district, adjacent to the business districts of Istanbul - Sisli and the Besiktas district.
The Kyagythane area is connected with the Asian part of the city by means of a large bridge named after Sultan Mehmed Fatih.
Currently, over 410,000 people live in this area of Istanbul.
Silivri
The area is located at a distance of 65 km from the central part of Istanbul.
The local population loves and appreciates Silivri very much, considering it a great place for family pastime in nature, picnics.
The area of the district is quite extensive, but there are few indigenous people here: about 150,000 people. The lion's share of the buildings is the suburban real estate of Istanbulites who come here whenever possible.
Sultangazi
It is considered practically the most multinational district of Istanbul. Geographically located in the European part of the city.
On the same square, both native Turks and a huge number of immigrants, for example, from the Balkans, coexist perfectly.
The population exceeds 450 thousand people. Travelers are not interested in the area.
Chatalca (Catalca)
This Istanbul district is the largest in size. At the same time, only 90 thousand inhabitants live here permanently. Geographically, this is the west of Istanbul. The tourism industry is minimally developed.
Esenler
The main attraction of this area of Istanbul is the huge Büyük Otogar bus station or Esenler Otogarı bus station.
From the territory of this largest transport hub, hundreds of bus routes depart every day, delivering local residents and tourists to various settlements in Turkey.
Esenler is characterized by an impressive population of more than 460,000 people.
Esenyurt
Extensive area of the Istanbul region, located on its European territory. Active settlement began only in the 20-30s of the 20th century, when these lands were chosen by the Balkan gypsies. For travelers, the area is of no interest.
Buyukada (Adalar)
Adalar - This area of Istanbul is known to locals and tourists as the Princes' Islands. It is located south of the central part of the city, just 20 km from it.
Adalar includes 9 large and small islands - Yassiada, Buyukada, Sedefadasi, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Kashikadasi, Tavsanadasi, Kinalyada and Sivriada. Three of the listed islands are uninhabited, the remaining six are home to about 14,000 inhabitants.
The Princes' Islands are a fairly popular tourist destination,
most often, travelers choose to visit 4 islands - Heybeliada, Buyukada, Kinalyada and Burgazada.
These geographical features can be reached by ferry and steamboat flights. Traffic along the routes is well established, water vehicles sail to the islands every day from several marinas in Istanbul.
Tourists need to know that driving on island lands is strictly prohibited, but you can rent bicycles, electric motorcycles and other environmentally friendly vehicles.
ASIAN SIDE
Atasehir
At the heart of Istanbul is the Atasehir district. Today, this part of the city is rapidly gaining popularity and developing at an accelerated pace.
Atasehir is actively built up with high-rise skyscrapers, apartments in which are willingly purchased by financially secure local residents. The disadvantage of this area is the lack of public transport. It is assumed that people who have the opportunity to purchase property in this elite area of Istanbul, a priori, have a personal vehicle. The population reaches 400,000 people.
Atasehir is home to the beautiful Mimar Sinan Mosque. There is also a huge complex and shopping center Metropol (Metropol).
Beykoz
One of the oldest parts of Istanbul, the first mention of which in historical documents was recorded 2700 years ago. The northern part of the region is washed by the waters Black Sea, and the western one - by the Bosporus Strait.
Since Beykoz opens an outlet to the Black Sea, there was a stubborn struggle for this area. It was passed from one ruler to another, but in the 15th century the Ottomans annexed it to their Empire. The area is cozy and beautiful. Tourists are attracted here by local attractions: ancient fortress walls and tombs, as well as the Polish village of Polonezköy. The last census showed that more than 240,000 people live in the territory of Beykoz.
Kadikoy
This extremely well-known and well-developed area occupies part of the Asian zone of Istanbul. The oldest region of the eastern coast of the Bosporus. If tourists want to go shopping and have fun from the heart, they will certainly go to Kadikoy.
The most popular destinations are the area near the Kadikoy pier, Bagdat Street and the Moda Quarter. In these areas of the district you can find a great variety of entertainment centers, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Kadikoy is a permanent base for the most popular Turkish football club Fenerbahce. For this team, the authorities even built a personal stadium, Sukru Saracoglu.
The area is famous for its old Haydarpasa Station, built over a century ago, in 1906. Not far from this local attraction is a large cargo port.
Kadikoy is a magnet for opera lovers. Every day, many tourists visit the local opera house Sureyya Opera House.
In addition, Kadikoy is a great place for walking, and also, those who visit Istanbul not for the first time can stay here.
Kartal
Over 420,000 people live in this area of the city. The area is not popular with travelers visiting Istanbul.
Maltepe
Densely populated Asian district of Istanbul. It is located on the opposite side of the Princes' Islands. The population is about 430 thousand.
Until the early 70s of the 20th century, the area did not develop. Then a bridge was built across the Bosphorus, and the active development of the territories of Maltepe began.
Previously, it was a sleeping area in which the suburban real estate of Istanbul residents was located. The landscaped area suffered heavy losses during the 1999 earthquake.
Today, this is a large area, with a long landscaped promenade, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Pendik
Historically, this area was part of another Istanbul district, Uskudar.
In the late 80s of the 19th century, Pendik became an independent object, and this is not surprising.
Its area is very extensive, and over 600,000 local people live on this territory. The cities close to the area are Yalova and Gebze. Here you can walk along the promenade and enjoy the picturesque landscape.
Sancaktepe
The quiet Asian district of Istanbul is located far from the central part of the city, therefore it is not very popular with travelers. The number of local residents is 230,000 people.
Sultanbeyli
This Istanbul area is characterized as a sleeping area. About 300,000 people live here permanently, most of them are ordinary workers. Tourists are a rarity here.
Tuzla
This area is the extreme eastern point of the city. It is here that numerous docks and shipyards are located, occupying a vast territory on the coast.
Here, in Tuzla, there is an entertainment and shopping complex Viaport Tuzla Marina (Viaport Marina): it is not only a picturesque marina with yachts, but also shops, cafes, restaurants and an amusement park with carousels for children and adults.
Geographically, Tuzla is located immediately behind the Sabiha Gokcen airport. The population is 200 thousand people. The tourism industry is not developed.
dying
This area is the "neighbor" of Uskudar. Citizens have long chosen it as a convenient place for recreation and picnics.
Of the sights, two main ones can be distinguished: the grandiose and largest Istanbul Chamlyca Mosque (Büyük Çamlıca camii) and the Chamlyca Hill.
The latter is especially notable for the fact that, having climbed to its top, you can admire the beauties of Istanbul, which can be seen from here in full view.
Uskudar
The Uskudar area is very popular with tourists. Uskudar borders on the Bosphorus, and is connected to the European zone of Istanbul through a large bridge.
For travelers, historical and architectural monuments are of great interest, including the Mihrimah and Valide mosques, the Maiden Tower and many others.
Tourists also visit the ancient local cemetery of Karkaahmet with interest. Uskudar is a treasure trove of more than 200 mosques. The area is densely populated with 550,000 inhabitants.
You can come to Uskudar for a walk - here is a wonderful cozy Kuzgundzhuk quarter.
Schiele
An extremely vast area of Istanbul, located in its Asian part. Šile is located at a considerable distance from the city center. This distance is 70 km.
Shile is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The largest lighthouse in the Turkish state and the Weeping Rocks can be attractive for tourists.
In Šile, tourists can stay at a hotel of their choice (there are both large and small hotels), in the evening you can walk along the small streets and admire the beautiful view.
Çekmeköy
The usual Istanbul district, absolutely not distinguished. Located in the Asian zone of Istanbul. About 150 thousand people live here. Travelers in the area are a rarity.
Of all these areas, the most convenient in terms of infrastructure, safe to stay and with good transport accessibility are:
Fatih: Historical Sultanahmet, Sirkeci Station, Eminonu Pier
Beyoglu: Galata quarter (near the Galata Tower), Istiklal street, Taksim square
Sisli: Nishantashi quarter, Osmanbey quarter
Kadikoy (Asian Side of Istanbul): Anything in Moda or close to Kadikoy Pier
Uskudar (Asian side): everything close to Uskudar pier