The Districts
Haydarpaşa
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
To the north of Kadiköy is Haydarpasa, and the train station built in 1908 with Prussian-style architecture which was the first stop along the Baghdad railway. Now it is the main station going to eastbound destinations both within Turkey, and international. There are tombs and monuments dedicated to the English and French soldiers who lost their lives during the Crimean War (1854-56), near the military hospital. The north-west wing of the 19th Century Selimiye Barracks once housed the hospital, used by Florence Nightingale to care for soldiers, and remains to honour her memory.
Kadıköy
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
Further down to the south, along the İstanbul strait towards the Marmara sea, Kadıköy has developed into a lively area with up-market shopping, eating and entertainment making it popular especially with wealthy locals.
Üsküdar
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
Relatively unknown to tourists, the suburb of Üsküdar, on the Asian side of the İstanbul strait, is one of the most attractive suburbs. Religiously conservative in its background, it has a tranquil atmosphere and some fine examples of imperial and domestic architecture.
Sarıyer
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
The first sight of Sarıyer is where the İstanbul strait connects with the Black Sea, after the bend in the river after Tarabya. Around this area, old summer houses, embassies and fish restaurants line the river, and a narrow road which separates it from Büyükdere, continues along to the beaches of Kilyos.
Sultanahmet
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
Many places of tourist interest are concentrated in Sultanahmet, the heart of the Imperial Centre of the Ottoman Empire. The most important places in this area, all of which are described in detail in the “Places of Interest” section, are Topkapı Palace, Aya Sofya, Sultanahmet Mosgue (the Blue Mosque), the Hippodrome, Kapalı Carşı (Covered Market), Yerebatan Sarnıcı and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Golden Horn
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
This horn-shaped estuary divides European İstanbul. One of the best natural harbours in the world, it was once the centre for the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping interests. Today, attractive parks and promenades line the shores, a picturesque scene especially as the sun goes down over the water.
Beyoğlu and Taksim
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
Taksim and Beyoğlu have for centuries been the centre of nightlife, and now there are many lovely bars and clubs off Istiklal Cadesi, including some of the only gay venues in the city. Beyoğlu is also at the centre of the more bohemian arts scene.
Ortaköy video
Monday, 06 February 2012 22:34
Check out this video from Ortaköy.
A beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the Mosque at the time for the ezan (call to prayer).
Istanbul Heat takes the temp
Our goal is to provide you with the latest news, the hottest events, the loveliest vistas, the tastiest restaurants and the smoothest hotels in the Istanbul area.Advertise with us
If you are interested in advertising with us, please use the contact details found here.