By Justin Mays
Located on the Asian side, Uskudar is bordered by Umraniye,
Beykoz, and Kadikoy. With a history as far back as the 7th century, Uskudar is
where you’ll find Turkish culture, and history in all its glory. The ferry
ports here make reaching the European side quick and easy.
The bustling Uskudar
port is the entry point to a slew of historical villages along the Bosphorus
shoreline. Today’s blog will help you explore the majestic seaside villages of
Uskudar, and learn about what they offer.
Guide to Exploring Uskudar
Moving north from the first transcontinental bridge to the
second, the areas of Kuzguncuk, Beylerbeyi, Çengelköy, Kandilli and Anadolu
Hisar delight the senses.
Walk north from the port and meander through the park areas
lining the coast. Observe the small row boats, fishermen, and cats lounging
about.
Kuzguncuk
Stop first at the lovely Kuzguncuk. Filled with tiny
colorful wooden houses, the streets seem like something out of a tale from the
past. This neighborhood was home to many minorities, as evidenced by its
mosques, synagogues, and churches.
Small art studios, shops, including a famous Nail Bookshop,
galleries, and fish restaurants dot the area. Make your way inland to the
community gardens and enjoy the park.
Keep exploring until you reach Beylerbeyi under the bridge.
Beylerbeyi is Turkish for “Lord of Lords.” Visit the Ottoman summer place
museum, Beylerbeyi Sarayi, and carry on to Cengelkoy.
Cengelkoy
You may recognize the name from the small indigenous
Cengelkoy cucumbers served at breakfast time.
This neighborhood has a high concentration of yalis, the
wooden seaside villas unique to Istanbul, and some of the most expensive
properties in the city.
Many new luxury builds dot the hillsides. Grab a tea by the
small harbor’s famous ash tree. You will pass two handsome large buildings in
Cengelkoy, Sumahan on the Water, a boutique hotel in an old distillery and the
Kuleli Military High School.
Kandilli and Anadolu Hisar are the last two neighborhoods on
your journey.
Kandilli
Hire a captain to take you from the seaside on a small
wooden boat to see the front of the yalis from the waters. There are also
alluring forests that add to the beauty of this neighborhood.
Kandilli also has a summer pavilion, the Kucuksu
Palace.
Topkapi Palace might be on top of everyone’s list to visit
while in Istanbul, but Kucuksu Palace’s breathtaking architecture and beauty
cannot be ignored. Built in the 19th century, this spectacular palace was used
as a place for leisure.
Interestingly, one of the very first high schools for girls,
Kandilli Anatolian High School for Girls, is located here.
Anadolu Hisar
Anadolu Hisar is home to a medieval fortress and has had
many new restaurants pop up in the past couple of years. It is also home to the
Goksu River (Sweet Waters), with waterside cafes.
The end of your journey will feel bittersweet, and you will
be filled with nostalgic memories of old Istanbul. Perhaps you will even spot
your future Istanbul home on your adventure!
