City Within the City: The Surprising Stories of Istanbul’s Districts and Neighborhoods

Each district and neighborhood of Istanbul harbors its own unique history and culture, shaping the character, atmosphere, and spirit of the city. Would you like to discover the enchantment and richness of Istanbul by learning the stories of its neighborhoods and districts together?

1. Anadolu Hisarı

With its unique beauty, Anadolu Hisarı played a strategic role as the first step towards the conquest of Istanbul, thanks to its strategic location. Located right next to Küçüksu Pavilion, the castle was used in the past for sourcing water. Built by Yıldırım Beyazıt, Anadolu Hisarı is one of the city’s symbols, offering a view of the Bosphorus, especially favored by fishermen.

2. Arnavutköy

Arnavutköy’s oldest name was Hestai and it was known as Promotu and Anaplus during the Byzantine period. The region took the name Arnavutköy after the Albanians brought here by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1486.

3. Balat

Located on the shores of the Golden Horn, Balat is one of the places that tries to preserve its historical texture. Derived from the Greek word “palation,” meaning “palace,” the neighborhood embraces people of many beliefs. With its synagogues, churches, colorful houses, stair-step streets, and concept venues, this historic neighborhood is a place where time seems to stand still.

4. Bebek

According to legend, the neighborhood takes its name from Bebek Çelebi, an Ottoman pasha. Before the Rumeli Fortress, the area was not used as a settlement, but it began to develop and become a settlement area after the Ottoman Empire. The neighborhood became a permanent settlement area with the start of ferry services in the mid-19th century.

5. Topkapı

In the Byzantine era, the area where the ‘Ayios Romanos Church’ was located was called ‘Topkapı’ after the conquest, it is said to have taken the name ‘Topkapı’ because of the cannons used by Fatih during the conquest. According to another legend, after the conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmet stayed here for a long time, setting up his camp, and the area began to be called ‘Topkapı’.

6. Beşiktaş

Continuing with Beşiktaş, where every young eagle should come before taking flight. Located outside the city walls in the 16th century, Beşiktaş became even more important with the relocation of Dolmabahçe and Yıldız palaces here. During the period of Captain Pasha Barbaros Hayrettin, the neighborhood, which was used as a port for the growing maritime activities, has portages with ferry piers today. In fact, there is a statue and tomb of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha on the shore, which has ferry docks.

7. Unkapanı

There are two legends about the origin of the neighborhood’s name. According to the first legend, the area was called ‘Unkapanı’ by the people because there were large scales called ‘kapan’ in the area and wheat-laden ships docked at its coast. According to the second legend, the area was named Unkapanı because it was a place where flour was distributed to shopkeepers.

8. Cihangir

Named after Kanuni Sultan Süleyman’s son who died at an early age, Cihangir was a place where wooden buildings were not built due to fires. In the 19th century, it became a settlement area preferred by the upper class. Hosting art galleries, antique shops, cafes, restaurants, and breakfast places, Cihangir is a lively area where time flies. When you visit Cihangir, don’t forget to stop by Asri Turşucu, the famous pickle shop we saw in the famous Turkish movie “Neşeli Günler.”

9. Eminönü

Eminönü, used as a port area, was founded by Genoese and Pisans from the 10th century onwards. During the Ottoman Empire, the Customs Office was established here, and due to its proximity to Topkapı Palace, Sirkeci Station was built here. The neighborhood’s commercial importance during the Ottoman period continues today with the positioning of the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, and the Galata Bridge.

10. Bakırköy

Bakırköy, known as “Makrohori,” meaning “Long Village,” in the late Byzantine period, and later as “Makriköy.” In 1925, Bakırköy got its current name upon Atatürk’s request as part of the ‘change of foreign-origin names within national borders’ policy.

11. Emirgan

The name of the neighborhood is given to Emir Güne Han, an Iranian origin, who surrendered the area during Sultan Murad IV’s campaign to Revan without fighting. In fact, this situation was so appreciated by the prince that he gave the prince the gift and the 500,000-square-meter Feridun Bey Gardens, which we know as Emirgan Grove. Given as a gift to the Egyptian Khedive Ismail Pasha by Sultan Abdulaziz in the 19th century, the grove was later turned into a public area with the Pink, Yellow, and White Pavilions built in 1943.

12. Göztepe

Established in 1329, an Ahi lodge was established in the region, and dervishes who watched Byzantium and conveyed information to the state were also called ‘Gözcü Babalar’ (Watcher Fathers). According to legends, one of these, Gözcü Baba, was called the ‘Gözcü Baba Hill’ because he volunteered here, and over time, the region was named Göztepe.

13. Etiler

Until the 1940s, Etiler was an empty area outside the city, but it became a living area with the migration of people and the emergence of the Levent Project. Although it was initially described as “away from the city, in the mountains,” it has become one of the busiest places today. It is no coincidence that the region, with its luxury stores, Istanbul’s most famous shopping center, and its preference by people with a high socio-economic status, has become one of the most lively places. Considering that it should not be preferred for tourist and historical trips, this luxury neighborhood can be a nerve-racking place when we think of what we cannot afford.

14. Şaşkın Bakkal

According to legend, during a time when there was no established order in the area, someone opened a grocery store or similar place in a completely empty field with just a few farmhouses. When the people saw this, they said, “You can shop from this place where no birds fly and no caravans pass.” Therefore, it took the name Şaşkın Bakkal and later the neighborhood began to be called by this name.

15. Florya

Initially called “Aya Stefanos” because they took refuge in this small fishing village due to the storm on the ship carrying the bones of Saint Stefanos. The region came under Ottoman rule after the conquest of Istanbul. Another name for the neighborhood is “Şenlikköy.” The metropolitan municipality’s social facility, Atatürk Forest, and the Sea Pavilion are places to visit when you go to Florya.