istanbul Historical Venues on Bosphorus

istanbul Bosphorus, uniting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and separating parts of Asian Turkey from European Turkey.

Bordered on both sides by the massive city of istanbul, the strait is one of the planet’s most strategic waterways.

istanbul Bosphorus is one of the most popular destination of istanbul for its local people, especially during Summer for its climate. istanbul Bosphorus shores are lined with fine neighborhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas, hotels, parks and gardens, restaurants, cafeterias, and so on.

The interesting neighborhoods on the Bosphorus are: Besiktas, Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Emirgan, Tarabya, Yenikoy, Istinye, Sariyer, Uskudar, Kanlica, Beykoz, Anadoluhisar, Beylerbeyi, Cengelkoy, and many others. Best way to see these sites would be taking a nice boat trip along the Bosphorus.

The Bosphorus connects the two continents. Asian continent and European continent, there are pavilions, palaces and fortresses that have witnessed a very important history in these continents.

Click to See istanbul Bosphorus Strait Map

The Top Things to Do and See in istanbul’s Bosphorus

Historical Venues on Bosphorus

One of the best ways to get a feel for istanbul is to take a cruise on the legendary Bosphorus. You will able to see landmarks of istanbul

Anadolu Fortress
Anadolu Kavagi
Beylerbeyi Palace
Maiden’s Tower
Ortakoy
Dolmabahce Palce
Ciragan Place
Kucuksu Palace
Rumeli Fortress

1. Anadolu Fortress

The Anatolian Fortress is located at the narrowest part of istanbul. Sultan Beyazıt I ordered the construction of the fortress in order to control the sea traffic. Today, the fortress is turned into an open air museum where the concerts take place. We recommend you visiting and taking as many photos as you can.

2. Anadolu Kavagi

Anadolu Kavagi is located at the Asian side of istanbul and close to the Black Sea. It is one of the most beatiful villages in this city. We suggest you visiting Yusa Hill if you decide to go to Anadolu Kavagi because the landscape is totally brilliant and there are so many fish restaurants that enable you to taste one of the greatest cuisine in Turkey.

3. Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace, located in the Beylerbeyi district of Üsküdar, was built by Sultan Abdülaziz into a grove in the Byzantine period, known as the Istavroz Gardens. The structure, designed by Balyan Family in 1861-1865, consists of six large halls, 24 rooms, 1 bath and 1 bathroom. Beylerbeyi Palace, which has an impressive structure with its wooden carving and gold embroidery workmanship, is one of the most spectacular buildings in istanbul.

4. Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower, one of istanbul’s oldest buildings, is located off the coast of Salacak Coast of Üsküdar. The building which was built in the ancient Roman period as the first building defense area was used for different purposes in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. With its 360 degree panoramic istanbul view and its architecture that defies its years, the Maiden’s Tower has been serving as a museum-restaurant since 1995.

5. Ortakoy

Ortakoy is a charming, picturesque neighborhood on the European side of istanbul. An area of local restaurants, shops and coffee shops. On Sundays, a local handicraft market is set up here and wares of local artisans are sold here. You can enjoy your free time here to stretch your legs and explore the narrow and enchanting streets.

6. Dolmabahce Palce

Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most eye-catching buildings of the Bosphorus, is one of the buildings dating from the Ottoman Empire. The palace, which was built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1839 by the Balyan family, looks at each other with beautiful decorations, unique paintings and unique works. Dolmabahçe Palace, which was used by Atatürk in 1927-1938, has been used as a museum-palace since 1984.

7. Ciragan Palace

There are some structures that just tell you something even when you look from the outside. One of them is the legendary palace of Çırağan. This palace, which was the first eye pain of the Ottoman sultans who admired the European life among the Ottoman palaces, has both a magnificent and sad story. The real name comes from “çerağan, which means“ oil, light As in Persian. Although he witnessed the last period of the Ottoman Empire, his story dates back to the 17th century.

8. Kucuksu Palace

An impressive 19th-century Baroque style Ottoman Palace founded by Sultan Abdulmecit.

9. Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress, also known as Bogazkesen Hisari, is located in Sarıyer district of İstanbul. The fortress built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to prevent attacks from the north of the Bosphorus, covers an area of 30 acres. Rumeli Fortress, which has reached its present state in its unspoilt state, is now being used as a museum and as an open-air theater.

istanbul bosphorus sightseeing Cruise

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