Ortaköy

Located in the middle of the European Bophorus shore, and being at first only a small fishing village, it is clear how this beautiful neighbourhood got its name, translating literally to “middle village”. It is a part of the Besiktas district, one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, which was only a forest with small settlements and hunting lodges for a long period of history.

Until the Ottomans arrived, this district could not prosper because it was located outside the city walls and thus rather vulnerable to raiders frequently coming from the Black Sea. However, after the conquest of Constantinople, the mighty Ottoman navy docked in the Bosphorus and took control of the Black Sea, guaranteeing safety to the people residing in this area. The district then became a key point in trading between Europe and Asia, with a number of trading routes passing the Bosphorus through this area.

Adding to the significance of Ortakoy and the whole of Besiktas, the rulers and notable persons of the Ottoman Empire carried on the tradition left from the Byzantine ages, by choosing this ground to build their palaces, mosques and lodges, leaving the district and its neighbourhoods with a great architectural and historical legacy.

The Ortakoy neighbourhood was a cosmopolitan residential area throughout history, being home to people of many different religions, representing the multi-cultural spirit of the whole of Istanbul. Lately, that diversity has plummeted significantly, but there is still a great deal of people of different cultures and religions. The cosmopolitan ambience has survived also in the architecture of this area, which is easily noticed, as the centre of the neighbourhood is located in a triangle between a mosque, a church, and a synagogue.

Today, Ortakoy represents a chic, modern neighbourhood that attracts mostly young, enthusiastic people looking for the kind of fun that is familiar and close to them. With a vast number of cafeterias, tea houses, and restaurants, it is the perfect place for meeting and socialising both for tourists and locals, which, given its unmatched view of Bosphorus up close, makes it a neighbourhood hard to take off your to-do list in Istanbul.

You could also check out the art galleries which this neighbourhood is well-known for, and the quality on display won’t disappoint even the most demanding art admirers. The thing to look for, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, especially if it’s a pleasant day, is impromptu street markets, where various artists exhibit their work and try to sell it. It is a great way to buy authentic hand-crafted jewelry and souvenirs with a true touch of Istanbul, or fascinating antiques or old books, and for a good price, if you fare well at bargaining.

Even if all this doesn’t attract your attention, Ortakoy is still very much worth visiting, as is the whole of Besiktas district. It is a great place to spend a quiet day of taking strolls, enjoying the view of the Bosphorus and getting to know the way of everyday life of the real Istanbul. While you’re there, you can visit bars for a rest and refreshment, shop in small stores along the way, or visit the flea market, especially on weekends. If you can’t visit by day, you will still not be disappointed, as Ortakoy offers some of the best, world-class night clubs of the city, right on the Bosphorus shore, where you can experience the extravagant nightlife of modern Istanbul.

When it comes to food, Ortakoy offers more than you can try in one day. There is everything, from bakeries to exclusive restaurants. Any local’s suggestion would be trying one of the domestic specialties which you can find at small stands spread around the neighborhood, such as a baked potato meal, called Kumpir, or a type of pancake, called Gozleme. You could also check out a high-priced sea food restaurant – well worth the money for enjoying delicious fish on the banks of the Bosphorus, or go to one of the many restaurants with prices ranging from moderate to expensive, depending on your plans. If you are visiting in sunny, warm weather, the suggestion is to try some ice cream, with a wide array of types on offer.

If you’re looking for sightseeing, you mustn’t miss the Ortakoy mosque, built on a pier on the very shoreline, underneath the Bosphorus Bridge, with cafes and tea terraces overlooking it if you want a longer look at it. You should also check out the Ciragan Palace, and the Hamam built by the famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan.

So whether you are looking for historical sites, a wild night or a pleasant quiet day, Ortakoy is definitely a good choice of destination.