The Üsküdar district of Istanbul isn’t as well-known as other European districts. Yet, Üsküdar delivers much more than expected. Bordered by Beykoz, Umraniye, and Ataşehir districts facing the European Besiktas and Fatih districts, the shoreline Bosphorus location of Üsküdar boosts the daily population alongside neighbouring Kadikoy.
Known as a conservative district, history can be found in the mosques, houses, and Ottoman fountains. Additionally, vibes from everyday life and social communities thrive in cafes, restaurants, and traditional shopping districts. But one major bonus is that the shoreline location is a major ferry port to Istanbul's European continent. This makes it easier for commuters and travellers who want to learn about this Istanbul district.
Guide to the Üsküdar District of Istanbul - Turkey
About the Rich History
Originally dating from the 7th century BCE, Üsküdar portrays a wonderful experience of this magnificent city. The area initially sat outside the city walls in ancient times, but during the 8th century, Persian rule was still prominent on trade routes. During the Fourth Crusade in the 12th century, when the Latin Empire took over Constantinople, Chrysopolis remained under Byzantine control as Üsküdar was named. However, in the 13th century, the Ottomans took over before they conquered the main city parts.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Üsküdar retained its historical character but modernized rapidly. While several traditional Ottoman structures remain, new residential and commercial areas have developed. The construction of the Bosphorus Bridge (1973) and later Marmaray Tunnel (2013) reinforced Üsküdar's importance as a transport hub linking Asia and Europe. Indeed, the deep history has withstood the challenges of time to become an iconic district of the Asian part.
The Major Transportation Hub
Regular and affordable ferry rides to Üsküdar leave from Eminonu, Kabatas, and Besiktas on Istanbul's European side. However, we like the Marmaray train running from Kazlicesme to Üsküdar under the Bosphorus. The clean and cheap cross-country bus system arrives daily from other places. Otherwise, Sabiha Gokcen Airport serves the Asian side, including Üsküdar, with a frequent, year-round flight schedule. The transfer time from the airport is just 40 minutes. If driving from European Istanbul, use the Bosphorus bridge. There are various modes of transportation, but don't forget the Istanbul Public Transportation card because you will need it for most services.
Maidens Tower and Salacak
Maidens Tower, called Kiz Kulesi in Turkish, is an iconic image of this busy district. The tower sits on a small rock opposite the Salacak neighbourhood in the middle of the Bosphorus. This neighbourhood is a short stroll from the main square that is home to the 18th-century Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. The tower still commands respect as a nice restaurant to dine in because of the urban legends behind it. They say a fortune teller told a king his daughter would die. Hence, he built the tower and sent her to live there. Unfortunately, a basket of fruit arrived one day, and a snake within the basket bit her and ensured her demise.
Çamlıca Hill for Stunning Views
Head to Çamlıca Hill for amazing views. As the name suggests, the hilltop location presents front-row seats to the all-encompassing Golden Horn and Bosphorus. The hilltop spot stands at 288 meters above sea level. Hence, the highly underrated views deserve more admiration in travel magazines and guidebooks. The local council runs Çamlıca Hill and Park, and they do a marvellous job of making relaxing places among the hustle and bustle. Expect trees, flowers, and plants with spectacular greenery among tea houses.
The Sultan Ahmet Fountain
Fountains are iconic landmarks and reflect Ottoman days when locals headed there to get water. In Üsküdar, the most famous is the Sultanahmet fountain, built in 1728. The Ottoman rococo architecture instantly makes this fountain attractive by drawing observers' eyes to intricate details. The fountain was dedicated to Emetullah Rabia Gulnus, the Sultan's mother, buried in Üsküdar. Initially sitting on the Bosphorus shorefront to serve weary travellers coming in by boat, the fountain was moved in 1933. Two restorations have taken place to restore the fountain to its original glory, proving Uskudar's dedication to preserving historical landmarks. Also, see the fountain of Ahmet III in the main square.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Complex
Istanbul is also famous for its historic mosques. After the city was built on seven hills to replicate Rome, the Ottomans naturally made their mark by putting mosques on these seven hills. Visit Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, a shining reflection of Ottoman architecture from the 16th century. Built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who made his mark for centuries through timeless, classic buildings, everyday travellers arrive to admire the place of worship.
More Historic and Modern Mosques
However, there are 187 impressive mosques in this conservative neighbourhood, and 56 are of historical importance. The Yeni Valide mosque sits directly opposite the Mihrimah Sultan Complex. You can also visit the 19th-century Altunizade Mosque or, for modern architecture, the Sakirin Mosque.
Çamlıca Mosque (Çamlıca Camii), designed by 2 females in 2019, is Turkey’s biggest mosque. Inspired by classical Ottoman architecture, it features six minarets and a massive central dome, with semi-domes reminiscent of iconic mosques like the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque. The mosque can accommodate 63,000 worshippers and houses a museum, library, art gallery, and conference hall, making it a place of worship and a cultural centre. Its elevated position on Çamlıca Hill offers stunning views.
Kuzguncuk Neighbourhood
For a day of sightseeing, Kuzguncuk, a neighbourhood with old repainted Ottoman mansions, displays vibrant colours and marvellous architecture. The most famous sits on Perihan Abla Street, but explore other Kuzguncuk areas for landmarks like old churches, mosques, antique shops, and Turkish coffee shops. Local boutique shops portray local community culture. Several Turkish soap operas occur in Kuzguncuk because wealthy people owned summer homes during Ottoman times. Most are privately owned, yet viewing the architecture and individuality from the outside is worth viewing.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi translates into "Lord of Lords," This palace was an Ottoman summer mansion used to host foreign dignitaries like French Empress Eugene, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar of Iran, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. However, don't be fooled by the small size. Luxurious interior features include a reception hall with an indoor fountain and pure silk Hereke carpets, Turkey's most expensive and exquisite. A famous take behind this palace is when Empress Eugenie of France entered the palace in the arms of Sultan Abdulaziz, the Sultan's mother slapped her across the face. Covering 300 square meters, tour the harem, barn stables, and garden pavilions before heading to other sights.
Visit Cengelkoy Village
Cengelkoy is a favourite getaway for locals who want to escape the bustle and enjoy traditional Turkish breakfasts with stunning weekend Bosphorus views. Painters and photographers flock here for beautiful views and to produce stunning masterpieces. The shoreline is home to the Sadullah Pasa Seaside mansion, a famous Yali mansion built during Ottoman times. In addition, the quirky car museum gives a good insight into the automobile industry.
Neighbouring Kadikoy for Spectacular Views
Neighbouring Kadikoy is popular with middle-class families and students because of the large university. The famous Bagdat Street, with various bars, cafes, bookshops, and cinemas, the lively nightlife scene, and the fish market serving the day's fresh catch, also earn admiration. Haydar Pasa train station is a famous landmark that hosts trains running the famous Orient Express route, and Kadikoy is another district with a prominent ferry terminal.
From Üsküdar to Sile
A bus service operates from Üsküdar and heads to Sile on the Black Sea. The trip takes just 1 hour, so if you are wondering what to do over the weekend, jump on board. Tour agents sell tickets to visit Kum Baba's tomb and explore the region's history of cotton production. The famous beach is excellent, but the surrounding green hillsides draw crowds with scenic landscapes. Book a basic hotel to extend your time in Sile and spend days fishing, snorkelling, and sailing down the Goksu River.
Selimeye Barracks and Florence Nightingale Museum
British soldiers used Selimiye Barracks during the Crimean War, and in the 19th century, Florence Nightingale treated wounded British soldiers here. The room where Florence Nightingale stayed is now a museum and worth visiting. As well as being the 1st Army Command headquarters, the Military Academy Museum is in the South-East tower, and Nightingale Museum is in the North-West tower. Initially commissioned by Sultan Selim III, this is one of the most interesting historical buildings.
Mimar Sinan Market Place and Hamam
Once again, this historic landmark was the work of Mimar Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect. Originally built as a marketplace to support the income for Toptasi mosque, the famous traveller Evliya Celebi remarked about the interior hamam and said, "It is very spacious, the air is pleasant, and the structure is pleasant. They have cute, beautiful, clean tellaks and blue loincloths." In 1932, a wealthy citizen purchased the marketplace, built three adjoining shops, and converted the bath into a carpenter's shop. However, in 1962, another wealthy citizen restored the structure to its former glory.
Çamlıca Tower for Excellent Views
Çamlıca Tower (Çamlıca Kulesi), a modern telecommunications and observation tower completed in 2021, stands at 369 meters (1,211 feet) above sea level, making it Turkey’s tallest structure. Built to replace multiple old broadcasting towers on Çamlıca Hill, the tower serves as a central telecommunications hub, offering panoramic views. It features two observation decks, a restaurant, and a café, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking vistas across the European side and the Marmara Sea.
Emaar Square Mall
This major shopping mall has everything under one roof. From restaurants serving delicious cuisine to the Skyview platform that gives off amazing views over modern and historic sites, it is a great day trip for the family. Children will enjoy the Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, while adults can use the onsite, fully equipped Gym. This isn't a cultural trip but an impressive experience in a bustling neighbourhood.
Is Üsküdar a Good Place to Live?
Whether looking for somewhere to live or somewhere to invest in real estate, as a prominent district, Uskudar's vibrant real estate market forever turns with buyers and sellers, providing high liquidity and potential capital appreciation. Varied neighbourhoods, health centres, shopping malls, Turkish cuisine restaurants and religious sites exist. The public transport is excellent, and the cultural history presents another face to this well-known city. At the same time, Fethi Pasa Korusu Park is a fantastic place to relax and watch the world go by. So, yes, Üsküdar is a good place to live and buy property.
More About the Asian Side of Istanbul
Üsküdar sits on Istanbul’s Asian side. For many years, Turks and foreigners have ignored the Istanbul Asian side, instead preferring the old city nostalgia or vibrant city vibes of European Beyoglu. Also known as the Anatolian side, increasingly more people are interested in Asian Istanbul, especially property buyers lured by the calmer face of Istanbul and pleasantly surprised at lower price brackets for apartments and villas. Learn more here.
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