The European Side of Istanbul
Istanbul is an amazing city and has a huge mix of cultures and diversities that are spread across it´s 39 different districts, 25 of which sit on the European side and the other 14 which sit on the Asian side. Each area offers it´s own uniqueness and you would need more than a few days to visit each one, and you will always find friendly neighbourhoods, shopping facilities, sights of interest, great cuisines and lively evening entertainment. Increased demand & interest plus a renewed investment from the Turkish Government meant that 7 of these districts are fairly new, only really becoming their own since 2009.
In this article, we are going to explore the European side….
- Arnavutkoy – Located in Northern Istanbul this is the first district you will arrive in, as it contains the latest finished project, the new Istanbul airport, so there really is no excuse for not making a visit either before or after your flight!
- Avcilar – Pre 1960´s this was the industrial factory hub of Istanbul, but times have slowly changed and now it´s attracting major investment from local constructors for beautiful residential complexes
- Bagcilar – Significant growth here over the last few decades has meant it has some of the best transport links in Istanbul, meaning it´s an attractive prospect for Investors looking for short or long term rentals
- Bahcelievler – The ´house with gardens´ where the traditional middle class of society have chosen to live, a popular choice amongst the locals
- Bakirkoy – Shopping World here, with the Carousel Centre being it´s best and largest asset attracting well over 1 million visitors per year looking for fabulous bargains from the many retail outlets & big names
- Basaksehir – A low key affair with not many tourists but a beautiful place to call home with facilities which include the artificial lake and Sular Vadesi Park
- Bayrampasa – Artichoke City! This is its claim to fame and though the industry has moved on from here, there are still remnants of the trade that the locals held so close to their hearts
- Besiktas – Yes, well done for those eager football fans, this is home to Besiktas FC, Turkey´s most successful clubs. It also holds landmarks including Old Ottoman houses and the grand mosque.
- Beylikduzu – Green landscapes galore here, as far as the eye can see, and become increasingly popular with Turkey´s elite, with excellent prices available per square meter
- Beyoglu – Probably the best for an International scene, with a variety of gourmet food, shopping, culture & art.
- Buyukcekmeme – One for the tourist here, with over 26 kilometres of coastline, a fabulous Ottoman architect designed bridge and Sancaklar Mosque, awarded for its fabulous design.
- Catalca – The Retirement & Summer Home district as known by the locals with many visiting here for those wonderful weekends in the Sun
- Esenler – ´Hidden´ from the mainstream and slightly ´inland´ it´s the quiet district….
- Esenyurt – Massive for Investment right now, with a huge increase in Investment over the last few years. It now offers a world class University, three shopping centres, parks, recreation and multi-purpose facilities.
- Eyup – Another tourist hotspot here with the Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti Café amongst its most precious antiquities. Of Islamic Historical importance….
- Fatih – A UNESCO world heritage site from where the Byzantine and Ottoman empires ruled, with the Golden Horn & Jewish/Greek Quarters.
- Gaziosmanpasa – Broken down into three key areas during 2009, but mainly a low key area for now with big plans for the future
- Gungoren – A relatively small district and conservative family destination perfect for enjoying the simpler life…
- Kagithane – With a well established housing market, it´s a bright future for this district with many locals choosing to buy here and commuting in, using the excellent transport infrastructure that’s in place.
- Kucukcekmece – Located on the planned Istanbul Canal route, and close to the TEM/E5 highways so another hotspot for any budding Investor
- Sariyer – Well worth a visit, with many local treasures including Ataturk Arboretum, Rumelihisari Caslte and Emirgan Park
- Silivri – Summer time here, and the perks speak for themselves when the 45m coastline springs into life!
- Sultangazi – A multicultural hub, but one of the more recent districts well known for its Ottoman stone aqueduct systems.
- Sisli – Very high profile district with very notable landmarks which include the Military Museum, Turk Telecom Stadium, four shopping malls and two of the cities highest skyscrapers
- Zeytinburnu – Historical landmarks in this ´Olive Cape´ which include the old city walls.
