Ortakoy: The Jewel of the Bosphorus

On the European side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul lies Ortakoy, stretching across part of the Besiktas district. 

Despite its small size, the area is a true gem of the strait, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cultural diversity, and beautiful natural scenery. 

The name Ortakoy means "middle village" in Turkish. This article introduces you to Ortakoy, the lively pearl of the Bosphorus Strait.

Where is Ortakoy Located?

Ortakoy is located on the European side of Istanbul and is a neighborhood under the municipality of Besiktas. It has a direct view of the Bosphorus, near the first bridge connecting the two sides of the vast city, the July 15 Martyrs Bridge. 

To the north, it is bordered by the rest of the Besiktas district, to the south by the Bebek neighborhood, to the west by the Levent neighborhood, and to the east by the Bosphorus Strait.

The area boasts a prime location close to most of Istanbul's attractive areas. Here are some key spots:

• Taksim Square:

 About 5 km from Ortakoy, a 15-minute drive depending on traffic.

• Fatih District:

 About 10 km away, a 25-minute drive on average.

• Besiktas District:

 Only 3 km away, a 10-minute drive.

• Sultanahmet District:

 Approximately 8 km away, a 20-minute drive.

• Kadikoy on the Asian side:

 12 km away via the Bosphorus Bridge, accessible by boat or car.

• Uskudar on the Asian side: 

About 8 km away via the Bosphorus Bridge.

History of Ortakoy

The area was part of a small settlement in the Byzantine era known as "Arkatoy." Here are the stages of this historic place:

• Byzantine Era: 

Byzantine people inhabited Ortakoy which was part of the countryside surrounding Constantinople (now Istanbul).

• Ottoman Era: 

The area went through several phases during this period. In the 16th century, it flourished and became a culturally and religiously diverse area where Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived together. 

This explains the presence of a mosque, a church, and a synagogue side by side. In the 19th century, many significant religious landmarks were built, including the Ortakoy Mosque (Great Mecidiye Mosque) by Sultan Abdulmecid I. 

The area also features many historical buildings and luxurious palaces along the Bosphorus. By the late Ottoman era, Ortakoy became a residential area favored by the Ottoman and foreign elites, adding grandeur to its character.

• Modern Era: 

With the establishment of the Turkish Republic in the 20th century, Ortakoy continued to develop as a prosperous residential and commercial area. 

It became administratively part of the Besiktas district, one of Istanbul's main areas. 

Modern infrastructure and facilities developments have made it one of the most attractive tourist areas, thanks to its charming location on the Bosphorus, cultural diversity, and historical landmarks.

Best Tourist Attractions in Ortakoy, Istanbul

Ortakoy offers a variety of tourist activities, from visiting mosques and local markets to enjoying restaurants and cafes with views of the strait. Here are some must-visit spots in Ortakoy:

Ortakoy Mosque

Also known as the Great Mecidiye Mosque, it is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul with its Ottoman architectural design and unique location on the Bosphorus. It is one of the most photographed mosques in Istanbul due to its location and beautiful views, especially with its lights reflecting on the Bosphorus at night.

Bosphorus Bridge

 The July 15 Martyrs Bridge connects the European and Asian continents and offers stunning views of the vast waterway.

Ortakoy Bazaar

A market for antiques and unique souvenirs. This popular market has many stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and other authentic local items. The bazaar is lively with vibrant colors and quality products that attract both locals and tourists.

Ortakoy Hammam

 A traditional Turkish bath was built by the famous architect Sinan Pasha in the 16th century.

Ortakoy Square

 The main square of this beautiful neighborhood is close to the Bosphorus shore. It is a meeting point for walking enthusiasts from nearby areas and tourists who want to experience the city's spirit through its bustling parts. 

The square is notable for its proximity to tourist attractions and many cafes and restaurants, allowing visitors to spend a whole day here without boredom.

Ortakoy Business Hotel

 This elegant hotel in the heart of the area offers luxurious services, including comfortable rooms, modern facilities, and upscale restaurants. Its central location provides easy access to Ortakoy's tourist attractions and other parts of Istanbul.

Kumpir Sokak in Ortakoy

One of Ortakoy's highlights is the famous Potato Street, with food stalls offering stuffed potatoes (Kumpir), a popular local dish in Turkey and beyond. 

Large potatoes are baked until soft inside and crisp outside, then opened and mashed with butter and cheese, followed by filling with various ingredients like Mediterranean salads, olives, corn, sausages, pickles, chicken or meat, and red and green peppers. 

The street is lively and a favorite spot for locals and tourists for a quick, delicious, and unique meal.

Ortakoy Restaurants

The area has a variety of restaurants offering distinctive dishes, from traditional Turkish cuisine to international fare. 

The best Ortakoy restaurants offer stunning views of the Bosphorus, enhancing the dining experience. 

Learn more about The Most Famous Restaurants in Istanbul

These include seafood restaurants, kebab shops, and international eateries like Ali Baba Ortakoy Café and Restaurant, Banyan, and Beltas Rest Café.

• Feriye Palace:

 A luxurious restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine with a magnificent Bosphorus view.

• House Café:

 A popular spot for breakfast and lunch with a relaxing ambiance and beautiful views.

• Anjelique:

 A restaurant and bar on the Bosphorus offer a fine dining experience with stunning views.

• Sortie: 

A luxury restaurant with a nightclub, offering a variety of dishes and a fantastic atmosphere for nightlife lovers.

• Yildiz Park: 

It is one of the most beautiful Gardens in Istanbul, a haven for relaxation amid nature. Overlooking the Bosphorus, it features many old trees, diverse plants, seasonal flowers, rare plants, artificial lakes, lovely wooden bridges, walking and jogging paths, and cafes with pleasant atmospheres.

• Ciragan Palace:

One of Istanbul's most important historical and cultural landmarks. 

Built in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz, its design combines Ottoman and Baroque architecture, with gold decorating many of its halls and rooms. 

Its gardens overlooking the Bosphorus are enchanting. This historical site has been converted into a luxury hotel for VIPs, and it also hosts weddings and special events.

How to Get to Ortakoy, Turkey

The area is easily accessible via Istanbul's main roads, with available parking if you choose to drive. 

Kabatas station is a key hub for various transportation modes, including trams, metros, and ferries, providing easy access to many major areas in Istanbul, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Besiktas.
 

Here are other ways to reach Ortakoy:

1. By Bus: Several buses from different parts of Istanbul reach Ortakoy.
2. By Ferry: Ferries from various points on the Bosphorus also reach Ortakoy.
3. By Tram and Metro: The tram and metro network can take you to nearby areas, from where you can take buses or walk. The T1 tram to Kabatas station, followed by bus 22 or 25E to Kabatas Lisesi, is a convenient option. From Taksim, you can take bus T40 or T42 to Kabatas Lisesi.

Services provided to you by Reyana Tourism

Reyana Tourism (Istanbul Private Tour) offers hotel and resort bookings and airport pick-up services in Istanbul. 

They assist you in selecting suitable packages tailored to your interests in activities and tours throughout the year, covering the most beautiful destinations, diverse natural landmarks, and famous sites.

Benefit from the Istanbul tour program and sightseeing trips provided by early bookings for you and your family, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable travel experience.

Steps to benefit from the Istanbul tour program with Reyana Tourism:

1. Pre-planning: It starts with communicating with Reyana Tourism's team and devising a detailed itinerary, including identifying desired tourist attractions and activities and determining the duration of the stay.
2. Choosing the suitable program: Reyana Tourism offers a variety of tourist programs that suit the needs and budgets of travelers, ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable experience.
3. Arranging transportation and accommodation: Reyana Tourism's team arranges transportation to and from the airport and provides comfortable and suitable accommodation options, whether in luxury hotels or furnished apartments.
4. Sightseeing: The program includes visits to famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Ottoman Palace, and many beautiful museums and gardens.
5. Cultural experience: Travelers can enjoy the Turkish culture and traditions by tasting traditional cuisine and attending artistic performances and cultural festivals.
6. Comfort and relaxation: The Reyana Tourism tour program allows travelers to relax and enjoy their time without worrying about arrangements and organization, as the team takes care of all the details and needs.
7. Communication and support: Reyana Tourism's team provides continuous support during the trip, allowing travelers to communicate and address any inquiries or requests needing assistance.

When choosing any tourist program in Istanbul or sightseeing trips in Istanbul with Reyana Tourism, travelers can enjoy a unique and unforgettable tourist experience combining culture, fun, and relaxation.