Bosphorus Villages in Istanbul

Istanbul is commonly known by tourists for its rather classical sites like Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia and the historical peninsula. However, there is also a very rich heritage on the Bosphorus, in what we call “Bosphorus Villages” since they all end with “–köy” meaning village. Although they were villages in the past, they are now integral parts of the city and frequently visited. We picked three great examples of these villages for you to explore more of Istanbul. 

1. Çengelköy: A Historic Neighborhood on the Bosphorus

Located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, Çengelköy is a charming district of Istanbul with a rich history spanning from the Byzantine era to the present day. Once a Greek village until the 1960s, Çengelköy has witnessed various cultural and architectural influences over the centuries.

Byzantine Heritage: Palaces and Monasteries

The history of Çengelköy dates back to the Byzantine period. From the 6th century, its port was known as Sophianai, named after the palace that Emperor Justin II built for his wife, Empress Sophia. Another Byzantine empress, Malabora, played a significant role in the district’s history by banning prostitution and supporting the poor. During this period, a ruined palace was converted into a monastery known as Ta Metanias and used as a day care center for the poor.

Ottoman Influence: Mansions and Mental Asylums

During the Ottoman era, Çengelköy became home to many waterfront mansions, including the Abdullah Ağa Mansion and the Sadullah Pasha Mansion, reflecting the district’s growing importance among the Ottoman elite. Additionally, it was known as a place where mental patients from the Ottoman ruling class were sent during the Ottoman period.

The St. George Greek Church, one of the district’s historical landmarks, stands as a reminder of its long-standing Greek Orthodox community.

The Mystery behind the Name "Çengelköy"

The name Çengelköy, meaning "Hook Village," has an uncertain origin. One theory suggests it comes from Çengeloğlu Tahir Pasha, a 19th-century Ottoman admiral who built a mosque and a waterfront mansion in the area (a street named Çengeloğlu still exists in the neighborhood). Another theory links the name to the Persian word çenkar, meaning "crab," possibly referring to the area's rich seafood supply. A 16th-century Ottoman document mentions the place as Çenger köyü.

Famous for Its Cucumbers

Çengelköy is widely known for its cucumbers, which have been cultivated in the region for centuries. These cucumbers are prized for their crisp texture and refreshing taste, making them a popular ingredient in Turkish cuisine.

The Vahdettin Pavilion

One of the most notable landmarks in Çengelköy is the Vahdettin Pavilion, also known as the Çengelköy Pavilion. Once the residence of Sultan Vahdettin, the last Ottoman sultan, it now serves as an official residence of the Turkish Presidency and a state guest house.

2. Ortaköy: Where History Meets Modern Istanbul

Ortaköy is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and picturesque neighborhoods. Once a small fishing village, Ortaköy has evolved into a cultural and social hotspot, blending its deep historical roots with a lively modern atmosphere. With its stunning Ortaköy Mosque, bustling cafés, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Bridge, it is a must-visit destination for travelers.

A Journey through Time: From Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire

Ortaköy’s history dates back to ancient times when it was known as Arkheion. During the Byzantine era, it was called Ayios Fokas, named after the Saint Phocas Monastery that once stood there. Later, it became known as Mesachorion, meaning "Middle Village" in Greek.

Turks settled in the area during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century. One of the oldest buildings in Ortaköy is the hamam (Turkish bath) built by Mimar Sinan in 1556, reflecting the district’s deep Ottoman heritage.

In the 19th century, Ortaköy flourished as a hub of Ottoman civil architecture, with elegant mansions and palaces being built along the waterfront. The Çırağan Palace, commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1871, became a royal residence before housing the Ottoman Parliament. Today, it is the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel, one of Istanbul’s most luxurious accommodations.

Another notable structure is the Esma Sultan Mansion (1875), a Bosphorus-front yalı gifted by Sultan Abdülaziz to his daughter Esma Sultan upon her marriage.

The district also became a place of residence for foreigners and intellectuals. British writer Emilia Hornby lived in Ortaköy during the Crimean War, documenting her experiences in her 1863 book. The German architect Bruno Taut, known for his exile from Nazi Germany, lived in a unique house above Ortaköy, blending Japanese and European architectural styles.

A Symbol of Cultural Diversity

Throughout history, Ortaköy has been a mosaic of three religions, where Muslims, Greek Orthodox Christians, and Jews coexisted. The neighborhood was home to a thriving Jewish population, many of whom emigrated after the establishment of Israel in 1948. The Greek and Armenian communities also declined after the riots of 1955. Today, while Ortaköy is predominantly Muslim, traces of its multicultural past remain visible.

One of Ortaköy’s most famous religious traditions is the Epiphany ceremony, during which the Greek Orthodox community throws a cross into the Bosphorus, and divers retrieve it as a symbol of blessing and renewal.

The Iconic Ortaköy Mosque & Bosphorus Bridge

The Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the neo-Baroque style, the mosque stands gracefully at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge, creating one of the most breathtaking sights in Istanbul.

This elegant mosque, commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1854, boasts ornate interiors, high windows, and intricate carvings, making it a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.

Ortaköy is also home to Galatasaray University, an esteemed French-speaking educational institution where George W. Bush gave a speech during the 2004 NATO Summit.

Ortaköy Today: A Lively Hub of Food and Entertainment

Today, Ortaköy is one of the most popular tourist areas in Istanbul, known for its lively cafés, bars, art galleries, and high-end nightclubs. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxed Bosphorus-side tea, explore local street food, or experience Istanbul’s nightlife, Ortaköy has something for everyone.

What to Eat in Ortaköy?

• Kumpir – A baked potato loaded with toppings of your choice, a local specialty found in the bustling kumpir stalls.

• Gözleme – A traditional Turkish flatbread, often filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.

• Waffles – A sweet treat popular in Ortaköy, topped with fruit, chocolate, and nuts.

3. Yeniköy: A Hidden Gem on the Bosphorus

Yeniköy is a charming neighborhood that blends history, culture, and elegance. Despite its modern-day reputation as a retreat for Istanbul’s elite, its past tells a fascinating story of transformation and resilience. For first-time visitors to the city, Yeniköy offers a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse heritage, making it an excellent destination for those eager to explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

A Village Reborn

During the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Yeniköy was a ruined village. However, its story did not end there. The settlement was reconstructed in the 16th century and gradually became a thriving neighborhood. Under the decree of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the area, initially known as Geniköy due to the settlement of Ulah families from the Geni region of Romania, was renamed Yeniköy (meaning “New Village”). The Greeks also called it Neohorion, which carries the same meaning.

A Village of Non-Muslim Communities

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Yeniköy became home to the luxurious yalıs (waterside mansions) of wealthy non-Muslim families, including Greeks, Armenians, and Jews. Many of these mansions still stand today, lining the Bosphorus and offering breathtaking views of the water. The neighborhood flourished as an affluent residential area, a status it retains to this day, as it remains home to celebrities, business tycoons, and prominent figures in Turkish society.

A Literary and Architectural Legacy

Yeniköy has also played host to important literary and architectural figures. The celebrated Egyptian Greek poet Constantine Cavafy lived here with his parents between 1882 and 1885. His poem "Nichori" (Greek: Το Nιχώρι) praises the beauty of the place, and a bust of the poet now stands in the yard of the Panagia Greek Orthodox Church.

One of the neighborhood’s architectural gems is the Osman Reis Mosque, built in 1904 by Alexander Vallaury on the site of an older 17th-century mosque. Vallaury, a prominent architect of the era, also designed the Ahmed Afif Pasha Yalı behind it. Interestingly, Agatha Christie stayed in this mansion as a guest in 1933 while working on her iconic novel Murder on the Orient Express.

Spiritual Heritage and Cultural Harmony

Yeniköy’s rich cultural fabric is reflected in its religious sites. The neighborhood is home to several Christian churches, a synagogue, and a mosque, embodying Istanbul’s historical diversity. Among the most significant religious landmarks is the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God (Panagia Kumariotisa Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi), built in 1837 at the request of Stefanos Karatheodori, the personal physician of Sultan Mahmud II. The tombstones of Karatheodori and his son, Alexander Karatheodori Pasha, can still be seen beside the church’s wooden bell tower.

The area also houses the Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church and the Yeniköy Synagogue, which remain active centers of worship. Until the tragic events of the 1955 Istanbul Pogrom, Yeniköy had a significant Greek population, as well as Armenian and Jewish communities, contributing to its vibrant social landscape.

Why Visit Yeniköy?

For those looking to experience a quieter, more refined side of Istanbul, Yeniköy is an excellent choice. Visitors can enjoy:

• Scenic Bosphorus views and leisurely walks along the waterfront.

• Elegant historical mansions that showcase Ottoman-era architecture.

• A diverse culinary scene, with famous fish restaurants and cozy cafes.

• Cultural and literary history, with connections to poets, novelists, and architects.

• Peaceful religious landmarks, reflecting Istanbul’s multicultural past.