BEYOĞLU
BEYOĞLU
Beyoğlu district, located on the European side of Istanbul, has been one of the most popular districts of Istanbul since ancient times. Especially as of the 17th century, the region gained movement thanks to the increasing trade and planned migrations in Beyoğlu, and it has managed to maintain this vitality until today. If you wish, you can feel like you are traveling in time by visiting historical monuments and buildings in Beyoğlu; If you wish, you can take a stroll on the street and witness the harmonious coexistence of the past and the present.
Beyoğlu was called Pera, which means ‘The Vineyards of the Opposite Side’ in the Byzantine period. There are some rumors about the evolution of Pera to Beyoğlu. After the Ottoman domination of the region, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Turks called Luigi Giritti, the son of the Venetian ambassador, as ‘Son of the Bey’. This saying became widespread and the name of the district became Beyoğlu.
We can say that the reason why many buildings in Beyoğlu are standing today is that the residence in the region started late. Despite this, Beyoğlu has survived two major fires in the past. Thanks to the measures taken and the restorations made, they have managed to reach the present day.
Where can I visit in Beyoğlu?
When the question, “I came to Istanbul, where can I visit?” comes to mind, Beyoğlu will undoubtedly be at the top of the places to visit. Its cultural heritage, traces of every reign that lived on it, its architecture, and delicious tastes make Beyoğlu a perfect route to visit. It has visitors from all over the world, and many hotels to stay in İstiklal Street and its surroundings.
It is impossible not to see the Galata Tower in any image or poster related to Istanbul. You can visit Galata, which has become the symbol of Istanbul, and make the legend of “If you go to the Galata Tower with the person you love, you will marry them” real.
The European Passage, also known as the Mirrored Passage, was built in the 19th century. There are many workplaces such as shops where antique products can be purchased, tailors and fashion houses, and florists. You should definitely see this building that will draw you in with its atmosphere.
Although Taksim Mosque is one of the newest buildings in Beyoğlu, it has become the focus of tourists. It is possible to watch the meeting of Islamic motifs with modern style in this mosque.
The Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church, built in the 19th century as the symbol of the Trinity, has an architecture that differs from its counterparts. It has a very special place because it was inspired by the architecture of the Renaissance period and was gifted to three holy beings in the Christian faith.
Pera Palas Hotel, which is included in TV series and movies, is not only a century old building, but also welcomes thousands of visitors with its room number 101, where the great leader M. Kemal Atatürk stayed. At the same time, Pera Museum hosts many exhibitions and Anatolian inspired tiles. The museum card provides free admission to the museum.
You should definitely visit the streets of Cihangir, named after Cihangir, the son of Suleiman the Magnificent, its western-style architecture and tiny coffee shops.
What kind of activities can I attend on Beyoğlu?
When it comes to activity, Beyoğlu offers various options in this regard. If you are curious and interested in Turkish cuisine, you can attend workshops and have a pleasant time.
You can enjoy watching movies by going to the historical Yeşilçam Cinema.
You can visit art galleries, attend opera and jazz festivals.
You can visit the Museum of Innocence, Madame Tussauds Museum and collect wonderful memories.
Beyoğlu History
The history of Beyoğlu district dates back to the Byzantines. In this region, which was called Pera in the Byzantine period, settlement was not common. Since the settlement is more common on the opposite side of Istanbul, the name Pera, which means ‘Across the Side’, was given here. Mostly Genoese and Venetians lived in this region, and over time, this region, which included the Galata Tower, succeeded in making it a rich commercial center. After the Ottoman conquest of the city, Muslim and non-Muslim people from Anatolia were settled here due to the population policy they adopted. In this way, the ground for a balanced and peaceful environment in the society was prepared, and the settlement area started to grow towards the Pera region.
With the increase in settlement in the region, it continued to maintain its status as a trade center that existed in the past. The fact that the people are from different ethnic origins, different embassies are located in the region, and its progress in a modern line has made Pera the first place that comes to mind to have fun and have a good time. In other words, we can say that a concrete example of the westernization of the Ottoman Empire started here.
During the empire period, especially II. Mahmud made many attempts to westernize and enrich the region in Beyoğlu. He had a hospital, school and military units built here, as well as moving his palace to Beyoğlu, emphasizing the importance of the region. In the transition from the Imperial period to the Republican period, the structuring gained momentum; settlement in the region spread over an even wider area. The street called Cadde-i Kebir is now called Istiklal Street. Here, workplaces, shops, food and beverage venues have increased rapidly, and it has become a location where the heart of Istanbul beats.
