Kadikoy

After the Byzantine government was established in the historical peninsula, Kadikoy was left as an "external" area. However, Kadikoy is the location of the first settlement of istanbul, estimated to have been in 675 BC around Moda Burnu (Cape Moda) where Yogurtcu Park stands today.

The settlement was first named Halkedon meaning "land of copper," but after the Byzantines established themselves on the other side, they called it Chalcedon, meaning "land of the blind", This ironic name is mentioned in the founding myth of istanbul. According to the story, the prophets tell Byzas, who leaves to establish another colony, that he is going to build "a land across from the land of the blind." Byzas comes to the Historical Peninsula, sees the Halkedon people on the other side and says, "They who choose to live there instead of this side, must be blind, thus this is the land of which our prophets spoke."

In Fikirtepe, which rests inside the current borders of Kadikoy, archeological ruins dating back to 5000 BC were discovered, As the empires ruling istanbul took the historical peninsula as their capital, Kadikoy lived in its shadow and remained a small town for a long period. Significant development of the district did not begin until the late 19th century when Selimiye Kislasi (Selimiye Barracks) and Haydarpasa Askeri Hastanesi (Haydarpasa Military Hospital) were built. Regular ferry services began in 1857, making Kadikoy more attractive as a residental area.

Today Kadikoy, which is one of the biggest disrricts in istanbul, is also considered the capital of the Asian side. Just like Uskudar it is integral for sea transportation to the other side of the city. There are ferry services to Eminonu, Karakoy and Besiktas.

The historical building directly in front of the wharf that greets all arriving by sea, was originally a fruit and vegetable market. However, as the city developed in the region, it was transformed into a music conservatory. Behind the buildings across from the wharf, there is Tarihi Kadikoy Carsisi (Historical Kadikoy bazaar), a site of istanbul's trade activities for many years. Known for its fish and spice sellers, this bazaar has an authentic atmosphere where many extraordinary tastes can be found.

Besides traditionally made Turkish delight, candy and desserts, this "Flea Market" contains sellers of second hand furniture, clothing and electronic goods. On Antikacilar Sokagi (Antiquarians Street) more valuable antiques are sold, giving a rich flavor to the bazaar. Walking through the back streets of the bazaar, you will find Kadife Sokak, which offers the most colorful and exciting nightlife on the Asian side. Housing alternative culture and art activities during various periods of the year, this area attracts mostly young people.

On Bahariye Caddesi (Bahariye Avenue), which is closed to traffic like istiklal Avenue in Taksim, there are many cafes, cinemas, stores of famous brands and passages that thousands of people visit every day. On this street, there is a counterpart to the old-fashioned streetcar between Taksim and Tunel: Moda Tramvayi (Moda Streetcar).
 

Bagdat Avenue (Bagdat Caddesi)

The seaside road beginning from Kadikoy, follows the Asian shores of the Marmara Sea for many kilometers. Lined with walking and bicycle paths, gren parks, as well as public tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, this seaside road is a destination for thousands of citizens on holiday or just enjoying an energetic game of sport. On this road, there is a beach in the Caddebostan area that gives istanbul residents an opportunity to sunbathe and swim in the sea.

Parallel to this seaside road, stretching from Kadikoy to Bostanci, Bagdat Avenue resembles the famous main streets of European cities with long walkways and elegant restaurants, cafes, malls, and stores of well-known brands. The street, which becomes crowded with people from all over istanbul on weekends, is the site of ceremonies on national holidays and parades of various festivals.

Beautiful Cape : Moda

Distinguishable even from afar with its unique geography, Cape Moda on the Marmara Sea with a hill behind it as a backdrop has one of the most beautiful landscapes of istanbul. Moda in the late 19th century, intellectuals, artists, and scientists among the Ottoman elite began to live the Moda district, along with a population of Levantine settlers, hence there are many churches and foreign schools in this district.

Still preferred by many members of the intellectual and art scene of istanbul, Moda experiences influxes of visitors from many different places on weekends. Tea gardens on the hill, with the view of the Princes' Islands and Marmara Sea, host many visitors. Around the peak of the uphill road from Kadikoy to Moda, there are restaurants and pastry shops on the left and right The famous shop Ali Baba, serving some of the most delicious ice cream in town, is located here, too.