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Uskudar |
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 Uskudar,
which is one of the historical districts of istanbul, is also
among the most populated
residential areas on the Asian side. Uskudar used to be
considered a separate town, ruled by a governor with its own
ports and shipyards in Chalcedon, a Greek colony in the 7th
century BC. The Greeks called this settlement around the
shipyards Hrisopolis (City of gold). There are many rumors about
the origin of this name. But the most commonly believed story
for istanbulites today is that the area got its name because at
sunset the houses along the Uskudar coast appear as if they are
gilded.
With a history of over 3,000 years, Uskudar was frequently the
headquarters for armies besieging the city, including during the
period of the Byzantine Empire. Uskudar, a small town during
Byzantine times, came under Ottoman rule, along with Kadikoy, in
1352. An important event during the Ottoman period was the
ceremonial departure from Uskudar of the Surre-i Humayun
pilgrimmage carrying holy relics and gifts to Mecca and Medina
every year. The ceremonies for the long convoy of camels
carrying the pilgrims and the gifts of the sultan to the sharif
of Mecca, brought a lot of activity to Uskudar. As an important
link between the Asian side and the European side, today Uskudar
plays a pivotal role for local sea transport due to its close
proximity to the other side. |
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Ferries and boats run back and forth from here to many ports on the
European side every morning and every evening. This
bustling area is the eastern destination of istanbul's planned
project to connect the two sides of the city by an underwater
passage. Across the square from the ferry and boat ports, Mihrimah
Sultan Kulliyesi (Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Complex) is a plain but
impressive Ottoman building which can also be seen from the sea.
Built in 1547 by Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleyman the
Magnificent, the wings of the doors and windows of the mosque are
decorated with mother of pearl and ebony inlay work.
Extending from the side of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque towards the
Bosphorus, the Fethi Pasa wood stands on the hills of the Pasalimani
district. This oasis, with its centuries-old trees and
Bosphorus views, is often the site for Istanbulites to enjoy picnics
on weekends and holidays. A seaside road, which starts in Harem near
the Asian .side bus terminal, passes through Uskudar and leads all
the way to the end of the Bosphorus. Next to Uskudar is the Salacak
district, known for its fish restaurants and panoramic views of the
historical peninsula. Many people agree that the most beautiful view
of the city can be seen from Salacak.
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Kuzguncuk
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 Kuzguncuk
between Uskudar and Beylerbeyi attracts attention with the
architecture of its houses. Many intellectuals and artist prefer
this historical district for residence. The Cafe by the sea and the
fish restaurant are in brisk demand particularly at the weekends.
Waterside mansions and the woods nearby makes Kuzguncuk a special
place.
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Anatolian Kavak and Lighthouse