Ortakoy Istanbul (Is it worth a Visit?)

Ortakoy Istanbul (Is it worth a Visit?)

Seen from the Bosphorus cruise, the Bosphorus coastline on the European side resembles a string of villages, each with their own individual character and attractions, and indeed that’s just what it was. Located between down-to-earth Beşiktaş and chichi Kuruçeşme, Ortakoy does what its name suggests and positions itself somewhere in the middle (orta köy means ‘middle village’ in Turkish).

Aside from the bustle of everyday life, there are several good reasons to come this friendly neighborhood. Look at any Ortaköy photos to see the beautiful Ortaköy Camii (Ortaköy Mosque); a neo-Baroque building, right on the waterfront that has recently undergone major renovation works.

Reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of a neighbourhood where Turks, Armenians, Greeks, and Jews historically lived side by side, you can also visit the Etz-Ahayim synagogue, which is located close to the Bosphorus Bridge and the Greek Orthodox church of Aya Fokas (St Phocas). In the same area is one of Istanbul’s oldest hamams, built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1556, and the influential education establishments of Galatasary University and the Kabataş Erkek Lisesi.

How to get to Ortakoy
The easiest way to get to Ortakoy is to take a 40,40T or 42T bus from Taksim, or the 22, 22RE or 25E from Kabatas.

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