Istanbul/Bosphorus

[[file:Bosphorus (Istanbul) banner Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Palace as seen from the Bosphorus|Halal Explorer to Bosphorus}} Ortakoey Istanbul Bosporusbruecke Mrz2005 - Ortaköy Mosque—one of the symbols of the city

The Bosphorus is the channel that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and separates Europe from Asia; but the term has also come to mean the neighbourhoods of Istanbul that lie along its banks. (In Turkish Boğaz means the Bosphorus channel, while Boğaziçi is the word for these neighbourhoods.) These began as separate fishing villages, and even today have not completely grown into each other. So they each have a different character, with late Ottoman palaces, parks, and lush woodlands. This is one of the most scenic neighborhoods of Istanbul, especially in May when the Judas trees ( Turkish: Erguvan, Latin: Cercis siliquastrum) swathe the shoreline and the hills with their deep-pink flowers.

eHalal Travel Guide only describes the European bank of Bosphorus, and nearby sections of its Black Sea coast. For the Asian bank of Bosphorus (and the more extensive eastern Black Sea coast), see Istanbul/Asian Side.

Travel to Istanbul/Bosphorus

• Buses to this neighborhood depart from Kabataş tram station, Taksim Plaza, and Beşiktaş among others. Most buses hug the waterfront, one especially useful being Bus #25E, from Kabataş to the northern neighborhood of Sarıyer - change buses there for villages on the Black Sea coast.
• Dolmuşes to Beşiktaş run from Taksim and Nişantaşı on European Side, and Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian Side.
• Ferries from Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian Side dock at Beşiktaş quay.

What to see in Istanbul/Bosphorus

Arnavutkoy-SA400006 - Waterfront of Arnavutköy Dolmabahche Palace in Istanbul - Dolmabahçe Palace DolmabacheIstanbul - The gate of Dolmabahçe Palace grounds Turkey-1290 - Rumeli Fortress

• Akaretler Street - Akaretler Caddesi | Akaretler Caddesi, or officially Süleyman Seba Caddesi features upscale garment boutiques, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés housed in renovated late Ottoman-era rowhouses built for the state elite, given their proximity to Dolmabahçe Palace, imperial headquarters then.

• Dolmabahce Palace - Dolmabahçe Sarayı - This lavish Ottoman Palace is close to Taksim at the Dolmabahçe shore. Built on 110,000 m² grounds with 285 rooms and 43 halls where the Islamic Ottoman empire was administered in its last 150 years. Free audio guide for Selamlık and Harem provided in major spoken languages just after the ticket office. Any ticket gives you access to the Crystal Pavilion and the Painting Gallery, and the Clock Museum. Even if you're not interested in the paintings and the Painting Gallery is well worth a visit to see the building interior. No photography is allowed inside the palace. You may be asked to leave your backpack in the cloakroom, and you are not told this before you stand in the line to the ticket office. Allow yourself 2 hours for Selamlık and Harem, 3 or more hours to all of the buildings.

• Maçka Park - Maçka Parkı | This is a park occupying two sides of a valley of this hilly city, with an avenue in between. Sides of the valley are connected to each other by a 4-person gondola lift line offering a shortcut when walking to Istanbul/Galata|Taksim Plaza as well as nice views of Bosphorus (access to northern station from Maçka Caddesi/Eytam Caddesi, every 5 minutes 08:00-20:00, 1.190 TL pp one-way), and by a wooden bridge over the bisecting avenue if you prefer to take a stroll along nice footpaths of the park.

• Ortaköy A neighbourhood on the bank of Bosphorus with the Ortaköy Mosque—the baroque mosque under the Bosphorus Bridge, combination of which are one of the most iconic images of Istanbul. This artsy neighbourhood is filled with nice cafes, some of which offer kumpir—a baked potato with various fillings such as mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, sweetcorn, Sausages slices, carrots, mushrooms, Russian salad among others—which the neighbourhood is well-known for, and a perfect view crowded and fun. The way from Beşiktaş takes around 25 minutes on foot and is along an avenue shaded by huge plane trees, though the usually-heavy traffic may take some of its peacefulness away.

• Arnavutköy The neighbourhood of Arnavutköy (literally "Albanian village", paying homage to its founders in 1500s) features impressive 4-storey wooden mansions which line the waterfront, all bearing significant artwork on their facades. Beware there are two areas called Arnavutköy - the other is the site of the new airport, away northwest of the city.

• Rumeli Citadel - Rumeli Hisarı | Built in first half of 1400s, this is the large medieval castle under the Second Bosphorus Bridge. Its former name Boğazkesen (Turkish)/Laimokopia (Greek) means both "strait-blocker" and "throat-cutter" in both languages and denotes the reason of its building—to shut the supply routes from the Black Sea in the north into the slowly falling apart Byzantine Empire through the Bosphorus. Rumeli, literally "Roman land", was the name of the European half of Ottoman Empire, and as is usual with some other structures and villages along the Bosphorus, used as a prefix to differentiate Rumeli Hisarı from its counterpart in Istanbul/Asian Side|Asian Side and the much smaller Anadolu Hisarı, located just across the Bosphorus.

• Sakip Sabanci Museum - Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi - Museum with a rich collection of calligraphy and paintings. It also hosts temporary exhibitions of works by some world-class artists such as Pablo Picasso from time to time.

• Emirgan Park - Emirgan Korusu | Situated on the gentle hill overlooking the neighbourhood of Emirgan and the Bosphorus, Emirgan Park was for long the only place in the city where Istanbulites can admire the beauty of tulips. Having lost that distinction in the last decade as tulips are now everywhere, this is still a beautiful park with artificial ponds, small waterfalls, and impressive views of Bosphorus. There are also cafes with open-air sections housed in pleasant former imperial hunting manors. Squirrels are there, too, in the middle of this metropolis of more than 15 million people, though you may have to look a bit deeper (or a bit upper on the branches!) to spot them.

• Sadberk Hanım Museum - Sadberk Hanım Müzesi - A private museum housed in a yalı, traditional wooden waterfront mansions that lie along the banks of Bosphorus. Exhibition includes a number of archaeological and ethnographical artifacts from the collection of Koç Family, though just seeing the interior of a yalı is worth entering.

• Belgrad Forest - Belgrad Ormanı | Named after a 16th century village, founded by Serbs deported from Belgrade when it fell to the Islamic Ottomans. The village was popular as a forest resort, but its inhabitants were resettled in the 19th C and it's now a bosky ruin. The forest is mostly primordial and deciduous, predominantly oak. It's dotted with ancient aqueducts and dams as this area was a water catchment for Constantinople / Istanbul, and has lots of walking / jogging / cycling trails and picnic areas. The two main ways in are via Bahçeköy (near the Arboretum entrance) and Kemerburgaz (which has the best aqueducts). There's a small access toll. The forest is supposedly a protected area but is being encroached on by highways and suburbs: this is likely to get worse as the access route to Istanbul's new airport leads right through it.

Istanbul arboretum - Atatürk Arboretum

• Atatürk Arboretum - Atatürk Arboretumu | From Bahçeköy village follow the road lined with very old trees, turn opposite the Faculty of Forestry (Orman Fakültesi) and follow signs for "Kemerburgaz" and "Atatürk Arboretumu" for 10 mins. The arboretum, surrounded by a natural oak forest, is planted with many non-native tree species (turning crimson/golden/purple as winter approaches) and has a pond with feisty ducks. It's an almost mystic place during hazy autumn days, but is always very scenic no matter what the season. There's also a wooden observation tower on one of the hilltops, offering a view of the surrounding forests and the distant Bosphorus. Watch for migratory birds in autumn. No eating, no picnicking, no video photography and no smoking.

• Along the European Black Sea coast, Rumelifeneri and Kilyos or Kumköy are two village resorts, close to the city so they're popular for weekend getaways.

• Yıldız Palace - Yıldız Sarayi | A vast complex of former imperial Ottoman pavilions and villas in Istanbul, Türkiye, built in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was used as a residence by the Sultan and his court in the late 19th century.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Istanbul/Bosphorus

Bosphore - Pont du conquerant - Looking south below the FSM Bridge, towards the downtown — Europe is on the right, and Asia on the left (due to the bend of the Bosphorus, more of the Asian landmass can also be seen ahead)

• Bosphorus Cruise The best way to see the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a boat trip. This is the strategic waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, and dividing Istanbul into two continents. As the boat zigzags between Asia and Europe, you can admire the old Ottoman wooden houses, 6 Ottoman palaces, 2 suspended bridges, and 2 medieval castles.

It is somewhat of a tourist trap. One-way is 116 TL, return 26 TL. The standard price for one hop for local residents is 1.20 TL. On Sundays there are fewer boats. If you are not so lucky/fast to get one of the few deckseats it gets very hot inside, even hotter than in the city.

There are also daily trips from Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old City|Eminönü, by 10:30 in the morning and come back by 16:30 in the evening. It costs 130 TL per trip per person. There is an additional boat at 13:30 in summer.

For travellers that don't want to bother with getting off the boat/taking the bus to take a deeper look into some of the Bosphorus neighbourhoods and there are also boats departing from Ortaköy which allow you to see waterfront from a distance up to the Second Bosphorus Bridge in the north, though they don't allow you to get off at any neighbourhood quay you like (in fact they don't stop anywhere until they get back to Ortaköy).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Istanbul/Bosphorus

• IstinyePark - Beautiful mall with 300 stores, many good restaurants and cafes.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• Yeşil Çiftlik Restaurant - Yeşil Çiftlik Restaurant - Special lamb barbecue, Kebab, country breakfast, Nargile (Waterpipe, Sheesha) available.

• Super Yedigün - Great seafood restaurant at the cost.

• Uzunya - Cozy seafood restaurant at the Black Sea. Very popular for weekend breakfasts.

• Naz Turkish Cuisine - Turkish Halal cousine.

• Park Fora - Great seafood, located in Kuruçeşme park right on the edge of the sea, it has a very nice view of the Bosphorus and Bosphorus Bridge. The waiters know English. Prices range from 50 - 150 YTL per person.

• Divan - At first sight it may seem like a mere patisserie, but walk downstairs and you will find a lovely restaurant with the waters of the Bosporus right next to you. The food is simply first-class and the service is very good, too.

• Ulus 29 - Upscale restaurant with an amazing view over the Bosporus.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Istanbul/Bosphorus

Istanbul/Bosphorus - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Istanbul/Bosphorus, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Istanbul/Bosphorus. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Istanbul/Bosphorus and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Istanbul/Bosphorus. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Istanbul/Bosphorus. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIstanbul/Bosphorus: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Istanbul/Bosphorus.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Istanbul/Bosphorus: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Istanbul/Bosphorus, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Istanbul/Bosphorus.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Istanbul/Bosphorus, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Istanbul/Bosphorus, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Istanbul/Bosphorus and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Istanbul/Bosphorus, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Istanbul/Bosphorus, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Istanbul/Bosphorus without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Istanbul/Bosphorus is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Istanbul/Bosphorus.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Istanbul/Bosphorus is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Istanbul/Bosphorus, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Istanbul/Bosphorus Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Istanbul/Bosphorus

eHalal Group Istanbul/Bosphorus is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Istanbul/Bosphorus. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Istanbul/Bosphorus.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Istanbul/Bosphorus ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Istanbul/Bosphorus. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation close to the Bosphorus is mostly upmarket. eHalal.io has selected the following hotels in https://els.ehalal.io/hotels?destination=Istanbul&locationId=2764&checkIn=2023-08-07&checkOut=2023-08-11&children=&adults=2&&with_request=true#f%5Bproperty_types%5D%3D4 Istanbul at the Bosphorus.

• alal.io//2023-08-07&checkOut=2023-08-11&2764&&%C3%87%C4%B1ra%C4%9Fan+Palace+Kempinski+Istanbul&hotelId=15526&&.Zz9a62f981f7df41aa8243f01-206204 Ciragan Palace Kempinski - This hotel is in a residence of the last Sultan. Rooms come with air-con, TV, Minibar with alcohol removed and safety deposit box. Hotel has several restaurants and lounges, pools, jacuzzi, Turkish baths, gym and other amenities.

• alal.io//2023-08-07&checkOut=2023-08-11&2764&&The+Ritz-Carlton%2C+Istanbul+at+the+Bosphorus&hotelId=341582&&.Zz50d7e9cbc9804787b33cb2a-206204 Ritz-Carlton - Standing tall near the Bosphorus, this 5-star hotel overlooks the Bosphorus and Dolmabahce Palace.

• alal.io//2023-08-07&checkOut=2023-08-11&2764&&W+Istanbul&hotelId=19252&&.Zzb365a5f1f6e344098e28ae3-206204 West Istanbul - Part of Starwood chain. WiFi, Fitness center and business center onsite as well as a fine dining restaurant.

• alal.io//2023-08-07&checkOut=2023-08-11&2764&&Swissotel+The+Bosphorus+Istanbul&hotelId=9795&&.Zz5c24e7cbb6a740f8b5cebd1-206204 Swissôtel The Bosphorus | A 5-star hotel near Taksim Plaza with four restaurants.

Telecommunications in Istanbul/Bosphorus

A number of standard internet cafés (i.e. which offer broadband connection, printer, and CD burner, and most likely a meager selection of canned soft drinks) can be found on the side alleys—especially on those to your left when Beşiktaş is behind you—of Barbaros Bulvarı and the large avenue going uphill from main square of Beşiktaş.

Stay Safe

There are not many safety issues in this part of the city really, at least not as much as you'd expect from a city of this size.

There are some issues to keep in mind, though:

• Some parts of pedestrian promenade at the Bosphorus side of the street in the upper (northern) sections of the neighborhood, especially between Yeniköy and Tarabya, and Tarabya and Kireçburnu, are very narrow (so narrow as not to let two pedestrians comfortably walk side by side), so watch your steps if you decide to take a stroll around there.
• While you will see some people (mostly poor children, who cannot afford to swim in swimming pools) swimming in the strait, it is discouraged and is challenging due to strong currents and depth. (There are red colored warning signs in Turkish dotting the shores of the Bosphorus, warning swimmers that swimming is challenging due to strong currents, even though there is no ban). Nor are there any real beaches, facilities and designated swimming areas on the Bosphorus for swimmers as a result. There is indeed a cape named Akıntıburnu (literally, "cape of current") just east of the neighborhood of Arnavutköy, in which the current is at its strongest, and is easily visible even from outside, just like the flow of a river. Besides and the water is not that clean either, however blue it may look. So, if you can't wait for hitting a Mediterranean Turkey|Mediterranean beach, better head for beaches on the Marmara coast, outside Istanbul instead.
• You may want to steer clear of the dimly illuminated parks on the upper/northern sections of Bosphorus, especially around Kireçburnu, late at night to avoid harassment from homeless people likely abusing inhalants, who are known to stab people for whatever amount of money they can get, no matter how little. Day hours and evenings are perfectly safe, though.

Travel Next

Thanks to fairly frequent bus and shuttle van services from Sarıyer, some easy daytrips into the pleasant countryside along the northern edges of city is feasible.

• Istanbul Province#See|Atatürk Arboretum — close to the village of Bahçeköy to west (served by buses from elsewhere in the city as well as Sarıyer), this "living tree museum" goes breathtakingly beautiful amidst autumn mists, but with its ponds and views over the Bosphorus, is also highly scenic at other seasons, too
• Istanbul#Go next|Anadolu Kavağı — take a ferry from Sarıyer to this pleasant village across the strait on the Asian coast, crowned by the Yoros Castle on the hilltop, which offers a view of the wide open Black Sea in the north

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