Beyoglu (or Pera, as it is known during the Middle Ages) spans the areas from Taksim Square, down to Karakoy and on to the north bank of the Golden Horn. Beyoglu is more popular for its synagogues, the posh shops and boutiques, art galleries, not to mention the nightlife! If you want to get to know the wild side of Istanbul, this is where the party’s happening!
Located at the European side, it’s right across the Historic Peninsula, just separated by the Golden Horn. The Galata Bridge provides a link between the old city and this district. Beyoglu includes the areas of Sishane, Dolapdere, Cihangir, Karakoy, Galata, Kasimpasa, Terlabasi and Tepebasi. During Turkey’s turbulent times, Beyoglu fell into disrepair. But in the early 1990s, a huge effort was made to bring back the past glory of the district. And this effort was largely successful, especially in the main shopping areas, such as the Istiklal Avenue. However, you should note that some places still retain their grubby atmosphere. This includes the district’s side streets and low lying areas – Karakoy, Tophane and Kasimpasa, to be specific.
That said, Beyoglu is still an area of interest. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany and Denmark have their consulates here. It is a virtual melting pot of cultures, as people from different parts of the world have called this home and have left their own mark. The overall cosmopolitan atmosphere permeates the air – something you will feel as you browse and explore the bookshops, restaurants, cafes, theaters, art galleries and pubs.
Here are some sights and sounds you should look into when in Beyoglu:
Istiklal Avenue The three kilometers that span this avenue is lined with music shops, boutiques, as well as a wealth of other entertainment options. What gives this avenue more character is the fact that it boasts a number of buildings with 19th century Turkish architecture and sights. There is the Fish Market (Balik Pazari), as well as the consulates neighboring European countries. Another interesting building is the Odakule, which is an example of structural expressionism – the first in the country.
Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji) This elaborate passageway is lined with eateries. Stop and sit to savor the kebaps, mezes, sumptuous seafood and raki offered here. A food trip you will remember for a long, long time!
Galatasaray Square In the middle of Istiklal Avenue, you can find this square, as well as the Galatasaray Lisesi (one of the city’s most popular and influential schools).
Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Tophane District) Housed at what used to be a warehouse, it features masterpieces by local and foreign artists. Opening Hours – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays.
Pera Museum (Mesrutiyet Caddesi No. 141, 34443 Tepebasi) This art museum is five floors worth of art. There are collections of pottery, Anatolian measuring tools, colored tiles, art work by Ottoman, European and Turkish artists, as well as paintings belonging to the collections of the Gonus and Kirac families. Opens on Sundays from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Avrupa Bazaar (near the Fish Market) A great chance to browse and buy some souvenirs, jewelry and small antiques.
Other areas of interest include the Dogancay Museum, Museum of Divine Literature (Galata Mevlevihane), Jewish Museum of Turkey and Hotel Pera Palace (the hotel where Agatha Christie holed up into to write the novel Murder on the Orient Express. You should also take a look at the Neve Shalom Synagogue, the San Antonio di Padova Church (check out the graceful arches!) and the Whirling Dervish hall.