Kadikoy is all about marinas and yacht clubs, all with the Sea of Marmara as the backdrop. Kadikoy Kilisesi used to be where Chalcedon stood, when the Greeks first migrated from Megara. The story goes that Chalcedon was called the “city of the blind”. They earned this name because people could not believe that they failed to see the potential of Istanbul as a settlement.
Today, Kadikoy is a bustling shopping area, with a lot of opportunities to explore the alleyways in search of architectural gems, as well as the next bargain. After all, Kadikoy is the place to be when you want fresh produce and natural-based products (try the olive oil soap!). There is a street market every Tuesday. Yes, go on a shopping trip.
Rummage across the second hand stores for books and CDs. There is also a wealth of craft shops, shirts and socks. Really, there is a lot of local color to be seen and experienced at the streets of Kadikoy. If you want something more international in nature, try the Carrefour store
just behind the Kadikoy Centrum. It’s a French supermarket chain.
Now, after your arms are all laden with your latest purchases, hop on the ferry that crosses the Bosphorus Strait – that’s 40 minutes of sightseeing of the famed shores and all it has to offer. A number of these ferries make a stop at the Haydarpasa Station. This terminal is where most domestic, regional and international trains pass by. It also services trains that go to and from Anatolia. Another option for you would be to make the rounds to the religious institutions in the district. After all, Kadikoy is home to three religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. That’s why, there are so many institutions there – cathedrals, synagogues and mosques abound.
And, to cap your day, drop by the many bars that line its streets. Most bars serve up live music along with drinks. Take your pick – jazz, country, rock music play regularly at the bars, such as the Osman Aga Mosque and the Hemdat Israel Synagogue.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you can visit the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium and the Caferaga Sports Hall. The popular Turkish football team, Fenerbahce SK, makes their home at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Here are additional descriptions of the important tourist sights:
Sureyya Opera House Built in the 1920s, Sureyya Ilmen Pasha wanted it to be cultural and social center. However, because the building was not fully equipped with all the necessary equipment needed, it was used as a movie house. Just recently (2007), it was redeveloped and installed with everything needed for it to finally open as an opera house. The new face of the opera sported paintings and murals on the walls and the ceiling. Sculptures will greet you at the entrance of the building. There is an orchestra pit, as well as 14 dressing rooms. The opera house can seat 570 and has regular performances of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.
Hemdat Israel Synagogue (Yeldegirmeni Izzettin S.61) This is, by far, Istanbul’s most striking synagogue. The interesting history behind this synagogue is that Sultan Abdulhamit II helped ensure its completion, that is why the synagogue is named Hemdat, meaning, “the compassionate one”. The interiors feature crystal chandeliers, as well as a lovely arabesque painting.