On the Asian Side, Uskudar affords gorgeous views of the city’s other side, as well as the Bosphorus Strait. Uskudar is all about great shopping, dining by the bay and sightseeing – mosques are a predominant fixture in this district. And after your sightseeing experience, you can head down to the Uskudar Fish Market – fish, spices and the different tastes of Turkey are sold at the stalls. We recommend that you try the fish sandwich (balik ekmek), which we can describe using two words – hmmmm… good!
Uskudar was called Hrisopolis – the Golden City, a name that this district earned quite well. The sunset’s glow spreads across the district, imbibing it with a golden hue. The sad thing is that some of the monuments here were destroyed, owing to the vulnerability of its location.
Uskudar also is a premiere center for culture in Istanbul. It has not just two museums, a number of cultural and training centers, as well as 12 libraries. Uskudar is also home to some of Istanbul’s enduring and popular landmarks.
Here are some of the sights to look for in Uskudar:
Leander’s Tower (Maiden’s Tower) This is not actually in Uskudar, but on a small island just near the district. The Tower is a popular landmark, and stood as part of the city’s defense and to provide guiding light to the boats that pass by. This tower is named either after the star-crossed lovers (Leander and Hero) or after another unlucky maiden – a princess who died from a snake bite. Today, it provides a relaxing respite to weary travelers. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and eat at the tower’s restaurant and café. There are times when you can catch a concert at the tower.
Mihrimah Sultan Camii (Ferry Landing) This mosque complex is dedicated to the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent – Mihrimah Sultan. The magnificent mosque was a creation of the empire’s Chief Architect, Sinan. This complex includes, aside from the mosque, a madrassa, a hospital, two minarets and a tomb. The tomb holds two of the princess’ sons, as well as the Grand Vizier Pasha. One thing you can look for would be the elaborate inlay decorations, as well as marble ornaments (such as the niche and the pulpit). There is also the Ahmet II Fountain, which features a Baroque design and a poem by Sultan Ahmet III, which he wrote for his mother.
Yeni Valide Camii (Iskele Road) This is another mosque that was made in honor of a woman, the mother of Ahmet III – Gulnus Emetulah Sultan. The architect Hezarfen Mehmet Efendi built this and included two minarets, two balconies and 4 half domes, along with some calligraphic work at its interior.
Cinili Camii (Tiled Mosque) Blue Iznik tiles provide the charm and attraction to this mosque. It is appropriate that this building now is home to the Museum of Turkish Ceramics. Aside from Iznik tiles, you will see pottery and art works not just from the Ottoman era, but from the Seljuk times as well.
Florence Nightingale Museum/Selimiye Barracks (Selimiye Kislasi Haydarpasa) Dedicated to Florence Nightingale, the nurse who provided comfort and medical aid to the soldiers during the Crimean wars.