Ortakoy
Ortakoy is one of the well-known and most visited quartiers of Istanbul. There are a few factors that make it unique. It’s been home to three monotheistic religions peacefully over the years. Another thing that makes it unique and special is its magnificent location near the Bosphorus. We have a lot to discover about it. Then let’s start 😉
Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul with its beachfront location. It was built between 1853-1855 by Balyan Family who had built many masterpieces in the city. It is also one of the great examples of the Baroque Style. Its walls were made of white dimension stone. It has two beautiful, elegant minarets with one minaret balcony. Whatever you do in Ortakoy, you must visit it.
Esma Sultan Mansion
Esma Sultan Mansion is one of the most famous buildings of the Bosphorus. It was made for Esma Sultan who was the daughter of Sultan Mahmut I. She married Çerkez Mehmet Pasha at her sixteen. This mansion was given to her as her wedding present. The building was left inactive for a long time after a fire in 1975. After the beginning of the 2000s, it was restored. At present, it is home to special events like weddings, engagement ceremonies, presentations and parties.
Ayios Fokas Greek Orthodox Church
Ortakoy’s been home to three monotheistic religions all over history. Today, it is still possible to see that religions live in peace with great harmony. Ayios Fokas Church was built-in 1719 by the edict of Sultan Ahmet III. It was damaged during a fire in 1853 and was restored by the edict of Sultan Abdülmecid. The church was dedicated to Saint Fokas who was born in Sinop and sacrificed his life to promulgate Christianity.
Etz Ahayim Synagogue
Etz Ahayim Synagogue is one of the important religious buildings of Ortakoy. Its construction date is not known properly. It is thought to may have been built in the 14-15th centuries. Its name means the tree of life. It was damaged in a fire in the 1940s. And then, it was restored and opened to worship.
Baked Potato Shops
Eating baked potato in Ortakoy is a must 🙂 Whenever I come here, I prefer to eat it. I generally prefer a mixed one with black-green olive, corn, hotdog, Russian salad, bulghur salad and yellow cheese. It is really delicious. I reckon you should try it 😉
Well, I tried to represent one of the most beautiful quartiers of Istanbul in brief. Our Istanbul discoveries will continue;) You can also follow me on Instagram and Youtube, where I share the countries and cities I’ve ever visited with the special places and interesting details, with the user name ”newloggers”See you 🙂 Stay Safe 🙂
This article which I wrote about another wonderful quartier of Istanbul, Balat, could catch your attention too. https://newloggers.com/2020/05/25/fener-balat-the-quartiers-of-colourful-houses/
