Ortaköy a neighbourhood, formerly a small village, within the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, located in the middle of the European bank of the Bosphorus.
Ortaköy was a cosmopolitan area during the Ottoman era and the first decades of the Turkish Republic, with communities of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Today the neighbourhood still hosts many different religious (Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, and other Christian) structures. It is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The Neo-Baroque style Ortaköy Mosque is a beautifully ornate structure, right on the jetty of Ortaköy, bordering the waters of the Bosphorus, and thus highly visible from the passing boats.
Ortaköy was the site of George W. Bush’s speech during the NATO Summit of 2004, which he delivered at Galatasaray University.
Ortakoy district used to be a romantic fishing village. Today it is an affluent waterfront neighborhood located in the middle of Bosphorus’ European bank.
Ortaköy with many art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants the district is hugely popular on weekends both among locals and tourists, one of the oldest buildings of Ortaköy is the nearly 500-year old Turkish bath. It was built by Ottoman star architect Mimar Sinan in 1556.
The Ortaköy Mosque is a beautifully ornamented Neo-Baroque style mosque. It was built in the 18th c, but only received its current ornate look in the middle of 19th c. Çırağan Palace was built in 1871 by Sultan Abdülaziz as his residence. Until a fire severely damaged the building in 1910 the palace served as the Ottoman Parliament. Today it is one of Istanbul’s most luxurious hotels.
Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.
Ortaköy is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants and at night, the lights on the mighty Bosphorus Bridge change color, graceful without being kitsch.
Ortakoy, Istanbul,
Great place to visit just to chill. Good crepes/waffles/kumpir. Interesting stuff at the flea market, some of it not available elsewhere but the sellers weren't too interested in bargaining and making a good sale.
We went here hoping to see the beautiful Ortakoy mosque. Unfortunately, the entire mosque is covered in scaffolding and other materials. We weren't able to see the mosque at all. Apparently some restoration work is underway. I was dissappointed not able to see and take photos of the mosque. But all is not lost, ortakoy is still a nice place…
This is the area situated on the European side, just under the Bosphorus bridge. It hosts an iconic mosque, a Jewish temple and a Christian church, as well as a nice area with shops and restaurants. Worth a visit if you have time for something of the beaten track.
We took the ferry from the Galata Bridge to Ortakoy (3 stops, 1.75 TL on an Istanbul Card, a fantastic deal). Ortakoy is just underneath the Bosphorus Bridge, so affords a great view of this majestic span. Unfortunately, the mosque was under renovation and was completely covered over by construction, so we could not see what it looks like from…
just go there and find a resturant near the bridge get a table near the sea and set and sail away with the one you love or with your dreams .
This beautiful tiny neigbourhood is quite easy to reach, once you go to the very end of the tram line 1 (Kabatas) on your right there will be some bus stops, just stand there and look for a bus that says Ortakoy on the side by the entrance door. Get in and you will be there in around 10 mins,…
I liked the restaurants cafe. Handmade gifts…..Bosphros sight seeing, Bosporus tour by ships it took 11/4 and attractive
I went early morning and it is already crowded with people. Not much things to do/see here but the place is beautiful, maybe 3-4 hours is enough? I had an hour but it wasn't enough. Go and eat the famous Kumpir (stuffed baked potato) and buy some antique handmade jewelry- you cannot find the same one they sell over here…
Ahhh the view of the bridge that connects the two istanbuls over the sea is excellent. The stroll is super there and the people are very nice. I don't east kumpir or waffle anywhere else coz they are the kings of those two. Go in the after noon where u haven't had lunch yet and eat a big kumpir and…
Apart from the Bosphorus Bridge that lies upon your head, and the baroque style Mosque, its an experience to buy small things in the open market and taste kumbir (a potatoe where you can choose a huge variety of sauces and vegetables and everything you can imagine to put in).