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,
I visited Ortakoy on a Sunday morning. It was quiet and the little outdoor shops were starting to open up with a large assortment of items for sale made by local artists. You could find handcrafted jewelry, small paintings of Istanbul and also crocheted items made by local women. I also found a man who sold small tiny handmade Turkish…
This place is located just near the Bosphorus bridge. Several restaurants, gift shops and also a ferry stop which will offer you a nice Bosphorus tour.
My Advise:
Go to Ortakoy, buy Kumpir (a local food, potato with some additions), take the Bosphorus tour (about 1.5 hour, 10 TL) and have fun.
Picturesque and more like a sea coast but still part of busy istanbul, this feels like away-trip to a little village. Lots do jewelry vendors (not much of quality though) but an abundance of cafes to choose from. One hi light of our whole trip was a stop for a stuffed potato, a gore me filled with potatoes and cheese…
Ortakoy is my favorite place in Istanbul, besides Rumeli Hisari. Maybe it's because they're both homes to two Bosphorus bridges which are my favorite Istanbul sights. 🙂
Especially the First one. So stroll up to Ortakoy passing Besiktas FC stadium and Dolmabahce palace, sit in one on those cafes near Buyuk Mecidiye mosque and enyjoy your view on Bosphorus bridge…
and plenty of resturants for 'Kumpir', jacket potatto turkish style.good views of bosphorous and a lovely mosque.
Good for idling a bit before taking the sightseeing boat on the Bosphorus. The House Cafe is definitely recommended.
its a very nice and relaxing area to have good food enjoy the Marmara and the bridge view from taksim square you can take bus and walk short time the rest
You cannot leave Ortaköy without triying the waffles in there…. mmmm and of course enjoy the view!
A fund dinner or lunch are the stuffed baked potatoes the larges potatoes I have ever seen!! Nice tea cafes as well, A little too much tourist and kitch stands and stores but nice to meander around
Ortakoy is very, very small, but it is worth stopping there if you have a chance. There are lots of shops, but most people go to eat out, have a drink, or just to admire the Bosphorus brigde, which is lit up in different colors at night. Outside the restaurants selling mostly kumpir (baked potatoes stuffed with your choice of…