European Side Of Istanbul:Population, neighborhood structure, tourist attractions
Is Taksim in the European side of Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the remarkable cities that I have always dreamed of visiting. The main reason for this is the unique structure of this beautiful and historical city. Istanbul can be considered one of the unique cities in the world that has two completely different geographical locations.
The water canal between the two parts of Istanbul is one of the most beautiful attractions of this city, which I was delighted to see for the first time. This canal is located along the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and is considered a natural factor separating both parts of this city.
Finally, I decided to stay on the European side of Istanbul for my first trip to this city. In the following article from Travelling Topic, I will try to share some of my personal experiences from traveling to the European side of Istanbul with you. Having a mental prerequisite of the local facilities of this city can make your travel experience sweet and memorable.
The important point about Istanbul is that the concentration of population and tourist and economic areas of this city is concentrated in the European side of Istanbul. As a result, if you, like me, plan to travel to Istanbul, be sure to choose the European part of this city for your stay.
The notable features of the European part of this city
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One of the most important points that caught my attention during my trip to the European part of Istanbul is the major differences between the culture and civil structure of different parts of this city. In fact, it is better to familiarize yourself with these differences before your trip.
The European part of this city consists of about 25 neighborhoods that have a relatively dense structure. As a result, about two-thirds of the population of Istanbul is concentrated in the European part of this city. Finally, it can be said that when you walk in these neighborhoods, you will undoubtedly witness the vibrancy and constant movement of the residents of these European neighborhoods.
The economy of Istanbul is concentrated in this part, and this has caused the European part to become one of the tourist attractions of Istanbul.
Nightlife in the European part of Istanbul
I always like to travel to cities that are as lively and dynamic at night as the day. Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in this field. In this city, you can witness the presence of people in clubs, restaurants, and even shops throughout the city during the night.
In the European part of this city, I got acquainted with shopping centers that served customers all day and night. Besiktas, Ortakoy, Beyoglu, and Nishantashi are only some of the active areas in this beautiful and dreamy city that can meet your needs easily and at any hour of the day.
What is the urban structure of the European part of this city?
Another important point that I encountered during my trip to European Istanbul was the number of cities and towns in this city. Mainly, European Istanbul consists of about 25 cities. Fatih, Gazi Osman Pasha, Cocuk Çekmece, and Avcilar are just a few of the European parts of Istanbul.
By traveling to any of Istanbul’s parts, tourists can get to know the lives of the local people of these cities, as well as historical monuments left over from history.
How is the atmosphere in this part of Istanbul?
When I entered the European part of Istanbul, I realized that the atmosphere of this part of the city is very touristic and is designed based on the needs of travelers. In a way that tourists can easily access restaurants, hotels, and various entertainment places in every part of this city.
Of course, this issue has caused the city’s fabric to benefit less from natural beauty. Finally, the residents of the city considered the changes made in the virgin nature of European Istanbul to be limited to the period of the last century.
They believed that European Istanbul had very beautiful gardens and parks before the economic changes in the city. I wish nature would be preserved in this city like historical monuments and would be gifted to future generations as a valuable heritage.
Historical monuments of the European side of Istanbul
When I planned to go to the historical parts of Istanbul, I was introduced to the extraordinary works of this city, such as the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Galata Tower, and Topkapi Sarayi.
Undoubtedly, the historical monuments and the traditional texture of the city can make every tourist’s gaze disappear for hours on the glory left by history in this city. So remember that a trip to European Istanbul can be a memorable experience for you.
Below you can see a list of historical places in this city on the European side:
| Type | Place Name | Short Description |
|---|
| Historical | Hagia Sophia Mosque | One of the world’s most famous buildings, originally a church, later a mosque, and now a museum. |
| Historical | Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) | A stunning Ottoman mosque known for its blue tiles and magnificent architecture. |
| Historical | Topkapi Palace | The main residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring a museum with royal jewels and artifacts. |
| Historical | Galata Tower | A historic tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul. |
| Historical | Dolmabahçe Palace | A luxurious palace, the last residence of the Ottoman sultans. |
| Recreational | Taksim Square & Istiklal Street | A vibrant area with shops, cafes, and restaurants. |
| Recreational | Bosphorus Strait | A scenic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, perfect for boat tours. |
| Recreational | Galata Bridge | A famous bridge with seafood restaurants and a beautiful view. |
| Recreational | Emirgan Park | One of Istanbul’s most beautiful parks, especially famous for tulips in spring. |
| Recreational | Istanbul Aquarium | One of the largest aquariums in the world, home to diverse marine species. |
