Asian Side of Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

May 18 1267 read

Asian Side of Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most loved cities in Turkey. It is a city that has been subject to poems, movies, books… The city charms its visitors with its natural beauty, palaces, cottages, museums, parks, gardens, monuments, culture, and more. Istanbul is a unique city in being a bridge between Asian and European continents. You will definitely fall in love with the Bosphorus view! Besides being the most popular city in Turkey, Istanbul is one of the biggest cities in Turkey and the world with its 15 million population in terms of art, culture, and economy.

Istanbul has heavenly places that should be visited both on the Asian side and the European side. It draws great attention especially with the historical and natural beauties that are on the Asian side of the city. The Asian side also becomes prominent in terms of millions of tourists that it hosts every year. Let’s explore the Asian side of this fascinating city together!

The Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower -also called Tower of Leandros- is one of the essential places of the Bosphorus view undoubtedly. The tower, which was built on a small island at Salacak offshore, has been a subject to many legends. The most famous of these legends is the Legend of Leandros, the story of lovers, Leandros and Hero who challenges the sea between them. Wanna hear their tragic ending? Come with me!

On a stormy night, when the lights of the tower on, Leandros thinks that his beloved, Hero, summons him and jumps into the merciless sea. Yet this time it is not his lover, it is someone else who finds out their secret love, the lights of the tower are turned off. Leandros drowns, Hero cannot move on with this intense pain, and she jumps out of the tower, kills herself to meet her beloved again. At the end of the legend, a lighthouse was replaced with the tower for the sake of these unfortunate lovers. The Maiden’s Tower has been used for a variety of purposes such as back zone, exile station, prison, radio station throughout history. Being the symbol of Uskudar, the castle went public as a restaurant in the year 2000.

There are 2 ways to go to The Maiden’s Tower. You can arrive at the tower via boat which sets off from Uskudar and Kabatas.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful historical tower! The visiting hours are 09.00-19.00. The tower is opened for its visitors both as a museum and a restaurant all year long. For a romantic dinner in the middle of the Bosphorus, the tower serves you in the evening!

Polonezkoy Natural Park

Explore the natural beauty of Istanbul with Polonezkoy Natural Park! It locates on Beykoz. The park assumes the title of the biggest park in Istanbul. Especially in the early hours of the morning, you should go out for a walk, and save yourself the best place! You can also go jogging, cycle, trekking, and have a wonderful picnic! The visiting hours are 08.00-20.00.

Istanbul Toy Museum

Istanbul Toy Museum is one of the best museums in Istanbul. The museum was established by the famous poet, Sunay akın in 2005. In a historical mansion, there are tricentenary toys that are exhibited. Sunay Akın, having visited more than 40 countries in 20 years, bought toys from antique shops and auctions.

Except for Monday, the museum is open for its visitors all week, between 09.30 and 18.00.

Bagdat Street

Bagdat Street is one of the most touristic streets in Istanbul. Bagdat Street can be referred to as an outdoor shopping mall. You can find everything you need there!

With its beautiful restaurants, cafes, and theme bars, a must-visit place on the Asian side of Istanbul! Every year, companies organize big events throughout the fashion week that generally takes place in autumn. Many celebrities also rush into Bagdat Street at the time of this fashion week.

Hope to see you soon in Istanbul!

Explore the must-visit places on the Asian side of Istanbul!