Istanbul's Urban Worth: Kuzguncuk

On Istanbul's Asian side, Kuzguncuk is situated in the Üsküdar district. Situated within a valley that opens up to the Bosphorus. This little village, which remains in the centre of the city and promises the neighborhood's peace and culture, is the most exquisite example of our day. You can follow the coastline from Nakkastepe to this lovely district.

History of Kuzguncuk

The first Jewish community in Istanbul on the Asian continent was called Kuzguncuk. Although the exact date of Jewish settlement is unknown, there are rumours that this area was known as a Jewish village in the 17th century. Jews used to regard it as the final destination before arriving in the holy land. This is the known burial place for those who are unable to reach the promised land.

In Kuzguncuk, Muslims, Jews, Armenians, Turks, and Greeks have coexisted for centuries. Mosques, churches, and synagogues rise side by side along the Bosphorus shore. The sounds of bells, the call to prayer, and the hazan are all mixed together in this neighbourhood. In Kuzguncuk, these adjacent holy sites are revered as a representation of harmony and acceptance. The most tangible illustration in the community that spreads the word to the entire world about religious harmony is the absence of a mosque in the church's garden, which used to be a requirement in order to obtain permission to build new mosques.

Kuzguncuk was formerly known as Hrisokeramos, or Golden Tile. This name is allegedly derived from a church that Iustinos II constructed in the 570s and had a gold-tiled roof. Another rumour has it that he was once known as Kosinitz, but that name was later corrupted and changed to Kuzguncuk. Another theory attributes its name to a governor known as the "Kuzgun Father" who established here under Mehmed II's rule.

One of Istanbul's most unexplored and enigmatic areas is Kuzguncuk, which has streets filled with centuries-old sycamore trees and the aroma of honeysuckle flowers. You can take in the atmosphere of old Istanbul as you stroll around these streets.

Kuzguncuk's beauty

Kuzguncuk is a charming little neighbourhood that gracefully drops from the Uskudar hills to the beach while maintaining its unspoiled beauty. This serene, quiet, and serene area is also easily accessible, which intrigues tourists. You can find nearly all of Istanbul's mysteries in one particular neighbourhood.

Kuzguncuk manages to hold onto all the charm of the past while Istanbul's urban value is like a little paradise where the colours blue and green come together in the most exquisite way. Winter's magnificent landscapes and summer's lovely flower scents provide visitors with enjoyable moments. This place still exudes the cosmopolitanism and tolerance of Istanbul in the 1800s.

There aren't many wooden houses in Nakkastepe that withstand the test of time as you stroll down one of the streets. Following these homes are the gardens and tree-lined, winding streets that are entirely natural and were not created by humans. Surrounding the one-story houses are fruit trees, flower trees, and grasses with an array of green hues. Some gardens are home to cats and their young. Here in the gardens where the great plane trees shade the neighbourhood, one can see children picking fruit from the trees and elderly couples sipping tea. Turkey's urban worth Kuzguncuk is towards the bay's shoreline, where tiny wooden mansions with colourful paint jobs and houses painted in shades of stone can be found. There are two three-story buildings with six masonry stories and flower-decorated wooden roofs. There are little cafeterias in front of these houses where people read newspapers, play backgammon, and converse while the elderly drink hot tea from exquisite tea cups.

The houses along the shore greet you as you cross Paşalimanı Street to reach the coastal area. Situated in a small square surrounded by verdant trees and nearly touching the sea, Cınaraltı is a house between houses. Everyone in the neighbourhood is enthralled by the aroma of hot bagels and crimson tea, which is drained from the old oven near the square.

The neighborhood's perception as a collection of artisan shops, grocery stores, and supermarkets that genuinely greet visitors with their small, vibrant showcases is one of its most lovely features. In Kuzguncuk, amiable locals can be seen conversing while sitting in front of these tiny stores. The neighbourhood also contains residences or other locations that are frequented by Turkish celebrities.

Turkey's urban worth In the past, Kuzguncuk had only one physician who provided medical care to patients. Dr. Ohannes Minasyan leaves his mark even though he passed away a long time ago. In this neighbourhood that honours the remnants of Old Istanbul, syringes, medicine boxes, and other medical supplies used in treatments are still visible in the window of a pharmacy on Icadiye Street.