Old Historical Houses of Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that is constantly growing, with new, contemporary structures. Furthermore, the tissue remains intact. It is a city that simultaneously accommodates the new and the old, as well as the neighbourhoods where the historical homes are located. The old Istanbul's highlights, with its distinctive historical houses, are;

Balat

Balat is a blend of mosques, synagogues, and churches. Balat is situated adjacent to the ancient peninsula. Balat is an ancient Jewish community. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, it is a highly frequented location due to its vibrant, uniquely refurbished homes. There are streets designated for unique photo ops. In particular, Stairs Hill is the neighborhood's most visited location. Among the first places that spring to mind are the balat houses, which are wooden houses with the distinctive architectural structure, two-winged doors, and vibrant colours of old Istanbul.

Kuzguncuk

One of Uskudar's districts is Kuzguncuk. It has welcomed guests like Balat who are of various nationalities and faiths. The location is multicultural. This is a quaint neighbourhood that has also served as the backdrop for Turkish films and television shows. There are old Istanbul homes that show signs of the Ottoman era in the 19th century. This area draws tourists because of its architecture, views of the Bosphorus, and welcoming atmosphere. A few of the old buildings are now cafes and bookshops.

Yel değirmeni (which means Windmill)

Yeldeğirmeni is ten minutes on foot from the ferry piers and Kadıkoy Rıhtım street. Yeldeğirmeni is a quiet neighbourhood in Kadıkoy with old Istanbul houses that preserve the neighborhood's culture. Yeldeğirmeni got its name from the mills constructed during 1 Abdulhamit's reign to fulfil the demand for flour. German architects first came to the area in the early 1900s to build the Haydarpasa train station, and their buildings have since gained popularity. Currently home to art workshops and cafes, Yeldeğirmeni is one of Istanbul's oldest settlements and is regarded as the city's first apartment district. Notable examples of old Istanbul houses are the historical residences on Ayrılıkçeşmesi Street and the Valpreda Italian Apartment.

Galata

Galata served as a commercial hub for the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. It remains a centre of culture even now, with influences from many different countries. Since the middle of the 19th century, Galata's commercial centre has drawn a concentration of people, leading to the widespread construction of high-rise structures. Galata is home to a greater number of Western-style homes created by international architects. The Dogan Apartments, which were constructed in the late 1800s in the Italian architectural style, are among the most well-known apartments. Numerous celebrities and artists have called this flat home, and it is still in high demand today.

The Sogukcesme Street in Sultanahmet

The historical Sogukcesme street, which is now closed to traffic, runs between the Hagia Sophia Museum and Topkapı Palace. Soğukçeşme houses are lined up on one side and their backs face the walls of Topkapı Palace. with a view of Hagia Sophia. In the 1980s, colourful, two- or three-story wooden historic homes were restored. Its historic texture has been preserved because it is a pedestrian street.

Fatih - Samatya

One of the earliest communities where Turkish, Armenian, Greek, and Jewish people coexisted was Samatya. There are still standing wooden mansions and houses. It carries the remnants of Old Istanbul into the modern era. In particular, Samatya Square and the area around it are the neighborhood's most visited spots. This area, known for its meat and fish restaurants and taverns, has been the setting for numerous television shows and movies.

Yenikoy - Sarıyer 

Yenikoy, a unique neighbourhood in Istanbul with its mansions and old houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, was constructed by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and was home to wealthy non-Muslims. An exclusive community of mansions still exists in Yenikoy on the Bosphorus shore. Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, one of Yenikoy's most well-known mansions, is still used for weddings and invitations.

Cengelkoy 

It is situated in Üsküdar on the Bosphorus's edge. One location where the Ottoman Sultans went hunting during their reign is Cengelkoy, which grew during the Tulip Era. In addition, it has served as statesmen's residence. It is known that the Armenians made extensive settlements and constructed mansions on the coast of Cengelkoy towards the end of the 18th century. Turkish immigrants settled in Armenia after the 19th century, when the population of Armenians declined.