Bosphorus Villages You Can Visit in Istanbul

Due to its history and geographical location, Istanbul is recognized as a unique metropolis. No other metropolis in the world straddles two continents, separated by a water, like Istanbul. The Bosphorus doesn't just separate Europe from Asia, it's also a body of water. It is considered a notable area because it connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, and is where the two waters meet and complement each other.

The Bosphorus has played an important role throughout history as an important passageway for human movements from east to west. There are a large number of small communities that have developed along the coast. While many cities in Istanbul bear the names of villages, over time these villages have grown into large settlements.

Where Should You Go in Istanbul?

You can feel overwhelmed by the constant rush of life in a city like Istanbul, where millions of people live between traffic jams, work stress and the constant pressure to get things done. If you want to go to a quiet place to rest for a day or two in this busy environment, we have rounded up the coastal villages near Istanbul for you.

History of Bosphorus Settlements

Since the Byzantines were always under attack and siege, especially in the later centuries of their history, there were not many communities outside the city walls. It is well known that, apart from the ruins of some churches, holy springs and monasteries, the Byzantine era left no traces of human habitation.

On the other hand, the Bosphorus was settled during the Ottoman period. By then, settlements had been established, living off farming or fishing. Throughout history, it is clear that communities began to grow to meet various needs, especially in the form of summer homes.

In the 17th century, when Istanbul was crowded with people from Anatolia, those skilled in international trade who earned meager income were drawn to the villages of Eyüp and Bogazici, located on the outskirts of the city. In the 18th century, the last century of the Ottoman Empire, the Bosphorus became the area where people from the most diverse groups lived and settled. During this time, new communities such as Kilyos, Anatolian Lighthouse, Rumeli Lighthouse, Rumeli Kava, and Garipce are being developed. Below are the settlements on the Bosphorus that have existed for as long as we can see today.

Kilyos Village

The resort is a small fishing village known for its location on the Sarıyer Black Sea coast. Away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, it is a popular destination for weekend trips and relaxing in the water and surrounding nature in a peaceful setting. As soon as you leave the city, within an hour and a half at the latest, you will feel that you are in a paradise somewhere in the Aegean or Mediterranean.

Kilyos has the most beautiful beaches in all of Istanbul. DJ events held at Suma Beach on weekends are very attractive to tourists. Also, Kilyos has a castle that was built when the Genoese dominated the Black Sea trade. In the 17th century, the fortress was besieged by Don Cossack brigands from the northern region of the Black Sea. It is known that the fort was restored during the time of Sultan Mahmud II.

Anadolufeneri Village

It is one of the Bosphorus villages after Anadolu Kava and Poyrazkoy, located on the Anatolian coast of Istanbul, where the Black Sea begins.

Those who settled there after migrating from Crete or the Caucasus as soldiers made up the majority of the village's population. Residents in the village are not only engaged in fishing, but also occasionally try to grow vegetables and dairy products. White stone was used to build the 20-meter-high lighthouse that can be seen in the village of Anadolufeneri.

During the Ottoman Empire, this wooden lighthouse served as a navigational aid for ships approaching the Bosphorus. It was built for this purpose. It is one of the many attractions in Istanbul and is considered the perfect place for weekend relaxation and picnics during the spring and summer months.

Rumelifeneri Village

Rumelifeneri was found near the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, just before it empties into the Black Sea. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the village of Rumelifeneri is a popular destination for those seeking tranquility due to its abundance of greenery, wildlife and forests.

This quaint little fishing village, named for its local lighthouse, has become one of Istanbulites' favorite weekend breakfast spots. The height of the village lighthouse, in meters, is thirty meters. The town also has a 17th-century castle. During the reign of IV, the castle was extensively renovated. Murad. There are two impressive turrets at the entrance of the castle. During the Republican administration, the castle became famous as a military watchtower.

Rumeli Kavagi

Rumeli Kavagi is considered one of the main fishing communities in the area. It is one of three tourist areas stretching along the coast of the Sariyer region from the entrance to the Black Sea.

The Fisherman's Restaurant and Casino caters to tourists from the United States and abroad. Residents of Rumeli Kavagi are more dependent on fishing as their main source of income than any other industry. The restaurant cooks local seafood such as fish, clams and other seafood such as lobster and then serves it to customers. When it comes to fish, many people in Istanbul will choose the town of Rumeli Kavagi.

Garipce Village

Garipce is a small town between the villages of Rumeli Kavagi and Rumelifeneri. Garipce is known for building the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, the third bridge to be built on the Bosphorus recently.

This quiet location attracts many residents, as well as tourists from abroad looking to learn more about the city's off the beaten track. Garypce Castle is one of Garypce's well-known attractions. The construction of the fort is attributed to Sultan III Mustafa and was built between 1757 and 1774.

The fort was formerly used by the Turkish army. Garipce Village is a popular destination for visitors to the neighboring community, especially for breakfast. The easiest way to discover establishments in the area is that they focus primarily on breakfast. Fishing and preparing fish-based dishes are particularly popular pastimes in this small village, as in all other Bosphorus neighborhoods of Istanbul.

There are many restaurants that specialize in fish. Restaurants and cafes are often packed, especially on weekends. There, you will have the opportunity to buy pickles, pasta, tagana sauce, tomato sauce, jams, butter and various other natural products handmade by the locals.