Üsküdar: The Golden Heart of Istanbul’s Asian Side

Üsküdar: The Golden Heart of Istanbul’s Asian Side

Üsküdar is world-renowned for its poetic beauty, attracting nature lovers and history enthusiasts to the Anatolian shores. As one of Istanbul’s oldest and most prestigious districts, it stands as a testament to the city’s "Golden" heritage—once known as Chrysopolis. Today, Üsküdar is not only a cultural sanctuary but also a high-yield epicenter for the Turkish real estate market.

The Geography of Elegance

Spanning 36 square kilometers, Üsküdar is one of Istanbul’s greenest municipalities. It occupies a strategic position where the Bosphorus Strait meets the Sea of Marmara.

Neighborhoods: 33 vibrant districts, including the historic Kuzguncuk and the elite Kandilli.

Topography: It sits upon the majestic hills of Istanbul, including Büyük Çamlıca, offering the most iconic panoramic views of the European skyline.

Climate: A refreshing Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild breezes from the Balkans and sun-drenched summers.

A Journey Through Time

The Golden City: Founded in the 7th century BC as a Greek colony, it was named Hrisopolis (Golden City)—historically attributed to its gold mines or the way its houses glowed gold during the Bosphorus sunsets.

Ottoman Prestige: For centuries, Ottoman Sultans and elites chose Üsküdar’s banks for their summer palaces and waterfront mansions (yalı), drawn by the lush forests and the cooling waters of the Strait.

Iconic Landmarks & Tourism

Üsküdar is the primary tourist destination on the Asian side, home to landmarks that define Istanbul’s silhouette.
Kız Kulesi, also known as the Maiden’s Tower, was built in 341 BC on a Bosphorus island and has historically served as a lighthouse and defense fortress, now transformed into a world-class restaurant. Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey’s largest, opened in 2019 and boasts 6 minarets along with a massive 72-meter dome, all surrounded by 30 dunums of botanical gardens. Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century imperial Ottoman summer residence situated right under the Bosphorus Bridge.

Infrastructure and Transport Hub

In 2026, Üsküdar remains the most prominent transit station in Istanbul, seamlessly serving land and sea travel.

Marmaray: The undersea rail link connecting Asia to Europe in minutes.

M5 Metro Line: The first fully automated driverless metro in Turkey.

Sea Transport: Rapid ferries and "Sea Taxis" connecting Üsküdar to Beşiktaş, Eminönü, and Kabataş.

The Bridge: It is home to the Asian pylon of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge).