Arnavutköy: Historic Houses on the Bosphorus

Arnavutköy lies on the European shore of the Bosphorus, between Kuruçeşme and Bebek, and is part of Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district. Waterfront palaces, other mansions and groves shape the area, along with impressive views of the Bosphorus. Here, the coastal landscape and visible architectural history come together. If you are choosing where to stay in Istanbul based on what you want to experience, Arnavutköy brings together two appealing themes: views of the water and the chance to explore historic houses and cultural sites.

Houses and Architectural History

Most of the houses you can see in Arnavutköy date from the early 20th century; some were built in the Art Nouveau style. The dates and the style designation answer different questions: the former describes when many of the visible houses were built, while the latter names an architectural style found in some of them. On a walk through Arnavutköy, you can see historic buildings and shops that have been around for decades. This draws attention not only to individual buildings, but also to the many houses that shape the area’s character.

Among the buildings is the Tevfikiye Mosque, also known as the Arnavutköy Mosque and the Akıntı Burnu Mosque. The present-day building of the Taksiarhis Church was built in 1899. The Arnavutköy Police Station building was constructed in 1843 as a two-storey masonry building. The Halet-Çambel Yalı, also known as Kızıl Yalı, was built by Sultan Mahmud II’s chief palace gardener, who was of Armenian descent. Another historical connection is the İzzetâbâd Pavilion: Sultan Selim III first visited it on 7 September 1797 and later returned repeatedly for moonlit gatherings accompanied by music. The dates represent different connections: 1797 marks the Sultan’s first visit, while 1843 and 1899 mark the construction of two buildings. In this way, historical visits and architectural history can be seen as distinct facets of the area.

Coast, Sightseeing and Choosing Where to Stay

The coast also offers specific starting points for exploring the area. The Beyhan Sultan Fountain is on the coastal road between Arnavutköy and Bebek. Fishing is possible along the coast at Akıntı Burnu. A cultural sightseeing tour runs from Bebek to Arnavutköy and includes visits to historic sites and buildings. Each offers a different focus: the fountain is on the coastal road, fishing is possible at Akıntı Burnu, and the sightseeing tour explores history and architecture. You can decide whether you would rather get to know the area through its architecture, a cultural visit or an activity by the water.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Istanbul, consider Arnavutköy as a possible base if the Bosphorus setting, historic houses and cultural exploration match your travel interests. To help you decide, weigh up a simple question: should the area’s character be defined primarily by the coastal landscape and views, its architectural history, or a mix of sightseeing and activities by the water? Arnavutköy offers specific points of interest for each of these options.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Zekeriyaköy, Cumhuriyet, Cebeci, Kartal, Anadolufeneri Köyü, Ağva Merkez, Yayla, Istanbul.

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