Besiktas district of Istanbul, a unique destination for history and culture lovers

Besiktas neighborhood of Istanbul is the beating heart of this city. This region with its rich history and culture hosts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. This area is one of the sights of Istanbul, which is very important in terms of tourism; Because it has many tourist attractions that can attract the attention of any taste.

Tourists who travel to this area, which is known as one of the tourist spots in Turkey, pay special attention to visiting this neighborhood due to its convenient location and easy access.

The presence of many historical, cultural and natural attractions in Besiktas, such as: Dolmabaghche Palace Museum, Ortakoy Mosque, Bebek Quarter Pier, Aqualand Water Park, etc., has made this area more attractive; So, by watching them, you will get a unique experience of history, culture and nature. Stay with Alibaba magazine in this article.

Where is Beshiktash neighborhood?

Besiktas neighborhood is one of the oldest and most beautiful areas of Istanbul, located in the European part of the city.

This region is bordered by Sariyer and Sisli from the north, Sisli from the west, Beyoglu from the south, and the Bosphorus Strait from the east. Besiktas is located on the street of the same name, which starts from Taksim Square and continues to Bebek Wharf. This street is one of the busiest streets in Istanbul, where there are many shops, restaurants and cafes.

Beshiktash on Google Maps

You can easily find this neighborhood on the map by choosing the link below.

Location of Beshiktash neighborhood on Google Map

Access route to Besiktas

Beşiktaş Istanbul is one of the central areas of Istanbul and is easily accessible by public and private vehicles. These include:

– Airplane

The nearest airport to Besiktas neighborhood is Ataturk International Airport, which is 25 kilometers away from this area. To reach Besiktas from Ataturk Airport, you can use taxi, bus or metro.

– Train

The nearest train station to Besiktas is Kabatash station, which is located 1 km away from this area. To reach Besiktas from Kabatash station, you can use taxi, bus or metro.

– Bus

Many buses go to Besiktas from different parts of Istanbul. You can use Google Maps or public transportation apps to find out the route and departure time of the buses.

– Subway

The closest metro stations to Besiktas can be limited to the following:

• Lunet station: 1.5 km
• Sisli station: 2 km
• Taksim station: 3 km
• Bakirkoy station: 4 km

Distance from Taksim Square to Besiktas

The distance between Taksim Square and Beshiktash is about 3 kilometers, which can be reached by public and private vehicles or on foot. In the following, we have shared with you the route from Taksim to Besiktas Istanbul by public transport:

– Bus

Bus lines 42, 22, 21T, 21B, 21C, 21D and 21E are some of these buses. It goes from Taksim Square to Besiktas.

– Subway

To get from Taksim Square to Besiktas by metro, you can use M2 line of Istanbul Metro. Taksim station of line M2 is located in the vicinity of Taksim square.

– Taxi

Taxi is one of the fastest ways to get from Taksim Square to Besiktas, which is about 15 minutes away from the destination.

– on foot

If you want to walk, you can start from Taksim Square and go from Besiktas Street to Bebek Pier. This route is 3 kilometers and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the destination.

The best time to visit Besiktas

The best time to visit Besiktas varies in terms of cost, solitude and crowding. Next, we will tell you the best time:

Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Besiktas. In this season, the mild and pleasant weather and the blossoming of the trees multiply the beauty of Besiktas.

Summer is known as Besiktas' busy season; Because in this season, the weather is hot and humid and crowded.

Autumn is the quiet season that makes Besiktas beautiful. In autumn, the leaves of the trees turn yellow, orange and red and create an eye-catching sight.

Winter is the cold season of Beşiktaş, which costs less due to the cold and snowy weather, and even some of Beşiktaş Istanbul's tourist attractions are closed in this season.

Finally, the best time to visit Besiktas depends on your taste and budget. If you are looking for a cheap and quiet trip, choose the spring and autumn seasons, if you are looking for a busy and lively trip, choose the summer season.

Excursion in Beshiktash neighborhood

Besiktas neighborhood seems to be a modern and lively area that contains a mix of old and new buildings. Old buildings with their Ottoman architecture and new buildings with their modern and eye-catching designs have given this area a special effect.

The streets of Beshiktash are always crowded. One of the attractions of this neighborhood is its small and big shops. These shops sell many goods, from clothes and cosmetics to souvenirs and handicrafts.

Beşiktaş neighborhood of Istanbul has various restaurants and cafes that will provide you with a variety of food and drinks.

Besiktas restaurants serve traditional and modern Turkish cuisine, and its cafes are the perfect place to have a cup of coffee or a snack.

One of the beauties and wonders of this neighborhood is the Dolmabaghche Palace Museum, which has attracted the attention of a large number of tourists. Also, the people of this neighborhood are warm-hearted and hospitable people who always welcome tourists with a smile and good manners.

Touring the Besiktas neighborhood of Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. This area, with its various tourist attractions, can satisfy any taste. If you are looking for an interesting and memorable trip, don't miss a trip to Besiktas.

Amenities of Beshiktash

Besiktas is one of the modern areas of Istanbul, which has no words in terms of amenities. In this area, there are many public and private parking lots, which are usually crowded and include various fees.

This neighborhood has various restaurants and coffee shops that provide a variety of food and drinks to tourists.

In Beşiktaş neighborhood, there are Istanbul clothing shopping centers such as: Aquarium Shopping Center, Wadi Istanbul Shopping Center, and Istanbul Forum Outlet Shopping Center. In addition to the mentioned facilities, this neighborhood has other amenities such as: hospitals, cinemas, amphitheatres, concert halls, etc.

Sightseeing places near Besiktas

Dolma Baghche Palace

Dolmabaghce Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul. This palace was built during the Ottoman Empire and was the last residence of the Ottoman sultans. One of the unique features of this palace is its different architectural styles, including: Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical.

Gold and marble decorations and glass works of the palace are among its other special features. Visiting Dolmabaghche Palace is an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can experience the rich history and culture of the Ottoman Empire in a luxurious and magnificent atmosphere; Also, by walking in the halls and gardens of the palace, they can travel to the glory of the Ottoman Empire.

Ortakoy Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul, which is located next to the Bosphorus and is one of the symbols of Istanbul. This mosque was built in 1854 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Majid I and is considered one of the prominent examples of neo-baroque architecture.

One of the unique features of the Ortakoy Mosque is its location, which has created a beautiful and special landscape; Also, large and beautiful domes, colorful tiling, stone columns and domed roofs of the mosque are other special features of this place.

When you first see the mosque from the outside, you will be fascinated by its beauty. After entering the mosque, you will be impressed by the beautiful and relaxing interior.

Finally, the beautiful view of the Bosphorus strait from the top of the mosque will be an unforgettable experience for him. On the other hand, tourists can experience a special spiritual feeling.

This feeling is due to the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque as well as the peace and silence that prevails over it.

– Naval Museum

The Naval Museum is one of the largest and most prestigious naval museums in the world and one of the most spectacular museums in Istanbul, where a collection of historical objects related to the Ottoman and Turkish Navy is kept.

Great location, beautiful architecture and a rich collection of historical objects of the Naval Museum are unique features that distinguish it from other naval museums.

You experience a different feeling when visiting the Naval Museum. This feeling is a combination of admiration, curiosity and pride.

In general, the Naval Museum is considered one of the valuable tourist attractions in Istanbul, which we recommend for those interested in Turkish history and culture.

– Yildiz Park

Yildiz Park is one of the largest public parks in Istanbul, located in Besiktas district. In the past, this park was a part of the gardens of Yildiz Palace, and its large size, variety of plants and recreational facilities are among the special features of this park.

Visitors to Yildiz Park can walk, bike or have a picnic in a calm and pleasant atmosphere; They can also see the lake, zoo, museums, restaurants and cafes of this park. Visiting Yildiz Park will be a pleasant experience for tourists.

– Beshiktash local market

Besiktas local market is one of the biggest and most popular weekly markets in Istanbul. This market is held every Saturday from 7:00 AM to sunset on Noztiye Street.

Beşiktaş Istanbul local market has more than 400 stalls that sell all kinds of fresh and local products, including: all kinds of fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh meat and poultry, fresh fish, dairy products, sweets, handicrafts and souvenirs.

The unique features of Beshiktash local market are:

• Variety of products: This market has a great variety of products and you can find all kinds of fresh and local products.
• Reasonable prices: the prices of products in the local market of Beshiktash are relatively reasonable; Therefore, if you are looking to buy fresh, high-quality products at a reasonable price, the Besiktas local market will be a good option for you.

Besiktas local market is a great place to experience the culture and daily life of Turkish people. In this market, you can interact with local people and enjoy traditional Turkish food.

– Tomb of Barbarossa

The tomb of Barbarossa is one of the important tourist attractions of Besiktas and the tomb of Khair al-Din Barbarossa, one of the greatest admirals of the Ottoman Empire.

The tomb of Barbarossa was built by architect Senan in 1541. This tomb is a simple stone building decorated with blue tiles. One of the unique features of Barbarossa's tomb is the presence of an Arabic inscription on the tomb, which refers to Barbarossa as a national hero.

Barbarossa was killed in 1473 in one of the naval wars between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice. After his death, his body was transferred to Istanbul and buried in this mausoleum.

When you see Barbarossa's tomb, you remember this national hero and appreciate his service to the Ottoman Empire; Also, by seeing the inscription written on the tomb, you will realize the sadness of losing this great hero.

Vodafone Park

Vodafone Park was opened in 2016 and since then it has become one of the newest and most popular tourist spots in this region. This park has special features that distinguish it from other parks in Istanbul.

These features include:

• Modern design: Vodafone Park provides an attractive and pleasant atmosphere for tourists with its modern and eye-catching design.
• Various facilities: This park has various facilities such as playgrounds, walking paths, water features and restaurants.

In this park, tourists can enjoy the beautiful views of Istanbul, walk on the park's footpaths, play in the children's playgrounds, and eat delicious food in the park's restaurants.

The pleasant atmosphere of Vodafone Park inspires you with a sense of peace and comfort.

– Sirgan Palace

Cirağan Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul, located in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. This palace was built in 1865 by order of Sultan Abdul Aziz and is one of the last palaces built during the Ottoman Empire.

Sirgan Palace is a luxurious and magnificent palace with unique architecture. This palace is made of marble and has stunning decorations. Sirgan Palace, with 56 rooms and 14 halls, is one of the biggest palaces in Istanbul.

Among these special features of this palace are:

• Unique architecture: Sirgan Palace has a unique architecture that is a combination of Ottoman and European architecture.
• Stunning decorations: This palace has stunning decorations made of marble, gold and silver.

By visiting Sirgan Palace, you can travel to the glorious past of the Ottoman Empire. This palace is a reminder of the greatness of the Ottoman Empire.

– Bebak pier

Bebek Pier is one of the most popular tourist spots in Istanbul. This pier is located next to the Bosphorus strait and offers you a unique view of the city and the strait. The unique features of Bebek pier include:

• Unparalleled view of the Bosphorus: Bebek Pier is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Istanbul. At this time, the Bosphorus strait is immersed in different colors and creates a very beautiful and dreamlike landscape.
• Peaceful and pleasant atmosphere: This pier has a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere where you can walk along the beach, watch the fishermen or enjoy food and drinks in one of the restaurants and cafes of the pier.
• Easy access: Bebek pier is easily accessible. This wharf is located near Bebek metro station and you can easily go there by metro or taxi.

You will experience peace and beauty at the same time when you visit the Bebek pier, and walking along the beach and watching the fishermen can give you a sense of peace and comfort.

– Museum of painting and sculpture

Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum is one of the most important art museums in Turkey. This museum was established in 1937 by order of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. This museum has a rich collection of works of art that contains the history of Turkish art from ancient times to today.

This collection contains the works of famous artists such as: Mahmoud Jalal Alashkar, Yahya Chalabi, Mohammad Amin Oglu and Yahya Yilmaz. The Museum of Painting and Sculpture has different sections, each of which is dedicated to a specific period in the history of art; Among these sections, the following sections can be mentioned:

• Ancient Art Section: Works of Art from Antiquity to the Byzantine Empire
• Ottoman Art Section: Works of Art from the Ottoman Empire
• Modern and contemporary art section: works of art from the 19th century to today

The painting and sculpture museum has unique features that can be mentioned as follows:

• Variety of works of art: This variety makes every tourist with different tastes able to enjoy while visiting this museum.
• Quality of works of art: The works of art in the painting and sculpture museum were created by prominent artists. This quality makes visiting this museum a pleasant and informative experience.
• Museum space: The painting and sculpture museum has a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere. This space makes visitors enjoy viewing artworks more.

Visiting works of art can stimulate your aesthetic sense. By looking at works of art, you can understand the beauty and elegance of these works and find new ideas for creating works of art.

In general, the Museum of Painting and Sculpture is one of the tourist attractions of Istanbul that can provide you with an enjoyable and informative experience.

The reason for naming Beshiktash

The name Besiktas is made up of the two words “Bashi” and “Ketash”, where the word “Bishi” means “head” and the word “Ketash” means “rock”. Therefore, Beşiktaş is called “Stone Head” or “Stone Head”.

There are different stories about the naming of Besiktas. One of these stories says that in ancient times, there was a big stone in this neighborhood that was divided as a border between two regions.

This stone was also used as a reference point for shipping in the Bosphorus Strait. For this reason, this area became known as Besiktas, which means “Stone Head”.

There is another story that during the Ottoman Empire, there was a big stone in this neighborhood of Besiktas, on which a crown was placed.

This stone was used as a symbol of power and authority of the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, this area became known as Besiktas, which means “head rock”.

Finally, there is also the possibility that the name Besiktas was taken from the name of a Turkish tribe called “Besiktas”; Because this tribe lived in this area in ancient times. However, there is no definitive historical evidence to support any of these stories.

History of Besiktas

Besiktas district of Istanbul is one of the oldest districts of this city. It dates back to the Byzantine Empire. At that time, the area was known as “Sergion”, “Daphne”, “Diplukionion” and “Gunella”.

During the Ottoman Empire, Besiktas became more important. In 1522 AD, Sultan Suleiman Kouni built the Dolmabaghche Palace in this area.

In the 19th century, this neighborhood became one of the important commercial and recreational areas of Istanbul, and many important and historical buildings were built in this area.

Currently, Beşiktaş is considered one of the most important and popular areas of Istanbul, which has various tourist attractions. Below we mention some of the most important historical events in Beşiktaş Istanbul:

• 7th century AD: Conquest of Istanbul by the Arabs
• 11th century AD: Conquest of Istanbul by the Seljuks
• 13th century AD: Conquest of Istanbul by Byzantium
• 15th century AD: Conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans
• 1522 AD: Dolmabaghche Palace was built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent
• 1846 AD: Besiktas football club was founded

Besiktas is a region with rich history and culture, which is of great importance in terms of tourism, economy, history and culture. In the continuation of the text, we mention some of the most important events that Besiktas has gone through throughout history:

• Change of governments and empires
• Wars and military conflicts
• Earthquakes and natural disasters

Despite these events, Beşiktaş is still considered one of the most important and popular areas of Istanbul. This area is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey.

Currently, Beşiktaş Istanbul has various uses such as: residential, commercial, tourism and cultural. Beşiktaş neighborhood is one of the most popular areas of Istanbul, which has great potential for growth and development with its diverse tourist attractions.

Recommendations for visiting Besiktas

To visit Besiktas, it is better to bring things such as: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, drinking water, etc.

Besiktas neighborhood has its own beauty in every season of the year. However, the best time to visit Besiktas is spring and autumn. If you are looking to visit the tourist attractions of Besiktas, we recommend that you go to this area early in the morning or in the evening.

During these times, the crowds will be less and you will enjoy your visit more. All in all, Besiktas is a beautiful and attractive area that can give you an unforgettable experience. By observing the mentioned points, you can enjoy your visit to this area to the fullest.