Ortakoy, Istanbul

Ortaköy a neighbourhood, formerly a small village, within the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, located in the middle of the European bank of the Bosphorus.

Ortaköy was a cosmopolitan area during the Ottoman era and the first decades of the Turkish Republic, with communities of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Today the neighbourhood still hosts many different religious (Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, and other Christian) structures. It is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants.

The Neo-Baroque style Ortaköy Mosque is a beautifully ornate structure, right on the jetty of Ortaköy, bordering the waters of the Bosphorus, and thus highly visible from the passing boats.

Ortaköy was the site of George W. Bush’s speech during the NATO Summit of 2004, which he delivered at Galatasaray University.

Ortakoy district used to be a romantic fishing village. Today it is an affluent waterfront neighborhood located in the middle of Bosphorus’ European bank.

Ortaköy with many art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants the district is hugely popular on weekends both among locals and tourists, one of the oldest buildings of Ortaköy is the nearly 500-year old Turkish bath. It was built by Ottoman star architect Mimar Sinan in 1556.

The Ortaköy Mosque is a beautifully ornamented Neo-Baroque style mosque. It was built in the 18th c, but only received its current ornate look in the middle of 19th c.  Çırağan Palace was built in 1871 by Sultan Abdülaziz as his residence. Until a fire severely damaged the building in 1910 the palace served as the Ottoman Parliament. Today it is one of Istanbul’s most luxurious hotels.

Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Ortaköy is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its art galleries, night clubs, cafés, bars, and restaurants and at night, the lights on the mighty Bosphorus Bridge change color, graceful without being kitsch.