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.
Ortakoy, Istanbul,
This area is so nice , you have to spend time , looking at the shop , drinking some coffee or wine in the really nice restaurant , and the top specifically in turkey!!! This area is pedestrian!! No Car. It is a really good place to start a boat tour on the bosforus too.
Ortakoy is a fantastic spot by the sea. Excellent views of Bosphorous and a beautiful mosque. Just take a seat, order a cup of tea or you may order 'kumpir' ( baked potatoes stuffed ) and feel the atmosphere there.
Perfect spot to chill out after sightseeing, or to begin a day with breakfast, or to end a day in some of the cosy little bars.
Turkish tea or coffee in the afternoon with the most magnificent view will make you forget sore feet after long walks. And then explore little streets of Ortakoy, continue day with smoking Nargile…finish it…
In Ortakoy you can find silver jewelry fabrics.. yet expensive.
Youn can enjoy also eating corn and baked potatos while watching the famous bridge with different colors at night
We spent an afternoon in the Ortakoy area after a ferry trip up the Bosphorus. My Turkish friend took us here for a special meal of what I can best describe as a stuffed potato! It was delicious.
Walking form the taxi towards the Bosphorus waterfront we passed many shops, mostly art and jewelry. Once you get to the waterfront,…
liked the atmosphere and the views…ate the kumpir, stuffed potato which is a must in the area
could not see the mosque because of renovation works
We went there couple of times, (you can reach Ortakoy from Kabatas by Bus No. 25E (15-20 min).
If you go there, try the Kumpir = huge grilled potatos with lots of toppings and sauce (Maya Kumpir is recommended).
Then sit in one of the many cafes which have sea view (most of them have balconies).
Then you have to…
i was impressed by the area and the spotless clean suroundings. Amazing building with lots of history that deserves better
I went to Ortakoy for a dinner with my wife, and we were pleased with the place. I liked the atmosphere over there, music all around. We were dining while having a charming view of the Bosphorous and the bridge.
I love this place.. it is like safe harbor in the ocean. Always makes me relax with a cup of tea and Simit 🙂