The Asian district of Uskudar in Istanbul is the perfect chance to explore the city away from the tourist hotspots. Sitting between trendy Kadikoy and green Beykoz, underrated Uskudar deserves more admiration, since the area has been prominent from the beginning of human settlements. The colourful history shows traces of the first human settlement in the 7th century BC, and by that time, the Greek and Persian wars came about; it was a prominent shipyard.
During ancient times, Üsküdar was initially known as Chrysopolis, which means "Golden City" in Greek. It was strategically positioned at the Bosphorus entrance, allowing for control over maritime traffic between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Named Skoutarion in the 12th century, and neglected during Byzantine rule, it thrived outside the city walls when Ottomans captured Constantinople.
With a connection to Florence Nightingale, who treated wounded British soldiers here, these days, locals enjoy living in a nostalgic residential area. Nearby bridges and their ferry port make it easy to get to from European Istanbul, and anyone with a day or two to spare will enjoy seeing a different face of Turkey's largest and most prominent city.
About Uskudar in Istanbul
1: Prominent Neighbourhoods
The Uskudar district consists of smaller neighbourhoods, some more prominent than others. Merkez, the main centre, a transportation hub, is home to many historic mosques. Locals hang out in the waterfront Salacak neighbourhood, with its long promenade, fronting restaurants, bars, and a view of the Topkapi Palace and other famous landmarks.
Heading away from the waterfront, the back streets show off marvellous old Ottoman houses displaying unique wooden architecture. Shop and dine in Altunizade, stroll the tree-lined streets of Acibadem. Seek out Kuzguncuk's old wooden houses, feast on fresh fish in Beylerbeyi's famous restaurants and marvel at Cengelkoy's large, wooden yali mansions.
2: Churches and Synagogues
The historic mosques often overshadow other religious buildings, but the Gregory the Illuminator Armenian church in the Kuzguncuk neighbourhood is an impressive 19th-century landmark. Other prominent churches dating back centuries include the prophet Elijah Greek Orthodox, Saint John the Baptist, the Twelve Apostles, and the Holy Cross Armenian churches. Two synagogues, Bet Yaakov and Bet Nissim, boast long historical timelines, but before visiting, check if you need prior permission to enter.
3: Do the Ottoman Thing at Kucuksu Palace
Ottoman royalty built many summer palaces and hunting lodges in the area, including Kucuksu. When sultans wanted to de-stress from ruling their vast empire, they would spend a few days hunting and relaxing here. The 19th-century neo-baroque architecture style makes the palace recognisable to anyone on a Bosphorus cruise.
The basement was the kitchen, larder, and servants' bedrooms, while royal figures lived on two upper floors, hence the elaborate décor. Open to the public since 1944, it takes 1 hour to see this house, which appeared in James Bond's film, “The World is Not Enough.”
4: The Legend of Maiden's Tower
The small but impressive tower often appears in pictures, and the legends behind it are just as captivating. One says an oracle told an emperor his daughter would die from a snake bite. So, he built the tower to keep her safe, but she received a fruit basket, with a hidden snake that bit her and she died. Also called Kiz Kulesi in Turkish, and known as Leander's Tower, the landmark has served various purposes throughout history, including as a prison, lighthouse, and quarantine quarters. It is another landmark appearing in James Bond's films. Given its small size, there is nothing to tour, but the interior restaurant and bar offer unique dining environments. Small boats head from Uskudar to the tower several times throughout the day.
5: Intrigue of Beylerbeyi Palace
The 19th-century awe-inspiring Beylerbeyi Palace presents more lavish décor and design in an Ottoman summer home. This palace hosted foreign dignitaries, hence the six staterooms. Its name translates into a lord of lords, giving a slight indication of priceless heirlooms and ornaments behind the doors.
This palace is where the mother of Sultan Abdulaziz slapped the face of Empress Eugenie of France. Other famous visitors include the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. With the traditional harem design for women and Selamik for men, the reception hall with its indoor fountain garners an unforgettable surprise.
6: Ancient Mosques to See
Mimar Sinan, the Ottoman Empire's most celebrated architect, built many landmarks that still stands today, including the 16th-century Semsi Pasha Mosque. Known for its small size, it blends in with the landscape, and its garden presents stunning Bosphorus views. Mimar Sinan built it for the Grand Vizier of the same name, and generations of his family are buried in the courtyard.
Although Uskudar has hundreds of old mosques, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in the centre is the most famous. Also designed by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned it. Displaying typical signs of Mimar Sinan's architectural style, key features include a high vaulted basement. The 18th century Yeni Valide Camii, built to honour the mother of Sultan Ahmed III, also boasts marvellous interior calligraphy work. Yeni Valide Mosque sits opposite the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.
7: Relax in Green Parks
Despite Uskudar's location in Turkey's biggest city, they have gone far out to ensure residents can immerse themselves in green spaces, alongside its waterfront position. In the Pasalimani district, the nostalgic Fethi Pasa Korusu park, named after an Ottoman prince, is beautifully green. As a favourite of Uskudar locals at weekends, live performances take centre stage in the platform section during summer. Great Camlica Estate Park, another popular green space, boasts marvellous flower and shrubbery displays.
9: Spectacular views from Camlica Hill
As a steep hill, Camlica Hill offers fantastic views and is ranked on TripAdvisor as the second most popular attraction in Uskudar. While there, relax and chill out because vendors sell snacks and refreshments. Getting there is an uphill walk, so people with walking difficulties should use a taxi instead.
10: Camlica Mosque - The largest in Turkey
Camlica Masjid, perched atop Büyük Çamlıca Hill in Üsküdar, is the largest mosque in Turkey and a striking modern addition. Completed in 2019, it blends classical Ottoman architecture with contemporary elements, featuring six minarets, a massive single dome, and intricate tilework. The complex is not just a place of worship but also includes a museum, art gallery, library, and conference hall, reflecting a vision of mosques as cultural centers. With a capacity of 63,000 worshippers, it symbolises Turkey’s architectural ambition and spiritual heritage, offering panoramic views over the Bosphorus and the city’s Asian and European sides.
11: The Observation Deck of Camlica Tower
Çamlıca Tower (Çamlıca Kulesi) on Küçük Çamlıca Hill near the Çamlıca Mosque stands at 369 metres tall, making it the tallest structure in Turkey. Designed to consolidate dozens of unsightly broadcast antennas previously cluttering the hill, the tower features panoramic observation decks and a revolving restaurant, offering breathtaking views including the Bosphorus, historic peninsula, and both Asian and European sides. Beyond its technical role, Çamlıca Tower has quickly become a modern symbol, blending high-tech infrastructure with tourism and urban aesthetics.
12: Capitol Shopping Mall: Entertainment Under One Roof
First opening their doors 24 years ago, Capitol Shopping Mall commands respect as an impressive AVM. The range of top-notch shops features international and domestic brand names. Still, the mall doubles up as a family-friendly entertainment centre, thanks to cinema and food dining establishments all under one roof. Families love Capitol because of their children's activity centre.
13: Sakirin Mosque: A Modern Place of Worship
Uskudar is famous for its many old mosques, yet it has a new modern mosque with an interesting background. First, opening its doors in 2009, a woman designed the interior of the Sakirin mosque. Circles and semicircles are a common feature of her style, making this an unusual yet eye-catching religious building. Another feature of her work was a vast number of windows allowing natural light to stream in, so Muslims can feel at one with God when praying.
14: A Bosphorus Cruise from Uskudar
It is one thing to explore on foot, but we recommend sightseeing from the Bosphorus. Anyone travelling to Uskudar from European Istanbul can get a quick, cheap ride from the ferry dock, but Bosphorus cruises lasting anything from two hours to half-day excursions, allow you to spot palaces, neighbourhoods, yali mansions and other famous landmarks from a different angle. Shop around Uskudar's ferry port, or visit the tour shops in town to discover many cruise choices. Private companies also sell Bosphorus cruises, which include entertainment and food. You can also catch ferry services from the ferry terminal to the Prince's Islands.
15: Sultan Ahmet III Fountain
The Fountain of Ahmet III, a beautifully preserved example of 18th-century Ottoman baroque architecture, built in 1728 during the reign of Sultan Ahmet III, earns fame for the art and aesthetics of the so-called Tulip Era (Lâle Devri). Located near the ferry docks, the attractive fountain served both a practical function, providing water to travellers and residents, and a symbolic one, representing the sultan’s benevolence and the empire’s refined taste. Its ornate stone carvings, poetic inscriptions in Ottoman Turkish, and elegant domed canopy make it a beloved public fountain. Today, it is a graceful reminder of Üsküdar's rich history and the Ottoman passion for public art and urban beauty.
People Also Ask
Is Üsküdar a city in Turkey?
No, Üsküdar is an official district of Istanbul. The city has 39 official districts, of which Üsküdar, which sits on the Asian side, is one. Üsküdar sits next to Kadikoy, and both are known for their ferry services across to the European side. However, this attractive district has a somewhat more conservative ambiance than liberal Kadikoy.
Is Üsküdar a good place to live?
Yes, Üsküdar is a good place to live. From numerous primary schools and health centres to excellent public transport and busy shopping districts, this part of the bustling city is a prime waterfront location with a good reputation. The historic centre is where you can find traces of bygone days, but there have also been many developments and modernisations, so residents have the best of both worlds. If you want to know more about investing in property in Üsküdar in Istanbul, call our agents today.
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