home Property Turkey Blog Bagdat Street in Istanbul: Through Time and Culture

Bagdat Street in Istanbul: Through Time and Culture

By: Cameron Deggin

Bagdat Street in Istanbul, called "Bağdat Caddesi" in Turkish, is a 14-kilometre-long one-way road stretching from the lively Kadikoy district to Maltepe. Hosting a fantastic range of hotels, shops, restaurants, and cafes, Bagdat Avenue rules the Asian city side.

Mostly known for middle-class and luxury homes, brand-name stores attract shopping enthusiasts, and restaurants serving culinary journeys make it a bustling avenue. So, regardless of whether you want to explore or plan to buy property, let's look at what there is to know about those perfect spots.

Bagdat Avenue

 

About Bagdat Street in Istanbul

 

A Brief History

Originally from Byzantine times, the ancient street paved the way to old Constantinople. But by the time the Ottomans arrived in the 15th century, they set up trade routes and used the road for military purposes to move units further into Asia. Renamed by Sultan Murad IV in 1638 to celebrate his victory over the capture of Bagdad, the luxury status came about in the late 19th century under the rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

Wealthy members of Ottoman society started purchasing land and erecting summer resort mansions near the palace. They would often use the mansions for summer retreats. Transportation links were the traditional horse and carriage, although authorities constructed a tram line in later years. Although many middle-class residential neighbourhoods exist today, certain areas still have prestigious status.

Bagdat

 

Architectural Marvels

One captivating feature of this charming street is the diverse architecture. The avenue, lined with buildings that reflect various styles, from modern contemporary designs to historical Ottoman-era structures, is home to the famous Ragıp Pasha Mansion, dating from 1906. Covering 36,660 sq. ft, the structure displays typical Ottoman architecture and is under preservation status. Although you can go inside, the structure is visible from the road. Also see, Galib Pasha Mosque that dates from 1899, and Zühtü Paşa Mosque that dates from 1885.

 

Key Attractions - Cultural Sites and Activities

If you seek green spaces, head to Ozgurluk Park or Goztepe Park. During the annual tulip festival, the latter bursts with colours and features an 8.600 m2 rose garden. The Toy Museum in the Goztepe neighbourhood of Kadikoy has 4000 toys on display, collected from around Turkey and dating back over the last 200 years. If art galleries are your passion, head to Cadde160 Art Gallery, which often hosts displays from well-known Turkish artists selling one-off pieces.

 

The Blend of Shopping Centres and Dining Experiences

Without a doubt, this bustling street is a prime shopping destination that also attracts food lovers. Although no super large shopping malls exist, this shopping district is all about personal experiences with brand names in concept stores like Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, and Louis Vuitton. Vakko Beymen department store earned much fame thanks to their location in an old Ottoman Yali mansion, while other flagship stores include Chanel and Prada.

International fashion brands are everywhere, and for patriotic Turks, there are famous brands from home. Expand your interest in the cafe and dining scenes to take a break from shopping. Delicious foods served by upmarket restaurants like Brasserie Noir stand alongside international brands like Starbucks. But traditional eateries serve Turkish cuisine if international cuisine doesn't fit your tastebuds.

LV

 

Important Neighbourhoods around Bagdat Avenue

Vibrant Kadikoy: Sitting a 40-minute ride from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Kadikoy is the ultimate destination of Asian Istanbul. Once famous for the fish market and university status, these days, tourists flock to discover an alternative side to European Istanbul. This vibrant destination and central ferry hub portray authentic experiences on every corner. Consisting of 21 neighbourhoods, it connects to the M4 metro line, and people can find everything here, from chic cafes to cultural experiences to excellent public transportation links.

Maltepe: Adjacent to Kadikoy, Maltepe is also next to the Kartal district, which is prominent in the property market. Until the 1970s, Maltepe was originally a summer retreat for wealthy Turks, but as Istanbul expanded with the construction of the Bosphorus bridge, so did the housing market. Although operating on a smaller scale than Kadikoy, house owners enjoy many amenities away from the city stress, including beautiful stores and various restaurants.

Bostanci: Bostanci is in the Kadikoy area, which connects to the Marmara and M4 metro lines and ferries to the Princes Islands. Famous for the range of restaurants serving fresh fish, this ideal place for casual dining experiences boasts of amazing waterfront views. This spot to watch beautiful sunsets is also the starting point for Bagdat Avenue.

Caddeboston: Also belonging to the Kadikoy district, Caddeboston sits right on the coastline and is popular for dining spots and an array of shops. For foreigners looking to relocate, the neighbourhood earns fame for the high number of public and private schools. During summer, the beach road street, which includes three beaches and a park, becomes a hive of activity. Caddeboston is a perfect blend of everything and an ideal place to own property.

Kadikoy

 

The Sea of Marmara

Any good guide to Bagdat Avenue must mention the Marmara Sea, which the avenue nearly runs parallel to. The sea has a unique ecosystem, with several species of marine mammals, such as dolphins and seals, found in its waters, sea turtles, and various species of birds. Despite the small size, the Marmara Sea has played essential roles throughout history, and continues to be a significant cultural, economic, and environmental part, alongside the two other bodies of water: the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn.

 

What is the most famous street in Istanbul?

The most famous street is Istiklal, which runs from Taksim Square through the Beyoglu district. Once the heart of old Pera, as it was then known, these days, the avenue hosts cultural parades and is famous for shopping and nightlife. Grab a delicious meal or shop in Turkish fashion shops. Also, explore the well-known landmarks like Flower Passage and the church of Saint Anthony of Padua. This is Istanbul’s best shopping street, although it can sometimes get crowded.

Istiklal Avenue

 

What is the most expensive street in Istanbul?

Abdi İpekçi Street is a collection of wealthy traders, luxurious hotels, and clothing stores that will empty your bank account in a minute. Gourmet restaurants and charming cafes, attract wealthy members of society, and luxury brands also extend into real estate with prominent residences. Abdi Ipekci sits in Istanbul’s Sisli district, which, although is a beautiful spot, is the most expensive for houses per square metre.

 

About Us and Our Services

We are Property Turkey, an estate agent who sells homes throughout the country for investment, holiday, and permanent living. Call an agent today to learn more about Bagdat Street in Istanbul. They can advise and answer questions about both the European and Asian sides of the city and neighbourhoods and local markets that are ripe for investing. You can also see our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale here. Just use the contact details to learn more via email or to arrange viewing appointments. You might also like the following articles.

Asian Istanbul: For repeat visitors and house hunters, Asian Istanbul features many must-visit attractions, breathtaking views, and desirable neighbourhoods. Covering the eastern half of Istanbul, roughly 4 million people live here, and there are many places to go and attractions to see. Asian Istanbul features more residential and suburban landscapes than the bustling and historic European side. Expect hilly terrain and various neighbourhoods built on slopes offering scenic sea views. So, what exactly can people expect?

Famous Bridges: As the sun rises over bustling Istanbul, the bridges illuminate this city's beauty and massive power, not just in Turkey but in the world. Spanning the Bosporus Strait, these bridges combine artistic beauty and extraordinary structural strength to link the two continents of Europe and Asia. Istanbul's 15 bridges of varying sizes and styles portray the city's illustrious past to current times and offer great insight into the city.

Istanbul

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