Places to Visit in Besiktas

• Besiktas

Besiktas is one of the busiest districts of Istanbul and is also the center of Besiktas Gymnastics Club (BJK).

The history of Besiktas is quite rich and full of various events.

Important information about the extensive history of Besiktas:

The history of Besiktas dates back to ancient times.

At that time, his name was known as "Stone Cradle" or "Kune Petro".

The district was used as an important settlement during the ancient and Roman periods.

Ottoman Empire Period: Besiktas was also used as an important port and trade center during the Ottoman Empire.

It is believed that Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha, or Hizir Reis with his real name, erected five poles on the beach to tie the ships, for this reason it was called BEŞ-TAŞ, and this word was changed over time and became BEŞİK-TAŞ.

Century: Besiktas underwent significant development in the 19th century as part of the modernization and westernization process.

Various architectural works were built in the neighborhood with influences from Europe.

• Besiktas Gymnastics Club (BJK)

Besiktas Gymnastics Club was founded in 1903 and is one of the most established sports clubs in Turkey.

As a Besiktas district team, the club has achieved success in football, basketball, volleyball and many other sports.

• Istanbul University

Istanbul University: Besiktas is home to the main campus of Istanbul University.The university was founded in 1453 and is one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in Turkey.

Second World War: Besiktas was the scene of important events during the Second World War.

In 1942, there was an attempted sabotage by the French and British against the oil depots in the district.

Cultural Heritage: Besiktas is home to many historical and cultural heritages. Important places such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Besiktas Bazaar, and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art are located in the district.

Cultural and Social Life: Besiktas is a vibrant part of Istanbul's cultural and social life.

There are many restaurants, cafes, bars, theaters and concert venues in the neighborhood.

We can😊 give a few tips among the places to visit in Besiktas

• Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace: This magnificent palace, built in Dolmabahce Palace (1856) in the last period of the Ottoman Empire,

It has become the symbol of Besiktas.

It is a very impressive experience to visit the palace and see the historical and magnificent interiors.

• Chiragan Palace

Ciragan Palace: The palace reveals the unique beauty of the Bosphorus, it was built by Sultan Abdülmecit in 1871.

It has an exceptional design whose architectural features combine Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles in European style.

Today, Ciragan Palace has been turned into a 5-star hotel, accommodation in this hotel offers a luxurious and historical experience, click here to book.

• Yildiz Palace and Yildiz Park

Yildiz Palace and Yildiz Park: It started to be built in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire.

The construction of the palace began in the 18th century.  It was started in the middle of the century (1898) during the reign of Sultan Selim III, and then expanded during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II and Sultan Abdülmecid.

Yildiz Palace consists of a series of buildings reflecting different architectural styles.

The buildings of the palace bear the influences of Neoclassical, Rococo and Ottoman architectural styles.

Today, Yildiz Palace is used as a museum.

At the same time, it includes a beautiful exceptional park in Yildiz Park, which is used for resting and sightseeing and walking activities.

• Yahya Efendi Tomb

Yahya Efendi Tomb: Yahya Efendi, one of the 4 spiritual protectors of the Bosphorus.

Yahya Efendi Tomb, located next to Yildiz Park, is a place with a unique Bosphorus view as well as its spiritual atmosphere.

Who is Yahya efendi: Yahya efendi was the 10th ruler of the Ottoman Empire.

His sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, was his younger brother.

Although they are fed the same milk, the paths of these two people are quite different.

Yahya Efendi chose the path of dervishness and built a lodge next to Yildiz Park opposite the current Ciragan Palace and set out to teach and educate his students.

Yahya Effendi was a spiritual leader who was humble, did not deviate from justice and did not deviate from the truth, and won the love of the people.

In addition to these features, a legend is told between him and Suleiman the Magnificent.

Since Sultan Suleiman knew that Yahya Efendi was close to Hz. Khidr, he asked him to introduce him to Hz. Khidr.

One day, Yahya Efendi and S. Suleyman the Magnificent got on the Sultanate Boat in front  of the lodge, and the third person in the boat, whom Sultan Suleiman did not know, took the ring from Sultan Suleyman's finger and threw it into the sea.  

Suleiman the Magnificent is very angry about this incident, but he does not make a sound.

When the boat docks at Kuruçeşme, the person (Hz. Hızır) puts his hand into the sea and takes off the ring and gives it back to Suleiman the Magnificent.

After the boat trip, Yahya Efendi says to Suleiman the Magnificent, "That man is Hızır a.s".  

Suleiman the Magnificent looks around, but there is no man.

When he couldn't see the man, Suleiman the Magnificent asked, "Why didn't you introduce him?" he reproaches.

Master Yahya said, "He's made a man out to you, but you don't know him."

Every morning, Sheikh Yahya Efendi used to come out of his lodge on the seashore and pray to the fishermen waiting for him on the shore, "May your day be fruitful and your earnings abundant." 

And then he said, "Oh, you cattle!" He said good luck.

That phrase "ey ya mullah" turns into "heyamola" today, and before the "Ottoman navy" set off, Yahya Efendi used to approach the seashore in front of the lodge, and Yahya Efendi would respond to the invitation and send them off with prayers.  

The sailors would say "Amen" in unison and sail to the Mediterranean.

It became a common belief that Yahya Efendi protected the Bosphorus and the sailors.

When you are on your way to Besiktas, do not pass by Sheikh Yahya Efendi Lodge and Tomb.

Inside the tomb and lodge When you meet the blue sea outside the tomb where green and spirituality are rampant, we recommend that you reach pleasure that refreshes people.

• Ortakoy Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque: Ortaköy Mosque, one of the most well-known mosques in Besiktas, is located on the shores of the Bosphorus and draws attention with its elegant and exceptional architecture.

At the same time, Ortaköy Square, located in this area, is famous for its stalls selling street delicacies and handicrafts.

• Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art: If you want to explore modern and contemporary art, you can visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

Exhibitions, workshops and art events can be found here.

• Fire Museum

The great success  of the pump used in the "Tüfekhane" and "Tophane" fires, designed and produced by  the engineer Davud Hakki, led to the establishment of the "Tulumbaci Quarry" affiliated to the Janissary Quarry under the leadership  of Davut Hakki, with the orders of Sultan Ahmet III and Grand Vizier Damat İbrahim Pasha.

The collection of the Fire Brigade Museum includes many different and unique works, from Davud-u Hakiki's first "Gazebo Pump" in 1714, to the "Neighborhood Pumps" used in the 1800s, and to the "Steam and Trolley Pumps" developed later.

It includes special artifacts such as the lifestyle of the neighborhood firefighters, clothes from the military fire brigade period, candle and carbide lanterns, supervisor fire axes, cloth cistern, leather buckets, various paintings  and photographs of some fires that occurred in Istanbul.  

The Fire Brigade Museum, located in its new building (Kılıc Ali Pasha Water Cistern) in Besiktas, aims to convey historical awareness to young generations with these valuable works.

The museum is of great importance in terms of preserving our historical heritage and transferring it to future generations.

• Besiktas Bazaar

Besiktas Bazaar: If you want to shop in Besiktas, you can stop by Besiktas Bazaar. Here you can find clothing, accessories, souvenirs and fresh food products.

• Barbaros Boulevard

Barbaros Boulevard: You can take a stroll down this popular street, shop in the shops, or enjoy delicious food in the various cafes and restaurants.

• Besiktas Beach

Besiktas Beach: You can take a walk along the beach of Besiktas, enjoy the sea views, and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the neighborhood.

• Abbasaga Park

Abbasaga Park, which is a nice option for those who love green spaces, is an ideal place to have a picnic and relax.

Entertainment in Besiktas: Besiktas is also famous for its nightlife and entertainment venues.

Bars, nightclubs and live music venues are ideal for nightly entertainment.

Besiktas offers a wide range of activities for travelers as it is a neighborhood whose energy never ends.

You can take a day to explore these important places and enjoy the beauties of the neighborhood.

From Besiktas, you can easily reach Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on time.

Transportation Options: You can easily reach Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) by using public transportation options, Municipal Buses, Metro and Tram.

Before using these lines, you should check and select the appropriate timetables for your trip on the website.

Air transfer lines: You can reach Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) comfortably and effortlessly with your Airport Transfer reservations made on the Airtransferlines website.

With Airtransferlines, it provides a comfortable, unique Airport Transfer experience with the latest model luxury vehicles.

Click www.airtransferlines.com to take advantage of the advantages of Airtransferlines, to find the right vehicle and driver for you with a wide range of transfer options, to get information about your destination or to make a reservation.

AIRTRANSFERLINES is your personal TRANSPORTATION advisor.