Places to Visit in Beykoz

_{Let's continue our article with Beykoz, which resembles a fairy tale city with its magnificent streams, beautiful recreation areas, fertile lands, generous sea and lush forests.}

• Beykoz

The ancient history known about Beykoz dates back to 900 BC.

The Thracians, who came by sea and made Beykoz their home, are known as the first people to settle in Beykoz.

Historians and archaeologists claim that there are remains of the Temple of Apollo and similar structures on the hills overlooking the Bosphorus from the Black Sea.

When the Thracians settled in Beykoz, they gave Beykoz the first name "Amikos", based on the name of their leader Amikos.

Amikos is known as the first name of Beykoz in history.

Ancient Period: The history of Beykoz In ancient times, the region was known as Byzia and was considered an important settlement in ancient times.

During the excavations in the region, remains from the ancient period were found.

Byzantine Period: Beykoz remained an important settlement during the Byzantine Empire.

During this period, Beykoz and its surroundings had a strategic importance when Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

Ottoman Period: Beykoz was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century.

During the Ottoman period, it became a summer resting place preferred by sultans and courtiers, especially in the summer months.

Beykoz was one of the regions of the Ottoman Empire that was interested in maritime and fishing.

Bosphorus Villages: Beykoz is famous for its villages on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus.

These villages are known for their historical and natural beauty.

Among the villages, ascendants, Anadolu Kavagi and Kanlica are particularly well-known.

Let's take a look at the places to visit in Beykoz in order:

• Beykoz Beach

Beykoz Beach: Beykoz is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul and the rare beach of Beykoz.

It is an excellent option to take a walk on the beach,  watch the peaceful view of the sea and breathe in the  fresh air.

The walking paths along the coast and the parks, tea, gardens, cafes and restaurants are popular with locals and visitors alike.  

Fish restaurants along the coast offer delicacies such as the famous "fried anchovies" and "fish bread".

A nice day with your family Beykoz beach is a great place for  families and picnickers.

There are picnic tables and barbecue areas along the beach.

Therefore, you can spend a pleasant day with your family and friends.

• Sea Trips and Boat Tours

Sea Trips and Boat Tours: Beykoz beach is a beautiful starting point for many sea tours and boat trips to the Bosphorus.

During boat tours, you can explore the beauties of the Bosphorus more closely.

Let's take a look at the other unique beauties of Beykoz.

• Anadolu Poplar

Anadolu Kavagi attracts its visitors with both historical heritage and natural beauties.

Anadolu Kavagi is famous for its village atmosphere.

With its narrow streets, traditional wooden houses, and warm people, it is a great getaway for those looking to get away from Istanbul.

• Anadolu Kavagi Mosque

Anadolu Kavahi Mosque The historical mosque in Anadolu Kavagi belongs to the Ottoman period and has a historical texture.

You can explore the beauties of this historical building by visiting the mosque.

• Yoros Castle

Yoros Castle, located in Anadolu Kavagi, is a historical castle.

This castle was built during the Byzantine Empire and restored by the Ottoman Empire.

The castle is located in a position overlooking the exquisite views of the Bosphorus.

Here, visitors can stroll around the historic castle, especially the hiking trails starting from Cape Yoros and enjoy the panoramic views.

• Hidiv Pavilion

The Khedive Pavilion was built by the Khedive of Egypt Abbas Hilmi Pasha during his tenure as the ruler of Egypt and Sudan, and the Italian architect Delfo Seminati built a magnificent pavilion in the Art Nouveau style and  a tower overlooking the Bosphorus in accordance with the architectural fashion of that period.

The pavilion was completed in 1907.

Abbas Hilmi Pasha had to stay in Istanbul and Pavilion for a long time in order to break the British population in Egypt and to gain support from the Ottoman Empire.

Architectural Style: The Khedive Pavilion is located in a building that reflects the architectural influences of the Egyptian Khedive Abbas Hilmi Pasha's period.

Italian and Ottoman influences can be seen in the architecture of this pavilion.

The exterior of the building is very elegant and ornate.

Landscape and Garden: The Hidiv Pavilion is located in a location with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait.

The garden of the pavilion is full of green vegetation and flowers.

You can find peace by taking a walk in the garden and watching the exceptional beauties of the Bosphorus from the terrace of the pavilion.

Today: Hidiv Pavilion is used as a restaurant and event venue.

Special events, weddings, meetings and special dinners are held  here.

The Kasrın restaurant serves traditional Turkish and Egyptian cuisine.

Visit: The Khedive Pavilion is open to visitors.

However, some parts of the pavilion may be restricted during  special events and weddings.

Overall, you can have a historical and cultural experience by visiting the Khedive Pavilion.

The Khedive Pavilion is a beautiful spot known for its stunning views of the Bosphorus, its elegant architecture, and its historical significance.

• Kucuksu Pavilion

Kucuksu Pavilion was built during the Ottoman Empire and reflects the architectural and cultural features of the late Ottoman Empire.

Kucuksu Pavilion was built during the reign of Mahmud II (1808-1839).

The construction of the pavilion began in 1848 and was completed in 1857.

Kucuksu Pavilion reflects the classical architectural style of the Ottoman Empire period.

Its elegant details, decorations on the facades and its general architectural structure contain features that reflect the elegance and richness of the period.

The pavilion also bears baroque and rococo influences.

Kucuksu Pavilion was used as a place where Bezmialem Sultan spent the summer months.

It also served as a summer residence for sultans and courtiers in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire.

Today, Kucuksu Pavilion is open to visitors.

Visitors can tour the interior of the pavilion, explore the historical and architectural beauties, stroll through the garden, and enjoy the view of the Bosphorus.

Kucuksu Pavilion is preserved as a historical and cultural monument in Istanbul and serves as an open museum for visitors.

• Anatolian Fortress

Anadolu Fortress is a historical castle and defensive structure located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul.

In Turkish, the word "Hisar" refers to a settlement surrounded by castles or city walls.

Anadolu Fortress is located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, in the district of Beykoz.

The Anatolian Fortress was built in 1395 by Bayezid II (Yıldırım Bayezid) during the Ottoman Empire.

It was built for the use of the Bosphorus for defensive purposes and as a security point against threats from the sea.

Anadolu Fortress is one of the historical and culturally important buildings of Istanbul and can now be visited as a museum.

You can take a walk or have a picnic with your family in the parks or along the beach in many places around Anadolu Hisari.

You can eat dishes such as fresh fish, fried anchovies, from the cafes and restaurants  located on the edge  of Goksu Creek around Hisar, and  you can collect a lot of good memories with your friends.

At the same time, you can experience the historical and cultural energy of Goksu Creek and Anadolu Fortress.

• Yusha Hill

Yusha Hill and History: According to the rumor, the Prophet Yusâ came to Majmaul-Bahrain with the Prophet Moses, passed away here and was buried on the hill.

The name of the hill was Yusâ Hill.

There is also the tomb of Hazrat Yusha (peace be upon him), one of the 4 spiritual protectors of the Bosphorus

The closest and highest hill of Istanbul to the sea in Beykoz is Yuşâ Hill.

The approximate height of the hill is 200 meters, and the buildings and mosque on the hill were built by the 28th Grand Vizier of Osman III. It was built by Celebizâde Mehmet Said Pasha.

But it has been destroyed a lot by various earthquakes and fires,  

It was repaired in 1863 by Sultan Abdulaziz.

Yusâ a.s. was a descendant of Prophet Yusuf and lived at the same time as Prophet Moses.

Prophet Moses and the young Joshua and their mysterious journey "to the confluence of the two seas" and their meeting with Khidr a.s. are mentioned in the Qur'an in verses 60-65 of Surah al-Kahf as follows.

60. And Moses said to his young assistant: "I will go or spend a long time until I reach the confluence of the two seas."

61. So when the two of them reached the confluence of the two seas, they forgot their fish; The fish went into a stream in the sea or found a culvert and made its own way.

62. When they came and passed by the place where they were supposed to arrive, Moses said to his young assistant; "Bring us our food, and we're really tired of this trip."

63. His young helper said: You see, when we took refuge in the rock, I forgot the fish.

No one but the devil made me forget him; And he made his way through the sea in an astonishing manner."

64. Moses said: "This is what we were looking for." So the two of them went backwards on their tracks.

65. Then they found a servant of our servants, to whom we had given a mercy from Us, and to whom we had taught him a knowledge.

Here, it is understood from the narrations that the young man next to Prophet Moses is Prophet Yusâ.

It is rumored that the name of Yüsâ (peace be upon him) is actually "Joshua" and it is said that he is referred to as "Yusâ" in Arabic.

Yusha bin Nun bin Efraym bin Yusuf bin Yaqup bin Isaac bin Ibrahim Adisseleam.

The name of the father of Yusha (peace be upon him) is "Nun" and his mother's name is "Maryam".

She was the mother of Yusa (peace be upon him) and  the sister of Prophet Moses.

Hazrat Yusha Hill is considered an important religious site according to Islamic mythology and Holy Books.

When you are on your way to Beykoz, you can stop by Yusha Hill and taste the peace in that atmosphere and observe the splendor of the Bosphorus.

• Iskender Pasha Mosque (Kanlica Mosque)

Iskender Pasha Mosque is located in Kanlica Square, right next to Kanlica Pier.

It was built during the reigns of Suleiman the Magnificent and Selim II with the superior craftsmanship of Mimar Sinan.

Completed in 1559 - 1560, this work offers an original example of Ottoman Architecture.

Iskender Pasha Mosque, also known as Kanlica Mosque,  draws attention with its Stone Architecture, Plant and Geometric decorations.

This building, which we recommend to add to the list of places to visit in Beykoz, offers a unique experience to visitors with its historical and architectural richness.

• Bozhane

Bozhane is a village that emerged in the 16th century as a settlement of the Bozhanlı Turks, one of the Turkmen tribes.  

It has an extremely cute atmosphere, surrounded by forests and the calm waters of the Çayağız Creek, which smells of history, and adorned with nostalgic old houses.

In Bozhane, where you have the opportunity to take a pleasant walk along the river bank, there are also camping and picnic opportunities.

However, as a reminder that shopping opportunities are limited, we recommend that visitors who plan to camp or picnic bring their personal belongings.

Bozhane stands out as a tremendous place that offers families and groups of friends the opportunity to spend a pleasant time and add plenty to their memories.  

The historical houses and natural beauties of the village surround you with an impressive atmosphere, providing an unforgettable experience.

From Beykoz, 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.