The city of Istanbul is one of the most important and special cities in the world, which spread out both continents. These 2 different continents are divided by the Bosphorus. Thus, it forms the Asian and European sides of the city. There are three big suspension bridges connecting this continent of Istanbul. The names of these bridges are 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and Sultan Yavuz. However, there are also many alternative modes of transportation such as buses, subways, and ferries that you can use to facilitate transportation from one continent to another.
Both Asian and European sides of Istanbul are authentic and have unique features. Since the Asian side is the first land to be accepted as Istanbul in history, it contains many special areas related to Istanbul tourism and history.
How Many Districts Are There in Istanbul Asian Continent?
Although the Asian continent of Istanbul has less population, it offers you a modern and beautiful Istanbul experience with its increasing popularity as a home and lifestyle in recent years. Let’s take a look at the districts on the Asian continent side of Istanbul and see what features stand out within this article about Istanbul Turkey.
- Atasehir: Atasehir stands out with its business and economic center. Atasehir has grown in the last ten years with mass housing development works for middle and upper-class families. There are a total of 17 neighborhoods in this district, which has a population of approximately 425 thousand. One of the structures that make the biggest contribution to Atasehir is the sports center called Ulker Sports Arena, home to the Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball team. This area not only hosts sports teams or basketball teams but is also used as a stage show and concert area.
- Cekmekoy: Cekmekoy is a large district consisting of 21 neighborhoods. It is a social neighborhood of quiet nature, not very close to the city center. Although there is no historical or touristic area in the district, its beautiful natural atmosphere, green forest, and social activities appeal to both university students and families.
- Kadikoy: One of the most popular districts on the Anatolian side of Istanbul is Kadikoy, which is on the shore of the Bosphorus. This district which has a dense population is a social district that many tourists visit for a short trip. Bagdat Street, Sureyya Opera House, Caddebostan Beach, and Fenerbahce Park are the landmarks of the district.
- Pendik: Another great district. Pendik district has more developed due to the Sabiha Gokcen airport. This district has a high population density. Archaeological studies continue in Tumulus, an old settlement in Pendik, and also, in a prehistoric settlement called Temenye, where another excavation is carried out. Alternatively, you can visit Aydos hill, castle, forest, Erenler mosque, and Formula 1 racetrack in this district.
- Sancaktepe: This district, which has an increasing population due to its proximity to the TEM highway and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, is a popular destination with its summer palaces and recreation areas.
- Sultanbeyli: Sultanbeyli which has experienced unplanned urbanization because it is a place that constantly receives immigrants on the Anatolian side, has recently become popular due to urban transformation projects.
- Umraniye: Umraniye, the third-largest district of Istanbul, is one of the most preferred districts due to the accessibility of transportation. The newly developing and modern district of the Anatolian side is a shopping and education center. Umraniye is considered to be the favorite district of the working class with its luxury homes.
- Uskudar: Uskudar is one of the most historical districts on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Maiden’s Tower, one of the symbols of Istanbul, is also located in this district. The tower is located in the middle of the sea, dates back to ancient times, and was built by King Alkibiades for the protection of his princess daughter.
- Adalar: Adalar district, which has the least population, consists of 9 islands in the Sea of Marmara. These islands are Buyukada, Burgazada, Sedef Island, Heybeliada, Kinali Island, Kasik Island, Rabbit Island, Sivri Island and Yassiada. However, the only islands with regular settlements are Buyukada, Burgazada, Sedef Island, Heybeliada, and Kinali ada. These islands, which have remarkable churches and buildings, are of interest to domestic and foreign tourists.
- Tuzla: Tuzla district, which has a coast to the Marmara Sea, has highly developed shipyards in the field of industry.
- Beykoz: Beykoz district is one of the preferred districts in Istanbul with its wide green groves. It is a favorite place where the cream of the society lives in large villa-type houses. Karakulak water in Beykoz offers you the opportunity to get fresh drinking water. Also, people often make a picnic in these recreation areas.
- Sile: Sile is a district 70 km away from Istanbul. It is located on the Black Sea coast, famous for its waterfalls and fresh air. Sile Lighthouse, the largest lighthouse in Turkey, is located in this district. The Crying Rock, located near this lighthouse, is one of the symbols of Sile. Those living in Istanbul prefer Sile as a holiday destination because of its proximity. Locals and foreigners rent or buy summer houses here.
- Maltepe: Maltepe which has been accepted as a settlement since the Byzantine period, is a popular district with its interesting historical sites and the coast of the Marmara Sea. One of these interesting mansions and symbols of the district is the Temple of the Virgins.
- Kartal: Kartal district, which is connected to the Asian continent of Istanbul, is famous for its natural beauty and industrial area and has great importance in terms of tourism. Aydos Forest, Kartal Beach is the most well-known place to visit in the district.
What is the Population of the Asian Continent of Istanbul?
Now that we have examined the districts one by one, let’s list the population of Istanbul Turkey from the most populated district to the least populated district.
The district, which is located in the most populated Asian continent side, is Umraniye with a population of 699901. The second is Pendik district with a population of 698260. After that, Uskudar is the 3rd most populous district with a population of 533570. Below are the populations of the other districts as a list.
- Maltepe- 497586
- Kartal – 463433
- Kadikoy – 451453
- Atasehir – 423372
- Sancaktepe – 402391
- Sultanbeyli – 329985
- Tuzla – 252923
- Beykoz – 251087
- Cekmekoy – 248859
- Sile – 35131
- Adalar – 14907
Thus, the total population living in Istanbul districts on the Asian continent is 15.46 million people.
What is the Surface Area of the Asian Continent of Istanbul?
The land of Istanbul on the Asian continent is called the Anatolian side, and it covers a large area with 14 districts on this side. The total area of this side is 5,343 km². It is also considered an important place because the city consists of 7 hills and is included in the hadiths religiously. The expressions that Prophet Muhammad expressed to the commander who will besiege and seize that city, what a great commander he is, what a good soldier he is, are of great importance for Muslims. This favorite city, which hosted the Byzantine and Roman empires among the Christians, is very important in terms of its history and location.
In addition, this city, which has a distinctive feature historically with the strategy of driving the ships of Fatih Sultan Mehmet from land during the siege of the city, is a symbol that glorifies every culture and every religion.
What are the Features of the Asian Continent of Istanbul?
For many years, both Turks and foreigners paid little attention to the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Recently, with the desire of travelers to experience an unusual side of Istanbul, they started to rediscover the Anatolian side of Istanbul on the Asian continent as it is known. The Anatolian Side of Istanbul has also modernized itself with developments to take advantage of the Istanbul Property of real estate market.
Here is a list of the features of the Asian Continent of Istanbul.
- Polonezkoy Nature Park, Beykoz: This area, which hosts outdoor sports such as running, cycling, and trekking, gives you peace of mind by making you feel in nature even if you are in the city. This place is the perfect destination for early morning running.
- Anadolu Kavagi, Beykoz: Located in the Beykoz district, this area is a special coastal town. This is a place preferred by those who want to have a picnic, go for a beach walk, and get away from the chaos of the city.
- Maiden’s Tower, Uskudar: The tower, which is located in the middle of this sea with a history of 2500 years, was built by the Athenian commander Alkibiades, with the restoration made in the Ottoman period, a lighthouse was added and today it has a luxury restaurant. You can enter this special tower, which can be visited both as a museum and as a restaurant, by paying a fee of 5 USD.
- Beylerbeyi Palace, Uskudar: This palace is a unique architectural structure that synthesizes East-West architecture in a structure dominated by Baroque architecture. Today, various invitations and events are held in the International Reception Hall of the Beylerbeyi Palace. If you wish, you can visit this incredible magnificent structure by paying 2 USD.
- Haydarpasa Train Station, Kadikoy: The historical station, which was built during the reign of Abdulhamid, is considered one of the symbols of Kadıkoy. However, after the last fire in this historical station, train services are no more allowed.
- Kadikoy Bull Statue: This statue, which is the main symbol of Kadikoy, actually contains a deep meaning. The history of the statue is based on the Alsace region, which is a problem between France and Germany. French sculptor Isidore Bonheur makes a statue of an angry bull for Germany due to the French victory in the region, but later this statue was presented as a gift to the Ottoman Empire, making it the most famous symbol of Kadikoy today.
- Bagdat Street: Bagdat Street is considered to be the more elegant and modern version of Istiklal Street, which is located on Istanbul’s European side. This street, which looks like an open-air shopping center, reflects the old and the new industrialization in the most modern way.
What are the Famous Dishes of the Asian Continent in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a unique city not only with its history but also with its food. Below is a list of famous dishes of the Asian Continent in Istanbul
- Yogurt of Kanlica: Kanlica is a district located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The prominent food of this district is yogurt, which has a unique flavor.
- Istanbul’s simit: Istanbul simit is a crunchy food, slightly different from the bagels you eat. This food, which is mostly preferred for breakfast, contains sesame and molasses.
- Eminonu-Fish Bread: Fish and bread, another famous street delicacy of Istanbul, continues to be sold in Eminonu, regardless of whether it is summer or winter. The characteristic of this fish bread is that it is made with freshly caught fish and eaten inside the boat. It is a flavor preferred by tourists. If you wish, you can also try the flavor of pickles and pickle juice. All these delicacies can be found an hour away from Istanbul airport.
History of Istanbul Asian Continent
Istanbul, which is famous for its ancient history and home to many civilizations, is also the center of religions and a spiritual area where the commanders fight fiercely to seize it. Istanbul’s history is full of conquests.
In the 6th century, BC Persians ruled Istanbul city, after them, Alexander The Great ruled it till the 2nd century BC. Then the Romans started ruling this magnificent city and then Emperor Constantine the Great made the city capital of the Roman Empire. While the Roman reign, the Justinian I riots destroyed the whole city. When the city is full of sieges, Constantinople lost its previous strength. At that time, Ottoman Turks by the commander Sultan Mehmet II conquered the city by dragging ships off the ground in 1453. With this unusual war maneuver, they caught the enemy off guard. The city was reshaped by Islam and Turkish culture by the Ottomans. Since many civilizations live in Istanbul, it gains a cosmopolitan appearance. This continues until World War I. Istanbul, which was occupied by the Allied Powers in the 1st World War, is regained to the Turks by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In this way, it continues its existence depending on today’s Republic of Turkey. The latest news about Istanbul is that it is still the most impressive country in the world.
What are the Historical Places of the Asian Continent in Istanbul?
As we know, Istanbul is a city that smells of history. Here is a list of the Historical Places of the Asian Continent in Istanbul.
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: This structure, located in Uskudar pier square, is a work commissioned by Mimar Sinan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent. Resembling the silhouette of a perched eagle, this special design is an architecturally unique piece.
- Anatolian Fortress: This historical fortress, which is one of the most visited buildings, is a popular destination with its breakfast hall and restaurants.
- Beylerbeyi Palace: Located on the shore of the Bosphorus, this private palace was built in the 19th century. It is a work of the 19th century and reflects the Ottoman architectural style. This magnificent building hosted Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon. Also, Napoleon said about Istanbul, “If the world were a single country, Istanbul would be its capital”
What Are The Museums In Istanbul Asian Continent?
Istanbul is famous for its historical buildings and its unique history, as well as for its museums. Below are the museums in the continent of Asia.
- Topkapi Palace Museum: This is the largest palace in Turkey. This place is where the sultans live and decide their war movements. You can visit the amazing palace by buying a ticket which is 10 USD.
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums: Located in Eminonu, this building is a museum consisting of many different sections. The entrance fee to the museum is 2 or 3 USD and consists of about 1 million artifacts
- Rahmi Koc Museum: This is an industrial museum that is dedicated to the history of transport and industry. This museum has very rare pieces. If you are interested in cars and the industry of cars, you should check out this place.
- Sakip Sabanci Museum: This museum is about fine arts. It is full of very special Ottoman paintings. If you want to see these magnificent pieces, this museum is located in the Sariyer area.
- Sabri Artam Museum – Istanbul Car Museum: This is a museum for classic car lovers. The fee for this museum is only 3 USD.
How Many Tourists Come to Istanbul Asian Continent?
Istanbul welcomes many tourists annually with its historical beauty and nightlife. Although it could not host as many visitors as in previous years due to the coronavirus this year, it still hosted more tourists than many countries. This province, which hosted only 684 thousand 621 foreign tourists in June 2021, hosted 4.4 million foreigners in 4 months before the virus spread in 2019. Most tourists who are interested and knowledgeable about Istanbul’s history prefer to visit the historical buildings of Istanbul when they are on holiday.
How is Transportation Provided in Istanbul Asian Continent?
Since Istanbul’s population is dense and visitors frequent more throughout the year, transportation is one of the most important things for the administration, and its closeness to the Istanbul property. Now let’s share information about transportation in the city of Istanbul. There are Minibus, Bus, Metro, and Train for the districts of Istanbul, which are located in the Asian continent, where many different types of transportation are used, and there are various highways and bridges for those who have a car.
Istanbul Asian Continent Taxi Prices
Istanbul’s taxis are included in the fare calculation based on the route traveled and offer prices to their customers according to the journey made based on kilometers. This calculation is calculated over the taximeter connected to each vehicle.
With the taximeter opening fee updated in 2021, the journey starts from 2 USD. Plus, 1 USD is added for each kilometer.
Istanbul Asian Bus Ticket Prices
If you want to travel at a more affordable price other than a taxi in Istanbul, you can also take the public bus. An interesting piece of information about Istanbul is that the fares you pay for buses vary depending on your situation. With the 2021 hike, the full ticket for the journey is 7 TL, if you want to buy a student ticket, the fare you will pay for the journey is 2,60 TL.
What is the Asian Continent House Rental Prices in Istanbul?
1+2 houses start from 600 Euros per month. The condition and location of the house are some of the most important factors affecting the rent. If the house you are looking for is on a luxury site, the prices go higher. The prices of the houses also can change due to the economic situation in Istanbul.
What are the Prices of Houses for Sale in the Asian Continent in Istanbul?
The house prices in the neighborhoods in the Asian continent vary according to the size of the house and start from 150 thousand dollars up to 700 thousand dollars. We would like to remind you that Istanbul’s real estate market can offer foreign investors more affordable prices and opportunities due to the foreign exchange squeeze and the current construction market being tight.
If you want to buy a house, we guarantee that you can find a house that fits your budget and wishes by meeting with the real estate agent. In addition, apartments, villas, and residences can be found in luxury sites suitable for the desired price.
When talking about Istanbul’s houses, it is essential to mention its architectural structures. Istanbul’s buildings are special designs that synthesize modernity with Turkish culture. The most important of these structures is the Blue Mosque. Let’s look at 7 facts about the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It has 260 stained glass windows that make the Blue Mosque unique. Secondly, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, it is the work of the Ottoman’s best-accepted architect, the architect Sinan. It is forbidden to take pictures while praying. The location of the mosque on the Sultan Ahmet thus why it is mostly called the Sultanahmet mosque. The Blue Mosque is famous for its six minarets. Besides that, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Blue Mosque in 2006.
What Are Reliable Real Estate Companies in Istanbul Asian Continent?
If you are looking for suitable real estate in Istanbul, you are in the right place. Realty Group real estate, which serves you with many house options that you can like and buy in the Asian continent of Istanbul, has been serving its valuable customers since 2009. Reaching more than 73% of its customer base, this successful institution aims to provide you with a hassle-free and stress-free experience in buying property in Turkey.
What are the Points to Consider While Buying a House in Istanbul Asian Continent?
Everyone knows that many important factors need to be considered and investigated when buying a house. Below is a list of what you should pay attention to when buying a house in Istanbul Asian Continent.
- Registration at the land registry
- Whether it is mortgaged
- Whether there is an injunction preventing the sale,
- Whether the floor servitude has been established,
- Whether there are any obstacles to its establishment,
- The nature of the tenants or potential tenants,
- Current or potential rental value,
- Rental periods, rental contract conditions,
- The development structure of the region,
- Proximity to shopping centers, health institutions, schools,
- Proximity to main transportation lines.
Is Blue Mosque in Europe or Asia?
The Blue Mosque is on the European side of Istanbul.
Why is Istanbul so important?
The findings unearthed during the archaeological excavations in Yenikapi revealed that the history of Istanbul dates back to 8,500 years ago. Since its establishment, Istanbul has developed under the rule of many states in history and has been the center of various cultures. It was the capital of three empires. Undoubtedly, the most striking feature of Istanbul’s history is that it was the capital of three universal empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. M.S. In the 4th century, the Roman Empire expanded greatly; Due to its strategic location, Istanbul was chosen by Emperor Constantine the Great as the new capital instead of Rome. The city was reorganized over 6 years, the walls were expanded, and temples, official buildings, palaces, baths, and hippodrome were built. With the great ceremonies held in 330, it was officially declared that Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire. The city, which was known as the Second Rome and New Rome at the beginning of the Modern Age, was later named “Byzantion” and later Constantinople. Among the people, the name of the city has been referred to as “Police” throughout history.
It is understood that the efforts of the emperors after the Great Constantine to beautify the city continued. The first churches in the city were also built after Constantine. Due to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, Istanbul has been the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) for many years.
The city was rebuilt in the Byzantine period and was extended again by walls. Today, the magnificent city walls with a length of 6492 meters, Emperor Il. It was built by Theodosius. In the 6th century, the city, whose population exceeded half a million, experienced another golden age under the rule of Emperor Justinian. Hagia Sophia, which has survived to the present day, is a work of this period. Latin domination, which was a dark period between 726-842, IV. The Crusade began with the invasion of the city by the Crusaders in 1204, and the city was plundered for years, up to all the churches, monasteries, and monuments. The city, whose administration was taken over by the Byzantines in 1261, could not regain its former wealth.
After its conquest by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for 470 years until 1923. Istanbul, which became the center of science, culture, and art during the Ottoman period; mosques, synagogues, and churches have attained a magnificent tolerance where they live side by side. After the conquest, the capital of the Ottoman Empire was moved here, the population of the city increased with the immigrants brought from various parts of the country, and the construction works of the empty and ruined city were started. Freedom of religion and social rights were granted to the old people of the city and they were allowed to continue their lives. A hundred years after the conquest, Turkish Art left its mark on the city, and domes and minarets dominated the silhouette of the city. Istanbul, which gained many valuable works between 1520 and 1566 under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, has a city plan that extends to the present day and has continued its development.
Istanbul, which has become the center of the entire Islamic world on the occasion of the Ottoman sultans becoming Caliphs in the 16th century, has become the “World Capital” by hosting not only the Islamic world but also all religions and cultures.
After the First World War, on 13 November 1918, Istanbul was occupied by the Allied navy. The capital period of Istanbul, which was liberated from the enemy occupation on October 6, 1923, ended with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. The relocation of the capital of the Republic of Turkey to Ankara did not change the importance of Istanbul, and the city, which has hosted different civilizations for centuries, has survived to the present day without losing its historical and cultural importance.
Can You Walk from Europe to Asia in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you can walk on the Bosphorus Bridge to cross from Asia to Europe.