Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Kuzguncuk Evleri, a tranquil enclave tucked away on the Asian side of Istanbul, right beside the Bosphorus. Here, plane trees spread their cool shade over winding, narrow lanes lined with wooden houses painted in bright, cheerful colours, giving the place the welcoming air of a village just moments from the city’s vibrant heart.
Kuzguncuk’s history stretches back many centuries. In Byzantine times, the area was famous for a church with a gilded roof. According to legend, it was a holy man called Kuzgun Baba who gave the neighbourhood its name. In the late fifteenth century, when the Ottoman Empire gave refuge to Jews fleeing Spain and Portugal, Kuzguncuk became one of their earliest settlements on the Asian side. Over the following centuries, Armenian and Greek families also made their homes here. That is, they turned the district into a patchwork of cultures. Much has changed since then, such as the departure of many non-Muslim residents after the nineteen fifties, but Kuzguncuk still cherishes its diverse heritage through its shared public spaces.
As you wander these streets, you’ll come across beautifully restored wooden houses from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. With their deep porches and floral touches, these homes retain their original character thanks to sensitive revitalisation. The spirit of old Istanbul lingers in the air. This is especially true along Simitçi Tahir Street, where rows of brightly coloured houses stand close together.
Kuzguncuk has long been a place where different faiths have lived side by side. The elegant Bet Yaakov Synagogue, dating from the late nineteenth century, stands alongside ancient Armenian and Greek churches. These are themselves near to the local mosque. Remarkably, when the mosque was being built, the Armenian community contributed to its construction—a true sign of coexistence.
The neighbourhood’s character shines through at local festivals, including the spring celebrations held in Kuzguncuk Bostanı, the much-loved communal garden at its heart. With its rows of vegetable beds and fruit trees, this green space is lovingly tended by locals who come together here to uphold cherished traditions. Broad, tree-lined paths and the scent of figs and magnolia in the air turn every walk into a pleasure for the senses.
Kuzguncuk’s food scene is a blend of tradition and taste. Pick up almond biscuits at the historic Kuzguncuk Bakery, which has been serving customers since the late nineteen twenties, or tuck into fresh fish at İsmet Baba, a classic spot by the water. For a proper Turkish breakfast, Gule Cafe offers homemade jams and robust tea, all served beneath leafy boughs.
In recent decades, Kuzguncuk’s atmosphere has attracted filmmakers. The neighbourhood has provided the backdrop for countless Turkish films and television dramas. Even if you have never watched these productions, the cinematic charm of Kuzguncuk is unmistakable as you wander its streets and gentle slopes.
In Kuzguncuk, you experience something of Istanbul’s soul—a place where different cultures come together, gardens thrive, and wooden houses quietly watch over the Bosphorus, just as they always have.
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