Audio GuideKadikoy Bull Statue

In the lively heart of Istanbul's Asian side, there is a striking bronze bull standing proudly at a busy crossroads. This is the Kadıköy Boğa Heykeli, or Bull Statue, a true symbol of Kadıköy’s spirited energy. Crowds swirl around its powerful form at almost every hour, friends greet each other, street performers perform nearby, and the scent of roasted chestnuts floats through the air.

SelimCNG

The statue’s story begins in Paris, in the middle of the nineteenth century. French sculptor Isidore Jules Bonheur created this impressive bull from bronze using the classic casting techniques of his era. The statue’s lifelike details—muscles tense, head lowered in a dynamic pose—show Bonheur’s skill and the tastes of the time, when powerful animal sculptures were popular as public art.

Okan Hoşten

The journey from Paris to Kadıköy took many decades. Some say an Ottoman sultan discovered the bull at an art exhibition in Paris and brought it to Istanbul as part of a larger collection. Another version claims the statue moved from France to Germany before arriving as a diplomatic gift to the Ottomans. What is certain is that by the early twentieth century, the bull found itself in Istanbul, moving through gardens, palaces, and even private estates.

Mücahit

For nearly forty years, the statue has stood at Altıyol, the crossroads of six roads in Kadıköy. Over time, it has become a favorite meeting point and a symbol of the modern, lively spirit of this part of Istanbul. People from all walks of life gather here, making it a touchstone for locals and visitors alike. Restorations have kept the bull strong, even as city plans and debates unfold around it. Statues by Bonheur can also be found in England, Belgium, Spain, and the United States, though none carry the local significance of the Kadıköy bull. Here, the statue often wears scarves, flags, and signs during celebrations—a living piece of Istanbul’s cultural present and history.