Üsküdar

Üsküdar, on Istanbul’s Asian shore, greets visitors with the Maiden’s Tower standing in the Bosphorus. Ferries here pass the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, a 16th-century structure with a single minaret and layered domes. Narrow streets wind past wooden houses built during the Ottoman era, and markets sell fresh produce and household goods. The district once served as a key stop for traders bringing goods from Anatolia, visible in its old merchant warehouses now standing near modern subway stations. Walk along the waterfront to see Topkapı Palace’s silhouette across the water or follow stone steps up to Fethi Paşa Korsu park, where pine trees line paths that open to views of the city.

Historical Landmarks and Trade History

Üsküdar grew as a hub for traders traveling from Anatolia, Iran, and Armenia. Armenian merchants stored silk and spices in stone warehouses here before railroads redirected cargo to Haydarpaşa in the 1800s. The Karacaahmet Cemetery, established in the 14th century, holds tombstones carved with Ottoman script beneath tall cypress trees. Look for mosques designed by the architect Mimar Sinan, including the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque near the ferry docks, recognizable by its single minaret and dome clusters. A short walk east leads to the Şemsi Pasha Mosque, an octagonal building with stained-glass windows, and the Sultan Ahmet III Fountain, a marble monument covered in Arabic poetry.

Top Sights and Outdoor Areas

Take a boat from Salacak Pier to the Maiden’s Tower, a stone building first constructed in 330 BCE. Climb to its observation deck for clear views of Istanbul’s European side. Back on land, follow the coastal path past fishing boats to the Ahmet III Fountain, then head inland toward Çamlıca Hill. The taller of its two peaks, Büyük Çamlıca, lets you see as far as the Princes’ Islands on clear days. Fethi Paşa Korusu park has walking trails that pass tea gardens and benches facing the Bosphorus. Visit the Sakirin Mosque near the subway station to see its aluminum minaret and a prayer niche made of translucent glass.

Daily Routines and Cultural Spots

Early mornings near Üsküdar’s ferry terminals involve commuters buying sesame-coated bread rings from street carts. Shops behind the docks sell dried apricots, handwoven rugs, and hammered copper pots. For breakfast, try scrambled eggs with peppers and tomatoes at Çengelköy’s waterfront cafes, where tables look out at cargo ships moving through the strait. In the evening, families gather on benches along the shore, and students study at Nev Mekan Sahil, a café with bookshelves and rotating photography displays. Neighborhoods like Kuzguncuk retain Ottoman-era houses painted in mint green and pale yellow, with small synagogues and churches along main streets.

Reaching Üsküdar and Getting Around

Ferries depart every 15 minutes from Beşiktaş, Karaköy, and Eminönü, arriving at Üsküdar’s central dock next to the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. The Marmaray subway line connects to Sirkeci station in 8 minutes via an underwater tunnel. Buses from Kadıköy stop near the main square, and taxis from Sabiha Gökçen Airport take 40 minutes. Most attractions in central Üsküdar are within walking distance, but shared minibuses run regularly to uphill areas like Çamlıca.

Nearby Destinations and Short Trips

Beylerbeyi Palace, 3 kilometers north, displays 19th-century Ottoman interiors with gilded ceilings and European-style furniture. Continue along the coast to Selimiye Barracks, a rectangular stone building where Florence Nightingale organized medical care during the Crimean War; part of it now functions as a museum. For a beach day, take a bus to Şile’s pebble-covered coastline or visit Anadolu Kavağı, a village near the Black Sea with seafood restaurants. Closer to Üsküdar, Kuzguncuk’s streets have a Greek Orthodox church and a 19th-century synagogue, while Çengelköy hosts a weekly market with locally grown figs and woven baskets.