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Because of both its history and its location, Istanbul is widely recognized as a one-of-a-kind metropolis. There is no other metropolis in the world that straddles two continents and is separated from each by a body of water the way that Istanbul does. Not only does the Bosphorus Strait divide Europe and Asia, but it is also a body of water. It is regarded as a remarkable area since it links the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea and is a spot where the two bodies of water meet and complement each other.
The Bosphorus has played an essential role throughout history as a passageway for significant movements of people traveling from the east to the west. Along the shore, there are a great number of little communities that have been developed. Even though the name of many of Istanbul's towns is that of a village, over time, these villages have grown into large settlements.
Where Should You Visit in Istanbul?
You may be feeling overwhelmed by the constant rush of life in a city like Istanbul, where millions of people live amongst the snarls of traffic, the stresses of work, and the constant pressure to get things done. If you want to go to a quiet place for a day or two to rest your head in this busy environment, we have compiled the coastal villages next to Istanbul for you.
The History of the Settlements near the Bosphorus
Because the Byzantines were always under attack and siege, particularly in the later centuries of their history, there were not many communities outside of the city walls. It is well known that the Byzantine era left no remains behind of human habitation other than the ruins of a few churches, holy springs, and monasteries.
On the other hand, the Ottoman period was when the Bosphorus began to be settled. And at that time, settlements had already been established and were sustaining themselves through agriculture or fishing. Throughout history, it has been apparent that the communities have begun to evolve in response to various needs, most notably in the shape of a summer house.
In the 17th century, when Istanbul was crowded with people from Anatolia, those with modest incomes who were skilled in international commerce gravitated toward the villages of Eyup and Bogazici, located on the outskirts of the city. In the 18th century, the last century of the Ottoman Empire, the Bosphorus became the area where individuals from all the different groups started to settle down and make their homes. During this period, new communities like Kilyos, Anatolian Lighthouse, Rumeli Lighthouse, Rumeli Kava, and Garipce are being developed. Listed below are the Bosphorus settlements that have been around long enough to see today.
Kilyos Village
This resort is a tiny fishing community and is recognized for its location on the shoreline of Sarıyer along the Black Sea. Away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, it is a favored destination for weekend getaways and relaxing in the water and the surrounding nature in a serene setting. As soon as you leave the city, you will feel as if you have arrived in a paradise somewhere in the Aegean or the Mediterranean within the space of one and a half hours at the very latest.
Kilyos is home to some of the most stunning beaches in all of Istanbul. The DJ events held on the weekends at Suma beach are a major draw for visitors. In addition, there is a castle in Kilyos constructed by Genoese people when they were the dominant power in all Black Sea commerce. During the 17th century, the fortress was besieged by robbers belonging to the Don Cossacks who came from the northern region of the Black Sea. It is common knowledge that repairs were made to the fortress during the time of Sultan Mahmud II.
Anadolufeneri Village
It is one of the Bosphorus villages located after the Anadolu Kava and Poyrazkoy at the point on the Anatolian shore of Istanbul, the exit point into the Black Sea.
People who established themselves there after migrating as soldiers from Crete or the Caucasus make up the majority of the village's population. The residents of the hamlet are not only involved in fishing but also dabble in cultivating vegetables and dairy products on occasion. The white stone was used to construct the 20-meter-tall lighthouse that can be seen in the village of Anadolufeneri.
During the Ottoman era, the wooden lighthouse served as a navigational aid for ships approaching the Bosphorus Strait. It was constructed for this purpose. It is one of the spots in Istanbul believed to be perfect for weekend relaxation and picnicking enjoyment throughout the spring and summer months.
Rumelifeneri Village
Rumelifeneri may be found near the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, just before it opens into the Black Sea. The village of Rumelifeneri, located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is a popular destination for people looking for serenity because of its abundance of greenery, wildlife, and woodland.
This quaint little fishing hamlet, which got its name from the lighthouse in the area, has emerged as one of the most popular spots for Istanbulites to have breakfast on the weekends. The height of the village's lighthouse, measured in meters, is thirty. In addition, the location is home to a castle that dates back to the 17th century. The castle went through a major renovation under the reign of IV. Murad. The entrance to the castle is framed by a pair of impressive turrets. During the time of the Republican government, it is common knowledge that the castle served as a military watchtower.
Rumeli Kavagi
Rumeli Kavagi is regarded as one of the most important fishing communities in the area. It is one of three tourist settlements that run along the coast of the Sariyer region from the entrance to the Black Sea.
The fishing restaurant and casino cater to tourists from both the United States and other countries. The residents of Rumeli Kavagi rely on fishing more than any other industry for their primary source of income. Restaurants cook local seafood such as fish, mussels, and other seafood such as lobster and offer it to customers. When it comes to fish, many people in Istanbul choose to go to the town of Rumeli Kavagi.
Garipce Village
Garipce is a tiny town located between the villages of Rumeli Kavagi and Rumelifeneri. With the construction of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, the third bridge to be recently constructed in the Bosphorus, Garipce has begun to make its name known.
This tranquil location attracts a lot of residents, besides visitors from outside the country looking to find out more about the city's off-the-beaten-path spots. The Garipce Castle is one of the attractions that can be seen in Garipce. The construction of the fortress is attributed to Sultan III Mustafa and took place between 1757 and 1774.
This fortress was formerly utilized by the army of Turkey back in the day. Garipce Village is a popular destination for visitors from neighboring communities, especially for breakfast. The establishments in this area are most easily identified by the fact that they focus mostly on breakfast food. Fishing and the preparation of fish-based foods are particularly well-liked pastimes in the hamlet, just as they are in all of Istanbul's other Bosphorus neighborhoods.
There are many eateries specializing in fish. Particularly on the weekends, restaurants and cafés tend to be packed with patrons. While you are there, you will have the opportunity to purchase handmade pickles, noodles, tarhana, tomato sauce, jam, butter, and a wide variety of other natural goods from the local people.
