Bahcesehir University Neighbourhood
Besiktas
Bahcesehir University is, probably, located in one of the most strategic parts of Istanbul – a neighbourhood called Besiktas. You can easily get to most of the places so treasured by locals and guests of Istanbul via the major transportation terminal or the major sea hub located in the area. It is also one of the oldest parts of the European side of the city. A few of most well-known areas of Besiktas are Ortakoy, Etiler, Bebek, Aranvukoy, Ulus, Levent, and Maslak. There are also a few another Istanbul municipalities that are in an immediate proximity to the Besiktas: Beyoglu, Sisli, and even Fatih. Uskudar, one of the most visited districts of the Asian side are only within a 10-15-minute boat trip.
Besiktas Saturday street market that can be found on the Nüzhetiye street is a good alternative to the famous Grand Bazaar which is also more expensive. Ortakoy, a beautiful area with amazing Bosphorus views, waterfront, nightlife, and restaurants is a great place to hang out with friends. Dolmabahce Palace, a later residency of Ottoman sultans is an exquisite masterpiece of an architecture that worth a visit. Turkish Naval Museum is also located in the area, providing, probably, one of the richest world collections of maritime and military artifacts beginning from dating many centuries back. The rich heritage of the area is reflected in 13 churches and 28 mosques located in the Besiktas municipality with all built before the 20th century. Its 18 art galleries and 15 green parks will not leave you without a place to visit on a weekend. There are numbers of cruises start from the Besiktas sea hub that allow exploring the further areas of the city. Besiktas football club founded in 1903 claims one of the most spectacular stadiums in the world. The list of options of places to go to is endless, including museums, countless places serving Turkish breakfast, eateries, bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and hammams (traditional Turkish baths).
Students will be attracted by number of amazing Besiktas coffeeshops providing an endless supply of coffee, snacks and wi-fi. The most notable of them are Minoa bookstore and café (Visnezade Mahallesi, Suleyman Seba Caddesi No.52/A Besiktas), the House Café Ortakoy (Salhane Sok. No:1 Ortakoy, Besiktas), and All Sports Café (Etiler Mahallesi, Nispetiye Caddesi, Biyikli Mehmet Pasa Sokak No: 1/B Besiktas).
Considering that Besiktas is one of the oldest parts of the city, its history is intrinsically connected to the story of Istanbul itself which goes back all the way to the 7th century BC when first Greek settlers started arriving in the area. There are two legends that surround the area’s name “Besiktas” which is interpreted as either a “cradle stone” or “five stones.” The first legend says that the stone in a shape of a cradle used for Jesus’s baptism was brought in by a cleric from one of his pilgrimages to the Holy Land and placed in one of the churches in the area. Another legend pays tribute to the Ottoman navy admiral Hayrettin Pasha Barbarossa for founding a port here using five pillars (or five stones). In the Byzantine era, the area remained out of the city walls and was vulnerable to the raiders, but during the Ottoman period, the area secured by the rule of the empire had flourished leaving us one of the most attractive examples of Ottoman architecture.
Beyoglu, a neighboring district of Besiktas, is a home to many legendary city places like Galata tower, Taksim square, Istiklyal avenue and Galata bridge which are just a few minutes away from the university by a taxi. This area has developed earlier than Besiktas so some of the most iconic sites of Istanbul are located here and attracts millions of visitors every year. Beginning from the 14th century AD many European traders and diplomats had built here their residences and added to the cosmopolitan character of the city which it always been famous for. Life never stops in Beyolgu making it one of the most vibrant areas of the city that never sleeps.
Sisli, another neighboring upscale district of Besiktas that is known for its contemporary spirit with its 5-star hotels and skyscrapers landscape. It hosts Istanbul Cevahir, the largest shopping mall in Europe consisting of six floors, 300 shops, 12 cinemas, and restaurants (Cevahir Avm Büyükdere Cad. No: 22 Mağaza No: 136 Şişli). Starting developing only in the beginning of 20th century, the area is a symbol of modern Turkey with its fast pace lifestyle and fashionable looks.
Photos: Unsplash
References:
http://www.allaboutistanbul.com/besiktas.html
https://www.propertyturkey.com/blog-turkey/besiktas-area-guide-exploring-neighbourhoods-of-istanbul
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/the-top-10-things-to-do-and-see-in-be-ikta/
http://www.stadiumguide.com/inonu/
http://en.besiktas.bel.tr/entry/msu-paunting-sculpture-museum/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293974-d2037618-r227464035-Besiktas-Istanbul.html
https://www.tooistanbul.com/en/istanbul-beyoglu/
https://www.propertyturkey.com/blog-turkey/complete-guide-to-the-sisli-area-of-istanbul