Quarters of Istanbul: Kuzguncuk, a Peaceful and Calm Neighborhood
Situated in Üsküdar District in the Asian Side of Istanbul, Kuzguncuk is one of the oldest quarters of Istanbul, standing out with its calmness, nature, and peacefulness, where members of different religions live together.
The giant plane trees making you feel relaxed, calm and peaceful and covering both sides of the İcadiye Street, the most crowded area of the neighborhood, are among the most important symbols of Kuzguncuk. The İcadiye Street which is one of the main lines of Kuzguncuk features a variety of modern and old establishments, a farm where vegetables and fruit are grown, a church, a synagogue, a mosque, and historic colorful buildings.
Kuzguncuk is home to different religious communities including Jews, Armenians, Greeks and Turks. Across the pier are the Surp Krikor Lusaveriç Church and Kuzguncuk Mosque which are located in the same plot of land. Ayios Yeorgios Greek Orthodox Church is located on the left hand side of the İcadiye Street, and Ayios Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church and Beth Ya’akov Synagogue are also situated along the same street.
The historic colorful houses and mansions of Kuzguncuk form scenes that may be printed on postcards. The restoration works do not only reinforce houses and mansions but also continue to preserve the nostalgic character of the neighborhood. The "Simitçi Tahir" Street containing historic houses and mansions is one of the places to visit.
Kuzguncuk has been a stage for popular TV series with its nostalgic architecture and green texture. The houses and shops on the "Perihan Abla" Street which is located in the right hand side of the İcadiye Street at some distance from Ayios Yeorgios Greek Orthodox Church served as the stage for the series "Perihan Abla" starring Perran Kutman and Şevket Altuğ between the years 1986 and 1988, Perihan Abla being the favorite character of our mothers, and also for the series "Ekmek Teknesi" starring Savaş Dinçel, Hasan Kaçan and Kadir Çöpdemir between the years 2002 and 2005.
Aside from the many old and modern cafes, workshops and souvenir shops have been opened recently in Kuzguncuk. A taste which is specific to Kuzguncuk is the famous Kuzguncuk Mushroom which is cooked by the Historic Kuzguncuk Bakery. Made of only hazelnut meal and almond meal, this giant cookie is an appetizer which the visitors are interested in.
One of most important characteristics of Kuzguncuk is the vegetable garden. The Vegetable Garden of Kuzguncuk, located on the İcadiye Street and forming the memory of the neighborhood, consists of small gardens which are allocated to people by a draw to let them plant and harvest at certain times.
The Kitchen of Refika, a famous food critic is located in the historic Simotas building dated 1923 on the post office street. In Çınaraltı cafe situated at a point with a view of the Bosporus you can sip your tea, rest, and then ascend the Kuzguncuk ramp and visit the Botanic Garden, and also see the Jewish Cemetery and Abdulmecid Efendi Mansion across the cemetery. Up the hill there is the Nakkaştepe Millet Park, and cafeterias with a view of the Bosporus.
If you are on the European Side of Istanbul and wish to travel to Kuzguncuk, you can take the Üsküdar motorboats that sail from Beşiktaş pier. You can also walk to the neighborhood from Üsküdar, or take the Beykoz buses in front of the Mihhrimah Sultan Mosque. Those on the Asian side who wish to go to Kuzguncukcan take the buses and minibuses in front of the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque or if they like they can walk.
