Kuzguncuk Travel Guide: Best Places to See in Istanbul’s Most Picturesque District
Kuzguncuk is a charming neighbourhood on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, in the district of Üsküdar. Considered by European Jews as ‘the last stop before reaching the Holy Land’, this neighbourhood has stood out throughout history and has attracted attention since the 17th century with its large Jewish cemeteries. In recent years, Kuzguncuk has been revitalised with the careful restoration of old houses. If you want to take a short journey to the past in a nostalgic atmosphere, you should definitely stop by here.
In this article, you will discover Kuzguncuk and get to know the must-see places in this special neighbourhood.
The Story of Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk, located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, is a district of Üsküdar and is located between Paşalimanı and Beylerbeyi. The old name of the neighbourhood is said to be ‘Hrisokeramos’; this name means ‘Golden tile’. According to the rumour, this name comes from a church built by Iustinos II, whose roof was covered with gilded gold tiles. Another opinion is that the old name of the neighbourhood, ‘Kosinitza’, changed over time and became ‘Kuzguncuk’. According to Evliya Çelebi, the neighbourhood takes its name from a guardian named ‘Kuzgun Baba’ who lived here during the reign of Mehmed II.
Kuzguncuk is one of the first Jewish settlements on the Asian side of Istanbul. Although it is not known exactly when the Jews settled here, it is mentioned as a ‘Jewish Village’ in 17th-century sources. For European Jews, this place was seen as the last stop for those who could not reach the Holy Land; therefore, it was preferred to die and be buried here. In this respect, it has a large Jewish cemetery.
While it is known that Greeks also lived in Kuzguncuk in the same period, Armenians settled in Kuzguncuk as of the 18th century and formed a significant population in the 19th century. During the Ottoman period, the Paşalimanı area of this neighbourhood, where the Muslim population was not dense, was inhabited by Turks with its mosque, pier, fountains and gardens.
Today, Kuzguncuk is a centre of attraction frequently visited by Istanbulites. In the neighbourhood, where the minority population is almost non-existent, the traditional Bosphorus village life continues to bear its traces.
How to get to Kuzguncuk
One of the most enjoyable ways to get to Kuzguncuk, which you can easily reach on foot from Üsküdar, is to use the city line ferries. You can take the ferry from Eminönü, Kabataş or Beşiktaş, and after arriving in Üsküdar, you can take minibuses or IETT buses to Beykoz.
If you want to come by private car, the Google Maps location information below will help you:
Click for Google Maps location information.
If you wish, you can rent a car to make transportation easier or visit the Enuygun platform to check the hotels in the region.
Kuzguncuk in Popular Culture
Kuzguncuk, well known to older Istanbulites, is now being discovered by younger generations. This growing interest is largely due to the television series filmed here. In particular, the series Perihan Abla, which aired between 1986 and 1988 and starred Perran Kutman and Şevket Altuğ, has come to symbolise the neighbourhood. Additionally, the series Ekmek Teknesi, which aired between 2002 and 2005 and starred Savaş Dinçel, Hasan Kaçan, and Kadir Çöpdemir, was also filmed here.
The streets where these series were filmed are still visitable today. In fact, the sign from the Ekmek Teknesi series is still in place on the street known as Perihan Abla Street. This neighbourhood, where artists and writers also choose to live, is a reflection of an intellectual spirit. With its relaxing and inspiring atmosphere, it has an ambience that supports creativity.
Places to Visit in Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk has many places worth seeing with its historical texture and nostalgic atmosphere. Here are the places you should definitely visit:
Kuzguncuk Houses
İcadiye Street
Perihan Abla Street
Historic Kuzguncuk Bakery
Nail Bookstore
Kuzguncuk Garden
Beth Ya'akov Synagogue
Fethi Ahmet Paşa Mansion
Kuzguncuk Beach
Marko Paşa Mansion
The Kuzguncuk Houses
One of the most impressive aspects of Kuzguncuk is undoubtedly its colourful and historic houses. Although some of them have been damaged by fires from time to time, others have been restored to their original state. You can see this nostalgic architecture most clearly on Simitçi Tahir Street.
İcadiye Street
İcadiye, the main street of the neighbourhood, is home to many cafes, restaurants, bookstores, galleries and antique shops. Decorated with lush green trees in spring and summer, this street is ideal for walking.
Perihan Abla Street
This nostalgic street, where the Perihan Abla series was filmed, has become one of the symbols of Kuzguncuk. Asude Kebap, located on the corner of the street, keeps the nostalgia alive with its sign from the Ekmek Teknesi series. You can also sit at the Asude Tea Garden and enjoy the view.
Tarihi Kuzguncuk Fırını
This bakery is a place that will bring back childhood memories. It is famous for its fresh simit, galeta, and especially its special cookies made with hazelnut and almond flour, called Kuzguncuk mantarı. In the summer, its ice cream is worth trying.
Address: İcadiye Cd. No:24/a, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Contact Number: 0216 310 52 01
Working Hours: 06.00 - 01.00
Nail Bookstore
This bookstore, with its striking white exterior, is both a bookstore and a café. The narrow and long interior combines silence and tranquillity. The spacious armchair with a bay window on the upper floor is a favourite among regulars.
Address: İcadiye Cd. No:32, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Contact Number: 0216 391 10 70
Opening Hours: 09.00 - 19.00
Kuzguncuk Garden
Located in the centre of Kuzguncuk, this garden is an urban farming area where vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and spinach are grown. It is also one of the symbols of the neighbourhood. Home to cute furry friends, this garden is a must-see.
Address: Bostan Sk. No:4, 34674 Üsküdar/Istanbul
Beth Ya'akov Synagogue
Located at the beginning of İcadiye Caddesi, this synagogue was built in 1878. The building, which has a Greek Orthodox Church next to it, is still active. Shabbat services are held here every Saturday morning.
Address: 34674 Üsküdar/Istanbul
Fethi Ahmet Paşa Mansion
Built in 1840, this mansion caught the attention of Sultan Abdülmecit and inspired the decoration of Dolmabahçe Palace. The mansion, which stands out with its wooden structure, is now open to the public as a municipal facility along with its park.
Address: Paşa Limanı Cd. Nacak Sk. No:6, 34674 Üsküdar/Istanbul
Contact Number: 444 10 34
Working Hours: 08.30 - 23.00
Click here for Google Maps location information.
Source: Kültür Envanteri
Kuzguncuk Beach
If you want to take a walk with a view of the Bosphorus on a sunny day, Kuzguncuk Beach is waiting for you. It is a peaceful spot where you can sit and drink tea while enjoying the view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Çırağan Palace.
Address: Kuzguncuk Çarşı Cd. No:43, 34674 Üsküdar/Istanbul
Marko Paşa Mansion
This mansion, which belonged to Marko Paşa, the doctor of Sultan Abdülaziz, is the origin of the saying, ‘Tell your troubles to Marko Paşa!’ The building, which is now used as the Kuzguncuk Primary School, was also the location for the TV series Hayat Bilgisi.
Address: Babanakkaş Sk. No:6, 34674 Üsküdar/Istanbul
Click here for Google Maps location information.
As you stroll through the peaceful streets of Kuzguncuk, you will be enveloped by a unique atmosphere where history, culture, and art intertwine. Kuzguncuk is a unique destination for anyone seeking to experience nostalgia and elegance together.
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