Besiktas Municipality

Besiktas is located in the European side of the city, and geographically composed of coastal and interior settlements. Despite its small surface area and population, it is ideally located at the junction of arterial roads of Istanbul, and has a convenient location to world-class amenities. It has the access roads to the Bridges of Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet interconnecting the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul and even two continents. While the current population is approximately 190.000, it reaches approximately 2 million people in a day. It is one of the oldest districts of Istanbul. As the majority of rulers resided in Besiktas in Ottoman term, the shores of the district feature reminiscent of the past with palaces, mansions, museums and manors standing out as glorious examples of Ottoman architecture. Having three of four Ottoman imperial palaces, Besiktas features an outstanding touristy place hosting a huge heritage of Ottoman architecture and culture. The most glorious palaces of Ottoman period are Ciragan, Dolmabahce, Yildiz and Feriye Palaces. Mansions and manors built in coastal settlements of Besiktas in 18.century are also spectacular. Among these include Ihlamur Pavilion and Esma Sultan Mansion, built by the Balyan Family in 19.century, Malta, Cadir and Chalet Pavilions in Yildiz Grove. As for historic religious buildings, mosques, synagogues and churches welcoming the worshipers of three religions coexist in peace across the district. In Ortakoy, ETZ Ahayim Synagogue, Surp Krikor Lusarovic Church and Ortakoy Mosque located next to each other constitute a triangle of three religions which features a striking evidence of peaceful dynamics of the region. Other samples of religious architectural heritage across Besiktas can be listed as Sakızagaci Surp Asdvazazin Church, Ayios Mihael Church, Sinan Pasha Mosque, a characteristic artifact of Ottoman architecture in 16. Century, Tomb of Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha, built in 16.century by the Great Architect Sinan, a famous Ottoman architect, Tomb of Yahya Efendi, a 16thcentury Islamic complex, Ertugrul Tekke Mosque, a remarkable sample of Art Nouveau style in Istanbul, designed by the architect Raimondo D'Aronco in 19.century, are worth checking out.