Kuzguncuk is one of the old Istanbul districts of Uskudar district. Kuzguncuk, located on the shoreline of the Anatolian Side of the Bosphorus, between Pasalimani and Beylerbeyi, is a true cultural mosaic. At the beginning of the 20th century, Greeks, Turks, Armenians and Jews lived together in the district, which was known as a Jewish village in the 17th century. The minority population in the district today is not as high as in the past.
Kuzguncuk district, which opens like a valley to the Bosphorus, has a coastal section with a pier. From here, you can start the Kuzguncuk tour after watching the view and taking in the sea air. The first time you turn your back to the beach and look at Kuzguncuk, you will want to see the long road lined with tall trees on both sides and take pictures. As you move further into Kuzguncuk, you will realize that your desire to take pictures never ceases as you see the colorful houses, Kuzguncuk orchard, old residential areas opening to nostalgic streets, restaurants and cafes that stand out with their decoration as well as their taste, those cobblestone pavements that you are familiar with from movies and TV series!
Where does the name Kuzguncuk come from?
Kuzguncuk's historical name is Hrisokeramos. Rumor has it that this name came from a yellow-roofed church built during the Eastern Roman Empire. Chrysokeramos means “golden tile”. According to another rumor, the pronunciation of the district, which was formerly known as Kosinitza, changed over the centuries and became Kuzguncuk. In Evliya Celebi's Seyahatname, it is written that the name of the district comes from a saint named Kuzgun Baba, who lived in Kuzguncuk during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror.
Cultural mosaic Kuzguncuk
While visiting Kuzguncuk, you will see that there are mosques, churches and synagogues in this district. Even this situation alone is enough to reveal the cultural richness of Kuzguncuk. It also has a sacred side, especially for Jews: They used to call this district "the last stop before reaching the holy land".
Kuzguncuk on Turkish television
Kuzguncuk is an escape point with its peaceful atmosphere not only for local and foreign tourists who come to see the district, but also for locals. Weekend breakfasts, romantic meetings, sincere conversations over coffee… Artists have also been fed a lot from this district. The memory of Can Yucel is roaming the streets. Important TV series such as Perihan Abla, Ekmek Teknesi and Hayat Bilgisi were shot in this district. You can still find traces of them. Finally, we recommend you to visit Kuzguncuk orchard and breathe the green air in this peaceful district.
What is said about Kuzguncuk is a little insufficient, visit this distinguished neighborhood to feel more than what is told!