Story of the Names
There is a story in their names, and a history in their stories! Name stories of Istanbul neighborhoods that go back to history
The origins of Istanbuls district and neighborhood names are often related to the regions history, geographical features, or important people.
Beyoğlu:
Beyoğlu is one of Istanbuls oldest settlements. It was known as ""Pera"" during the Byzantine period. This word, which means ""opposite shore,"" was translated into Turkish as ""Beyoğlu."" Another origin of the name Beyoğlu is that Aleksios Komnenos, the vizier of Mehmed the Conqueror, lived and converted to Islam here.
Etiler:
Etiler is a neighborhood that is home to villas built by Etibank in the 1950s. Therefore, the name of the neighborhood was determined to be ""Etiler,"" which means ""villas of Etibank.""
Laleli:
Laleli is named after the Laleli Mosque, which was built in the 18th century during the reign of Mustafa III. Laleli Mosque was built using tulip motifs, which were popular in Istanbul at the time.
Okmeydanı:
Okmeydanı is a region that has been used as a battlefield throughout history. During wartime, the army would prepare for battle and practice archery at a headquarters established here. Therefore, the name of the region was determined to be "Okmeydanı," which means "place where arrows are shot."
Akaretler:
Akaretler is named after a foundation that was intended to be established during the reign of Abdülaziz. However, the foundation was not established until the reign of Abdülhamid II. The foundation was established to cover the costs of the Aziziye Mosque.
Beşiktaş:
According to legend, the cradle of Jesus was placed in a church in this region. Therefore, the region was previously known as ""Kone Petro,"" which means ""stone cradle."" Later, the church was known as "stone cradle."
Kadıköy:
Kadıköy is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was known as ""Khalkedon"" during the Byzantine period. This name means ""copper mine"" in Greek. Copper was mined in this region during Byzantine times. After the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmed the Conqueror, the name of the district was changed to ""Kadıköy."" This name comes from a judge who lived in this area.
Galata:
Galata is a district on the European side of Istanbul. Its name comes from the Greek word ""gala,"" which means ""milk."" During Byzantine times, this area was home to many dairy farms and milk markets. This is why the area became known as ""Galata.""
Aşiyan:
Aşiyan is a neighborhood in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. Its name comes from the Persian word ""aşiyan,"" which means ""birds nest."" The poet Tevfik Fikret lived in this neighborhood, and he often referred to his home as ""Aşiyan"" in his poems. This is why the Neighborhoods name has remained "Aşiyan."
Bomonti:
Bomonti is a neighborhood in the Şişli district of Istanbul. Its name comes from the Bomonti brothers, who founded a brewery in this area in 1902. The brewery was called ""Bomonti,"" and the neighborhood soon became known by the same name.
Pendik:
Pendik is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul. Its name comes from the Byzantine word ""pantecion,"" which means ""surrounded by walls."" During Byzantine times, this area was used as a defensive wall. This is why the area became known as ""Pendik.""
Bakırköy:
Bakırköy is a district on the European side of Istanbul. Its name comes from the Byzantine word ""Makri Hori,"" which means ""long hill."" During Byzantine times, there was a long hill in this area. This hill is what gave the district its name.
Bebek:
Bebek is a neighborhood in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Its name comes from a commander named ""Bebek"" who served in this area during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror. This commander had a mansion and garden in this area, and the neighborhood soon became known as ""Bebek.""
Şişli:
Şişli is a district on the European side of Istanbul. Its name Comes from a family that lived in this area in the past. This family was known As ""şişçiler,"" which means ""shashlik makers."" The familys Shashlik was very famous, and this is why the neighborhood became known as ""Şişli.""
Feriköy:
Feriköy is a neighborhood in the Şişli district of Istanbul. Its Name comes from a woman named Madam Feri who lived in this area during the Reigns of Sultan Abdülmecid and Sultan Abdülaziz. Madam Feri owned a large Amount of land in this area, and this land was donated to her husband by the Sultan. After her husbands death, the neighborhood became known as ""Feriköy.""
Beykoz:
Beykoz is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul. Its name comes from the Byzantine word ""Beykos,"" which means ""village."" During Byzantine times, there was a village in this area. This village is what gave the district its name.