Yeniköy: A neighborhood that can never be forgotten...
“When nature greets you warmly
And every plane tree stands as lovely as a rose behind
Should you chance upon a village where a maiden hides, stranger
Pause there, for you've entered Yeniköy
Strolling in the evening, you'll encounter walnut trees ahead
No need to venture further
Where could you find a sight more exquisite than Yeniköy?"
Konstantin Kavafis
Yeniköy stands out as one of Istanbul's exceptional neighborhoods. Situated within the Sarıyer district, Yeniköy is a gem nestled between İstinye and Tarabya. Its distinguishing features include centuries-old plane trees, verdant gardens and orchards, grandiose mansions, and unparalleled views of the Bosphorus visible from every street.
Renowned poet Konstantin Kavafis, who resided in Yeniköy for three years, eloquently captured the essence of the neighborhood with his beautiful words: Where could you find a sight more exquisite than Yeniköy?
In fact, when we recall the poet's Yeniköy verses together with the famous City poem that we all remember, the pieces fall more into place.
“You cannot find a new country, you cannot find another sea.
This city will follow you.
You will wander the same streets again,
you'll grow old in the same neighborhood,
your hair will fall gray in the same houses.
In the end, you will come back to this city.”
We don't know whether these lines in the poem City were written for Yeniköy or Istanbul, but they clearly carry traces of Yeniköy.
Yeniköy is such a place. A place that can never be forgotten, never left behind...
History of Yeniköy
Yeniköy, situated along the Bosphorus with the Atatürk Urban Forest to its rear and facing Maslak, traces its origins back to the Byzantine era. It is believed that the area was once covered by dense forests prior to the conquest of Istanbul, with the presence of the wild strawberry plant coumaria, a specific type of wild strawberry, being abundant. Consequently, the Byzantines referred to the region as "Komarodes." Following the conquest, migrants from the Geni region of Romania, known as Vlachs, settled in the area, leading to the name "Geniköy." Under the initiatives of Suleiman the Magnificent, reconstruction and settlement efforts transformed the name to Yeniköy, with Turkish and Greek families from Trabzon and Rize being resettled. The Greeks, residing in the region, adopted the name Neohorion/Nihori, signifying a new village. During this period, Turks predominantly inhabited the Istinye side of Yeniköy, while Greeks resided on the Kalender side. Over time, as the population grew, the village evolved into a cosmopolitan community, with Armenians and Jews joining its diverse residents.
Traveler Evliya Çelebi's firsthand observations of Yeniköy are outlined as follows: "Yeniköy earned its name through the decree of Sultan Süleyman, becoming a beautifully adorned city boasting three thousand households, complete with vineyards and gardens. Governed by the Kadi of Galata, it is equipped with a subashi, Janissary Serdar, sergeant, and prohibitionists. The locale features three mosques, with the Halil Pasha Mosque on the lebiderya particularly catching the eye. Notably, in front of Hacı Ömer's house, Janissary hunters would prepare pastrami from roe deer hunted in the Istranca mountains, serving it on the grassy table outside the residence, thanks to the area's pure water. Yeniköy encompasses a bathhouse, an inn, bachelor quarters, and two hundred shops. Ship captains traveling to the Black Sea often procure peksimeti from both Galata and Yeniköy."
In the 18th century, Yeniköy's prominence surpassed the construction efforts initiated by Kanuni in the 16th century. The elite of the Ottoman society began constructing their mansions along the Bosphorus shores. Subsequently, affluent non-Muslim residents, including Levantines, bankers, and merchants, established their homes in Yeniköy, transforming the coastline into a stretch adorned with seaside palaces. Serving as a stopover for sailors en route to the Black Sea, Yeniköy has maintained its popularity for centuries, particularly favored by prosperous families.
Peksimet İskelesi? What's that?
Historically, Yeniköy was renowned for its rusks. Fishermen en route to the Black Sea would invariably make their first stop in this neighborhood, purchase Yeniköy's durable rusks, and then set sail. To such an extent, there was a pier in Yeniköy named Peksimet İskelesi, surrounded by numerous peksimet (rusk) bakeries. In his renowned travel book, Evliya Çelebi commended the rusksimets in Yeniköy, noting that many bakeries produced these rusksimets and supplied them to sailors. During the 1800s, there were 18 peksimet bakeries in the area, and today, only one of those bakeries, the Historical Yeniköy Börekçisi, remains. More information about this establishment can be found in the "Yeniköy and Gastronomy" section below.
Yenikoy and the Russian Cossacks
Throughout history, Yeniköy and other Bosphorus villages to the north have faced attacks from the Cossacks, a Slavic warrior ethnic group originating from Ukraine and southern Russia. Yeniköy, in particular, experienced the most significant attacks due to its advantageous geographical conditions. In 1624, the Cossacks raided and set fire to Yeniköy using around 300 boats. During this assault, the janissaries couldn't mobilize in time to defend Yeniköy due to a celebration, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Turks and Greeks, with about a thousand people being taken captive by the Cossacks. Despite being relatively lesser-known, the Cossacks troubled Yeniköy for a certain period.
Yeniköy mansions
The Bosphorus boasts a collection of 600 magnificent mansions, with Sarıyer district, including Yeniköy, housing the majority. Yeniköy alone hosts most of the 136 mansions lining the district's coastline, many of which are still inhabited. Dadyan Mansion, Baran Mansion, Ali Rıza Pasha Mansion, Faik Bey Mansion, Bekir Mansion, Ziya Kalkavan Mansion, Kabibay Mansion, First Ferik Ahmet Afif Pasha Mansion, Mr. Walker Beach House, Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, Şehzade Burhaneddin Efendi Mansion (Erbilgin Mansion), Kalender Pavilion, Cezayirliyan Mansion, and Sandoz Mansion are among the notable ones. While these mansions offer a captivating sight from the sea, their landward views, particularly from Köybaşı Street, remain obscured by high walls due to their status as private properties. Guarded by vigilant private security personnel, these residences cater to affluent occupants who value their privacy. However, you always have the chance to see the mansions of the Bosphorus, which is a natural and historical heritage, from the sea. For this, you can take advantage of yacht charter services. With hourly and daily yacht charter options, you can explore the mansions and beauties of this historical district in a comfortable and enjoyable way.
Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, many of these mansions were commissioned by prominent non-Muslims, particularly Levantines, with elite Ottoman families residing nearby, creating a distinctive and exclusive neighborhood along the Bosphorus. Today, this enclave continues to be a haven for a privileged and prosperous community.
In the section where we introduce important buildings and structures in the neighborhood, we would actually like to introduce all the mansions, but the number of historical mansions in Yeniköy is really high. For this reason, we have selected famous buildings with interesting stories, which you can see in the section below.
Important buildings and architectural monuments you should see in Yeniköy
Köybaşı Street serves as the main thoroughfare in Yeniköy, tracing the coastline and forming the Yeniköy segment of the main coastal route stretching from Karaköy to Sarıyer. However, a remarkable transformation occurs as one transitions from Istinye to Yeniköy along this street. It evolves into a setting of heightened beauty, elegance, and charm. Lined with majestic plane trees, upscale boutiques, inviting restaurants, cozy cafes, and the stately gardens of mansions, the street retains an air of sophistication all the way to Tarabya. A stroll along this picturesque thoroughfare imparts a distinct sensation, akin to exploring a foreign land.
Osman Reis Mosque
As you approach the İstinye ferry pier and proceed towards Yeniköy, you'll notice a quaint mosque with yellow walls and a modest minaret on your right. Known as Osman Reis Mosque, it was originally constructed in 1635 by Osman Reis, a renowned sailor of the 17th century. Despite facing deterioration over the years, the mosque was reconstructed in 1903 by Alexandre Valleury, a notable architect of that era. Valleury, hailing from a Levantine family of French descent in Istanbul, undertook the restoration project. Subsequently damaged during the 1999 Marmara earthquake, the mosque underwent further restoration efforts with the generous support of the Sabancı family.
Mihrişah Valide Sultan Fountain
In Plaj Park, situated along Köybaşı Street, stands one of Istanbul's most exquisite fountains: the Mihrişah Valide Sultan Fountain. Constructed in 1805 under the patronage of Mihrişah Valide Sultan, the mother of the 28th Ottoman Sultan Selim III, this fountain initially graced the vicinity of the Molla Çelebi Mosque. However, with the opening of Köybaşı Street, the mosque was razed, prompting the relocation of the fountain to its current spot. Adorned with a single façade, the fountain is adorned with a unique feature seldom encountered: a wooden eaves adorned with tiles. The inscription, which reads
“"Sâhibet-ül hayrat vel- hasenat devletlû inayetlû
Mihrişah Valide Sultan aliyyet-üş-shan hazretleri," adds to its historical charm.
Panayia Greek Church
This church was commissioned in response to a special request from Sultan Mahmud II's physician, Stefanos Karateodori (also known as Istefanaki Karatodori), who urged the Sultan to erect a church in Yeniköy. In recognition of Karateodori's successful efforts in preventing a major plague outbreak in Istanbul, Mahmud II issued a decree to construct the church in 1837. Officially named the Church of the Dormition of Our Lady of Kumariotisa, its moniker "Kumariotisa" is believed to derive from the word "kumaria," denoting a type of wild strawberry abundant in Yeniköy during that period. Interestingly, Yeniköy was once known as "komarodes" during the Byzantine era, which translates to "big berries," highlighting the prevalence of such flora in the area.
In the church are the graves of Stefanos Karateodori, his wife Lukia Mavrokordatu, his daughter Sofia Delta and his son Aleksander Karateodori. Aleksander Karateodori served as Ambassador to Rome, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid Khan.
It's important to pause here and delve into the life of Constantine Cavafy, whose poetry initiated our exploration of Yeniköy. Cavafy, a Greek poet, was born in Alexandria, Egypt, though his father hailed from and resided in Yeniköy before immigrating to Egypt in 1850. Unable to shake his nostalgia for Istanbul, then Constantinople, Cavafy's father named him Constantine upon his birth in 1863. Cavafy himself departed Egypt in the 1880s and spent three years residing in Yeniköy, the very neighborhood where his father had grown up. In tribute to the poet, a bust of Cavafy now graces the garden of the Panayia Greek Church. Let's not overlook the opportunity to honor the poet by recollecting his enchanting verses. The church, captivating both inside and out, stands at No. 104 on Köybaşı Street.
Ayios Yeoryios Greek Orthodox Church
Situated between Simitçi Salih Street and Valide Çeşme Street, the Ayios Yeoryios Church dates back to 1689. Affiliated with the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, this church boasts a notable feature: a sarcophagus stone, visible from its garden, that is a must-see. Ayios Yeoryios, or Aya Yorgi, is revered as a saint synonymous with the Prophet Hızır in Anatolian culture. Islamic sources also recognize him by the name "Circîs (Cercis) Alayhisselam".
Aya Nikola (Ayios Nikolaos) Greek Orthodox Church
According to the 17th-century historian and traveler Eremya Çelebi Kömürciyan, the construction of the Aya Nikola Church dates back to the 1650s. However, in 1838, Sultan Mahmud II granted permission for its reconstruction. It's believed that this authorization aimed to encourage the return of Greeks who had fled Istanbul in 1821 during the Peloponnesian revolt. Dedicated to St. Nicholas, the church honors the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.
Nestled on Sait Halim Pasha Street, concealed behind ancient stone walls, the church hosts the mausoleum of the prominent Mavrokordatu family. Renowned among Istanbul's Greek community, this family boasts figures like Alexander Mavrokordatos, who served as Greece's prime minister in the 19th century. The intricately designed marble tomb, constructed in Trieste, Italy in 1881, was later relocated to this site. Additionally, within the churchyard lies the tomb of Konstantin Karateodori, an Ottoman physician and diplomat who passed away in 1879. Visitors will also find the icons housed within the church to be a captivating sight.
Surp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church
The Surp Asdvadzadzin Church, one of Yeniköy's two Armenian community churches, traces its origins to the 1790s. Situated on Salih Aga Street, the church underwent renovations in 1834 and was rededicated by Patriarch Istepanos Agavni III of Bursa. Its most recent restoration took place in 2006, following which it was reopened for worship by Patriarch Mesrob II.
Surp Hovhannes Mgrdich Armenian Catholic Church
Situated atop a hill with commanding views of Yeniköy, the church, located on Köybaşı Arkası Street, was erected in 1848 by Hovhannes Aga Tıngıryan on land acquired by Hovhannes Aga Kuyumcuyan, utilizing wooden construction techniques. A significant development occurred in 1864 when, under a decree from Sultan Abdülaziz, a masonry church structure was appended to the original wooden edifice. Within the churchyard lie the resting places of the Tingirian family and Bedros Efendi, a renowned jeweler.
Yenikoy Tiferet Israel Synagogue
Many are familiar with the renowned Kamando stairs in Karaköy, and it's likely that they've also heard of the prominent banking family responsible for its construction. This same family commissioned the Yeniköy Tiferet İsrael Synagogue on Köybaşı Street in 1870. Serving as the sole synagogue in Yeniköy, the temple underwent repairs by architect Jak Pardo in 1957 and underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2001.
Ayia Paraskevi Basilica
Yeniköy boasts abundant water resources, earning it renown for its ayazmas ,although only a few ayazmas and fountains have endured to the present day. Among the largest is Ayia Paraskevi, located opposite Yapı Kredi Yeniköy Grove. This ayazma remains accessible for visitation and can be viewed from the outside. Annually, on July 26th, the feast of Hagia Paraskevi is celebrated at this site, offering an opportunity for visitors to enter the ayazma. Additionally, within the garden of the ayazma on Vakıf Suyu Street stands a towering plane tree, estimated to be six hundred years old.
Panayia Basilica
Among the historic wooden structures, the ayazma on Salihağa Street stands distinct with its modest architecture, characterized by a small building featuring white walls and blue windows. Thought to have been constructed in the 19th century, this ayazma captures attention with its simplicity and charm.
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
The Sait Halim Pasha Mansion holds a familiar place in our collective memory, thanks to its appearances in iconic films like "The Milk Brothers Ghoul," "Tosun Pasha," "Our Family," "Teacher Zeynep," and "Four Women in a Harem." Situated at No. 83 on Yeniköy Street, the mansion stands today in a significantly better condition than its cinematic portrayals in Turkish movies. As a result, it has evolved into one of the most magnificent and splendid buildings along the Bosphorus.
Constructed in the latter part of the 19th century, the mansion was commissioned by Prince Abdülhalim Pasha, the son of Egyptian khedive Kavalalı Mehmet Ali Pasha, and was designed by the architect Petraki Adamantini from Çanakkale. Following Prince Abdülhalim Pasha's passing in 1890, Sait Halim Pasha acquired full ownership of the mansion by purchasing his brothers' shares. Sait Halim Pasha, for whom the mansion was subsequently named, resided there from 1892 until 1919, meeting his demise in 1921 in Italy, where he was exiled, due to an assassination attempt. Renowned for its exquisite Ottoman architecture, the mansion is also referred to as the "Aslanlı Mansion" due to the presence of two lion statues adorning its dock. Legend has it that during Pasha's occupancy, a sign hung on the door declaring "Let the Hungry Eat," reflecting his charitable efforts to feed those in need.
During the 1980s, the building served as a casino before succumbing to a devastating fire in 1995. It is rumored that valuable paintings and antiques were pilfered prior to the blaze, with those remaining being reduced to ashes. However, amidst the destruction, one exceptionally valuable artifact managed to escape unscathed. A 4.65×7.76 meter painting by French artist Felix-Auguste Clement (1826-1888), situated at the entrance of the "selamlık" in the southern part of the mansion, remained untouched by the flames. Depicting a scene following a gazelle hunt in the Egyptian desert, the painting still adorns the mansion. Within the 3-dimensional artwork, the youthful Sait Halim Pasha can be seen among the 13 hunters garbed in traditional attire.
Today, the mansion is used for weddings, meetings and invitations, and also has a restaurant. Even if you can't get permission to visit, you can be a guest at the restaurant on Sunday mornings.
Şehzade Burhaneddin Efendi Mansion (Erbilgin Mansion)
The Şehzade Burhaneddin Efendi Mansion, constructed of wood, gained its name when it was purchased by Prince Burhaneddin Efendi, son of Abdülhamid II, in 1911. Subsequently, in 1923, the mansion changed hands and was acquired by Ahmet İhsan Bey from Egypt, earning it the additional moniker of the Egyptians Mansion. Built in a neo-baroque architectural style, the mansion boasts a total of 64 rooms. Its facade facing the Bosphorus spans 60 meters, making it the second longest shoreline mansion along the Bosphorus.
The mansion is divided into two distinct sections: the haremlik and the selamlik. The harem section features a spacious 650 square meter hall, a ballroom, Turkish bath, and suites. Conversely, the selamlik section comprises a simpler hall, kitchen, and servant quarters.
The mansion was purchased in 1984 by Müfit Erbilgin, a contractor and businessman from Artvin. Müfit Erbilgin, who was known as the "king of dams" of his time, has undergone a comprehensive restoration of the mansion. The mansion, which is among the most expensive houses in Turkey and the world, was sold to Qatari businessman Abdulhadi Mana A SH Al-Hajri in 2015 for 100 million Euros.
Kalender Pavilion
During the reign of Ahmed I (1603-1617), Kalender Çavuş, the appointed building supervisor for the construction of the Blue Mosque, erected a seaside palace along the border of Yeniköy and Tarabya. This led to the area becoming known as Kalender. Over time, the wooden coastal palace underwent multiple demolitions, reconstructions, and even endured destruction by fire. Sultan Abdülaziz initiated the reconstruction of the pavilion, located within the Kalender Orduevi, early in his reign, employing architect Sarkis Balyan for the task. Initially serving as a middle school in 1933, the pavilion fell into disuse and suffered extensive damage from a subsequent fire. Since the 1960s, it has been repurposed as an army facility.
Sandoz Mansion
Sandoz, renowned as a pharmaceutical company, lent its name to a historical mansion situated along the Yeniköy coastline. Erected in the 1870s by Monsieur Pardoe, the mansion exemplifies European classical wooden architecture. Pardoe, a prominent merchant, frequented this mansion for rest during his visits to Istanbul. Legend has it that he purchased the mansion for his daughter Julia, a notable writer, whose book "Sultans City Istanbul" offers a valuable depiction of late 19th-century Istanbul. Subsequently, ownership of the mansion passed through the Fuat and Feriha İzel family before coming into possession of the Eczacıbaşı family. Recently, the mansion was listed for sale for 25 million dollars.
Cezayirliyan Mansion (Austrian Consulate General)
At No. 44 on Köybaşı Street stands a grand three-story building adorned with salmon-colored walls. Originally constructed in the mid-19th century by Mıgırdıç Cezayirliyan, it now serves as the Austrian Consulate. The neoclassical-style architecture was crafted by Mıgırdıç Kalfa, the second apprentice of the Balyans. Cezayirliyan, a prominent banker and goldsmith of his era, began the construction but saw his fortunes confiscated in 1859, leaving the building incomplete. It remained in this state for many years until Sultan Abdülhamit II gifted it to the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I as a consulate in 1898. Unfortunately, road works necessitated the expropriation of the building's shore-side garden and boathouse.
Tugay Apartment
Comprising two apartment buildings, this complex lacks distinctive architectural elements and can be accessed by ascending a narrow green slope from Köybaşı Street. Despite its unassuming appearance, the site holds significant symbolic value for Yeniköy. Surrounded by ancient trees, it offers an exceptional panorama of the entire Bosphorus, particularly from its upper floors. Notably, esteemed individuals like Vehbi Koç and Hüsnü Özyeğin have resided in this complex at various times, lending it an air of prestige and perhaps even a touch of magic. :)
Yeniköy and gastronomy
Yeniköy has a wide range of places to eat and drink due to its peaceful and calm atmosphere, green nature, beautiful Bosphorus view and elite residents. In this small neighborhood where Greek, Turkish, Jewish and Levantine cultures come together, you can find cafes and restaurants for every taste and budget.
Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in Yeniköy
Since 1817, the Historical Yeniköy Börekçisi has been an integral part of the culinary scene in Yeniköy, known particularly for its renowned rusks. Established by a Greek family, the bakery was acquired in 1934 by the present owners, the Kayıkçı family from Safranbolu. Despite the change in ownership, the traditional recipes for rusks and other delicacies remained untouched, ensuring continuity in production. In 1955, the original bakery was relocated due to road construction, settling into its current location on Köybaşı Street at No: 82. A visit to this establishment offers the chance to savor freshly baked pastries, buns, and rusks, all prepared in the traditional wood-fired oven.
Yeniköy Kahvesi stands out as a haven where the tranquility of Yeniköy envelops you. The origins of this charming family-run café trace back to the simple yet ingenious idea of transforming the garden of their home into a cozy café space. Warm and inviting, it exudes a friendly ambiance that immediately puts visitors at ease. The menu, though modest, boasts delicious offerings ranging from classic Turkish breakfast items and omelettes to cakes, cookies, tea, coffee, salep, and other irresistible flavors. What's more, patrons can enjoy complimentary games of okey and backgammon. Yeniköy Kahvesi provides the perfect respite from the hectic pace of Istanbul and the demanding schedules of Turkey, offering a tranquil retreat for all to enjoy.
Emek Café, a beloved Yeniköy establishment, has been a fixture since 1965, situated at No. 57 Köybaşı Street. Nestled among historic mansions along the seaside, the café boasts a spacious outdoor seating area. Offering a classic café menu, including breakfast items, menemen, omelettes, grills, toasts, and sandwiches, Emek Café attracts a crowd, particularly on weekends when the weather is fine, often necessitating a wait for a seat.
At Yeniköy Sports Club Facilities, you can find breakfast, burgers, pizzas, meatballs, salads and even fish dishes at more reasonable prices than the luxury places in the neighborhood. The most satisfying feature of the place is its seafront view and the pleasure of sitting outdoors. Located at No 3 on Yalı Street, a street parallel to the sea under Köybaşı Street.
We have explained the details of the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion in the above lines. The mansion, which hosts weddings, meetings and invitations, also has a restaurant that serves breakfast every Sunday between 10.00-13.00. As you can imagine, the breakfast is hearty and quite luxurious. It is a great privilege to spend time in this huge mansion with a palatial ambiance and have breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus.
Hopdaddy Burger is a small hamburger place at Köybaşı Street No 88. Cute, warm and cozy. Especially the Mexico Burger with jalapeño is popular. There are also alcoholic beverage options on the menu.
Però awaits you at Daire Street No:5/A Mualla Hanım Yalısı with a beautiful view, a rich drink menu, especially cocktails, and delicious food. It is a small and popular place, so reservations are recommended.
Gazebo is one of the most elegant restaurants in Yeniköy. Located in an elegant mansion on Köybaşı Street No:125, the restaurant takes its name from the gazebo in front of it. It has a menu of international cuisine including breakfast. Alcoholic drinks are also served.
Fishermen and taverns in Yeniköy
Arnavutköy Balıkçısı and Gazebo share a charming wooden mansion located at No. 125 on Köybaşı Street. This stylish establishment offers a delightful dining experience, complete with a seaside garden where patrons can savor a variety of flavors. Alcohol service is available for those who desire it.
Yeniköy Balıkçısı, situated on İskele Street, may lack a sea view, but it compensates with its inviting decor and prime location on Yeniköy Pier Street. The warm ambiance and delectable appetizers and fish dishes are highly praised by patrons. Alcohol is served here as well.
Sandal Balık, located at No. 178 on Köybaşı Street, stands out among Yeniköy's fish restaurants as a non-alcoholic option. Housed in a cozy two-story building, Sandal Balık is known for its consistently fresh fish and appetizers, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all.
For those who appreciate Shabby Fish Restaurant, there are several options available. Along the beach opposite the Austrian Consulate (Cezayirliyan Mansion), you'll find establishments like Taka Balık, Tarabya Balık, and Yeniköy Balık-Ekmek. These rustic, hut-like venues are best enjoyed in their open-air seating areas.
Fiko Ocakbaşı, renowned as one of Yeniköy's top steakhouses, can be found at No. 80 Köybaşı Street, offering a delectable array of dishes ranging from Antep lahmacun with garlic to kunafa with clotted cream.
In addition to the aforementioned options, there are numerous other eateries in Yeniköy that promise exceptional flavors. Feel free to explore and try out any place that catches your eye; chances are, you'll be pleasantly surprised and unlikely to encounter any disappointments.
Transportation to Yeniköy
To reach Yeniköy, you have the option of both sea and road transportation.
While there isn't a city line ferry directly to Yeniköy Pier, you can disembark at Istinye Pier and make a short 15-minute walk to reach Yeniköy. Detailed information about this route can be found on our Istinye page.
Another option for transportation from the sea is to take advantage of the rental yachts connected to the beaches of Bebek, Kuruçeşme and Arnavutköy. You will have a pleasant Bosphorus pleasure without getting stuck in traffic and you will witness the fascinating beauties of the surrounding districts. You can crown this journey with a nice breakfast or meal, or even turn it into a special day celebration. We are sure that this will be an unforgettable memory.
For road transportation, municipal buses such as the 42T Taksim-Bahçeköy, 40 Taksim-Rumelifeneri/Garipçe, and 40B Beşiktaş-Sarıyer lines operated by IETT are available.
Alternatively, if you prefer subway travel, you can take the M2 Yenikapı-Taksim-Hacıosman subway line and alight at ITU Ayazağa station. From there, you can catch the 40B bus at the station exit.
If you're traveling by private car, simply take the Sarıyer-Beşiktaş Bosphorus coastal road, and you'll easily reach Yeniköy.