Although housing estates are mostly a 20th century thing, Istanbul boasts some of the most beautiful late 19th century (turn of the century) apartment buildings, some of which are still intact, habitable and full of history. Mostly located around Taksim, Nişantaşı and Kadıköy, these buildings were once among the tallest and most striking buildings in the city. Nowadays, thanks to the boom in real estate investment in Istanbul, these gorgeous architectural treasures are dwarfed by the many residences and towers, which have sprouted all around the city. Nevertheless, if you happen to be in any of the areas above, these beautiful buildings are definitely worth checking out. If you are seriously planning to buy Istanbul property, some of these may even be worth investigating in terms of availability.  

Doğan Apartment, Galata

Built in the 1890s by the Belgian Helberg family, this famous building is still home to local celebrities and a regular location for commercial and music video shoots. Situated on a narrow street that leads to the Galata Tower, it boasts amazing viewing terraces looking towards the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula. In the 1940s, it was sold to famous Turkish businessman Kazım Taşkent, who named it after his son that had tragically died in a skiing accident. 

Rizzo Apartment, Cihangir

Another famous apartment from the 1890s, the building is considered a historical artifact. Built by the Rizzo banking family, it has recently been restored carefully to its original condition. For over 100 years, it has housed many influential families and foreign diplomats. There are also many similar buildings in Cihangir, which has become the favorite neighborhood of expats, who are looking for Istanbul real estate for sale.

Botter Apartment, Taksim

This beautiful building was built during the turn of the century for the famous Dutch fashion designer Jean Botter, who was rumored to be Sultan Abdülhamid’s personal tailor. It is located on İstiklal Street, Istanbul’s most famous street. Considered to be one of the first examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Istanbul, it was built by Raimondo D'Aronco, the most famous architect of his time.

Frej Apartment, Şişhane

Another great example of Art Nouveau/Neo-Baroque architecture, Frej apartment is located in Şişhane square. It was built for Selim Han Frej from Beirut, who was rumored to own nearly half of Şişhane. With gorgeous Golden Horn views, this is another must see building, with its convenient location close to Taksim and Tünel.

Mısır (Egypt) Apartment, Taksim

Another incredible example of Art Nouveau architecture, this is arguably the most famous apartment building in Istanbul. The poet of Turkey’s national anthem, Mehmet Akif Ersoy died in this building. The restaurant at its roof, 360, has one of the most amazing views in the city. It was commissioned to famous architect Hosvep Aznavour in 1905 for the Prince of Egypt Abbas Halim Pacha. It is located on İstiklal Street, close to the Galatasaray square and adjacent to St. Antoine church.

İtalyan (Italian) Apartment, Kadıköy

Built in 1909 by the Italian architects that also built the gorgeous Haydarpaşa Train Station, this apartment is located in Kadıköy, close to the port. The neighborhood of Yeldeğirmeni, where the building resides, has recently become one of the most popular and hip places to live, especially for young people. The recent urban transformation project in Kadıköy area has made it one of the most in-demand zones in terms of properties for sale in Istanbul.