Turkish Property Port

A Whistle-stop Tour of Şişli

Architecture and History In Şişli

While Şişli is not off the beaten track it is not the most visited tourist area. That is not to say it does not have an interesting history or places to visit. On a trip to Şişli take note of the architecture of the area; it depicts a mosaic of buildings that reflect the life and times of this interesting district. The older buildings display a neo baroque style popular in the late Ottoman years. The House of Atatürk on Halaskargazi Street, being one example, this lovely pink building is now a museum depicting the life and times of the Turkish Republics founding father.
For more modern architecture, in the Mecidiyeköy district of Şişli you will find the highly distinctive Trump Towers Istanbul, the first Trump building in Europe. Built in 1922, the Maçka Palas, now the 5* Park Hyatt Hotel, designed by the Italian architect Guilio Mongeri, this lovely building has been home to president, a novelist, a poet and a Galatasaray goalkeeper!

Teşvikiye Mosque and Ilhamur Palace (Ihlamur Kasrı) are two lovely structures to visit. The mosque is well known for its neo baroque architecture that also includes some European styling, built by Sultan Abdülmecit the white stone columns at the entrance are unique to the district. The Imperial Palace was once home to the Ottoman rulers but is now a public museum, built as two mansions both giving interesting perspectives on the lifestyle of the Ottoman they are surrounded by linden (ilhamur) trees and the grounds themselves a very pleasant place to visit

No visit to Şişli would be complete without dropping in on the Istanbul Military Museum (Askerî Müze). Located in Harbiye, where the Ottoman Imperial Military Academy was based it houses over 9,000 exhibits depicting 1,000 years of Turkish military history. This is a fascinating and educational place to visit and if you plan your trip to coincide with the military band playing in the afternoons – musical.

Built in 1846, the baroque style St Esprit Cathedral is the second largest Catholic church in Istanbul. This exquisite church holds masses at a weekend and a chance to view the magnificent art and architecture whilst enjoying the peacefulness within.

A Little More Modern

Cevahir Shopping Mall Istanbul

What is more modern than a shopping mall? Istanbul Cevahir is the largest in Europe and holds the second largest clock in the world in its roof. International and local brands can be found here alongside 12 cinemas and a host of food and fine dining outlets. Slightly smaller but no less interesting is the Kanyon Shopping Mall, built to reflect nature and with a modern construction bringing the outside in it is a delight to shop there.

Maçka Park, take a lovely break from hustle and bustle of a city here. This green valley with its winding pathways and carefully maintained nature is a pleasant place for strolling and relaxing. It is here you will find the Maçka Gondola (Maçka-Taşkışla Teleferiği) an aerial cable car connecting Maçka to Taksim, certainly a scenic way to travel!
These are just a taste of what the District of Şişli can offer, this sprawling urban area has a lot to offer and should is certainly worth a visit.