Through the centuries, these places have preserved traces of various cultures. Byzantine emperors once lived here, and later various religious communities. Today, Yedikule and Samatya delight visitors with their authenticity: narrow streets, old houses, shops, and traditional cafes where locals enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee and leisurely conversations. These neighborhoods are also famous for meyhanes—Turkish taverns with a rich gastronomic heritage.
One of the outstanding attractions of Yedikule is the fortress known as the "Seven Towers," built in the 5th century during the Eastern Roman Empire to protect the city. During the Ottoman Empire, it was significantly expanded. The Golden Gate, through which emperors ceremoniously entered after successful military campaigns, draws particular attention in the fortress.
Today, tourists have the opportunity to explore the fortress towers, dungeons, armory, and treasury, as well as stroll through the passages between the towers and admire panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara and the Historical Peninsula itself.
As you move towards Samatya, you can discover many architectural monuments, including the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, belonging to the Roman Orthodox community. Nearby are the ruins of the Studios Monastery, which was later transformed into the Imrahor Mosque, vividly illustrating the layered Byzantine-Ottoman heritage of the region.
Samatya greets its guests with a historic square familiar to many from popular Turkish TV series. Here, the warm and friendly atmosphere of old Istanbul prevails. The streets are filled with second-hand bookstores, cafes, restaurants, and patisseries, nestled alongside historic wooden houses, many of which have been restored and turned into cozy establishments.
You can also find important religious monuments here, such as the Armenian Church of Surp Kevork, one of the oldest Armenian churches in Istanbul, and the Church of Saint Memas. These buildings reflect the diversity of the cultural history of the area.
Once a small fishing settlement on the coast, Samatya is now known for its gastronomic culture. Local meyhanes offer fresh fish, traditional rakı, and a variety of mezes, among which the popular dish topik—a chickpea paste with caramelized onions—as well as fish börek.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Greek Balıklı Hospital, where the Church of Ayia Charalambos is located in the garden, built in the 18th century for patients and staff. It is dedicated to Saint Charalambos, who is considered a protector against epidemics in the Orthodox tradition. This church symbolizes the spiritual support of the hospital, founded during the plague, and continues to be a place of hope and comfort for the faithful.
