Anadolu Kavağı provides you with a marvellous view of the whole strait and The Black Sea end of the Bosphorus is easily visible from Anadolukavağı.
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Marvellous View of Bosphorus from Anadolu kavagi
You cannot fully appreciate Istanbul without getting to know the Bosphorus. It is the lifeblood of the city. One of the best ways is to stay at a hotel on the shore. But then you will only be a spectator. Make time to experience the smells, sounds and sights of the Bosphorus.
The ideal way to see the İstanbul city is through the municipal ferry from Sirkeci that heads towards the Black Sea. This slow boat through the Bosphorus lets you see every village and building along the shore. The final stop is at Anadolukavagi, which is followed only by Fener and ultimately opens on to the Black Sea, the end of Istanbul.
The municipal ferry to Anadolu Kavagi
As a cool breeze blows on the shady ferry, you gaze as history passes by you. The villas and bays that line the Bosphorus are extremely beautiful. Despite the size of the city, there are still a lot of green areas. Every village that the ferry stops at has its fishermen and fishing boats and people out having picnics or going swimming. Most villages have Ottoman buildings. The scent of grilled fish will whet your appetite.
Anadolukavağı is a small shore village in a valley. The shore is lined with fish restaurants and the residential area is further up the valley. The first thing to do is enjoy a much anticipated meal. Waiters will heckle you to persuade you to come to their restaurant. The prices and quality are all about the same. You just have to decide whether you want to look down at the sea from a terrace or to be right on the water. Isn’t life tough.
Once here, you have to head up the hill to the ruined fortress behind the town. The climb is steep and long but worth it. The quiet air smells of flowers and pine trees as you look down on Istanbul, the Bosphorus and its boats. If you are lucky, you may also see the dolphins that visit these shores. All this walking and fresh air will only make you hungry again.
Strategic Location of Anadolukavagi
You can snack on the blackberries that cover the bushes nearby. The Byzantine Yoros Fortress was later taken by the Genoese and covers a greater area than the other fortresses in Istanbul. You can still see some Greek writing on the interios. Evliya Celebi wrote that a giant chain connecting Anadolukavagi to Rumelikavagi used to cut off the Bosphorus.
Anadolukavagi is the gate to the Balkans and to Russia, making it strategically important both in military and commercial terms. In the past, 300 ships were anchored in its port. As sailors waited for good weather, the shops were open late into the night to satisfy their needs.
Blackberries, Genoese and mussels
Anadolukavagi had plentiful fishing weirs that were closed at the end of the 19th century. The villagers used to support themselves by catching swordfish. You can still see older residents weaving nets. Fishing still supports many families. Until the 1980s, this was a restricted military area, so it feels untouched. Today, we are lucky enough to be able to experience its quaint charm. Wander around the small gift shops and buy some comfortable cotton clothing.
While here, you must also try some mussels. (We don’t recommend that you eat mussels near the Marmara end of Istanbul.) Mussels must be eaten only where the water is clean, and Anadolukavagi’s waters are just that. The special sauce is also delicious. The fish is always fresh and seasonal. In August, young bluefish and sea bass are in season. Young bonito comes out at the end of the month. Horse mackerel is always good. We had fried anchovies. Fish is served with delicious onions. A cheap and fun way to enjoy fish is to order a fish sandwich and eat it while you walk the streets and enjoy a break from Istanbul’s pace.
Helpful hints
| * If you want a quiet trip, go during the week. * In addition to the Municipal Ferries, there is a special boat that leaves from Moda on Saturdays at 19.15. It returns at 00.30. * The Municipal Ferries leave from Sirkeci. Tel: 0212-522 00 45. * Yosun Restaurant is located right next to the pier. You can try many mezes as well as a wide variety of fish. * Doganay Restaurant is also located right on the shore. Tel: 0216-320 20 36. |
