Bebek shore and the century-old Bebek Mosque is the one of the most valuable sightseeings in Bosphorus.
Bebek is one of the Istanbul’s most elite, most modern, most luxurious and most peaceful neighbourhoods. Unusually for Istanbul, it still has many green groves. These rare oases make living in Bebek a real privilege.
The roads of the Bosphorus
The shore road from Taksim via Besiktas, Ortakoy and Kurucesme brings you to the quiet cove of Arnavutkoy. The shore is lined with boats and cafes. The next bay after that is Bebek. Apartments in these shoreline neighbourhoods with their Bosphorus views are highly sought after and very expensive.
Most large cities have segregated pockets of communities defined by the culture or religion of their residents. On the whole, movement and interaction between them is very limited. Think Queens and the Upper West Side or The East End and Kensington. However, this is not the case in Istanbul. This social fluidity is most obvious on İstiklal Caddesi when people from the suburbs come to wander on the weekends. Shell shocked immigrants from Anatolian villages who have been flocking to Istanbul since the 1960s mix freely with tourists from around the world.
Many areas of Istanbul are just as ‘cosmopolitan’ in their mix of culture, class and creed. But Bebek has a more rarefied air. If suburbanites want a day on the Bosphorus, they usually prefer Sariyer or Rumelikavagi. But Bebek has its own delights, like Istanbul’s smallest ice cream store: the aptly named ‘Mini Dondurma’.
İstanbul Bebek Means Baby face
In pre-Christian times, the area was known as Chilai or Skallai, meaning pier. The word “bebek” means baby. According to Evliya Celebi, this was the nickname of a baby-faced government official who was stationed here. Bebek’s interior is residential and quiet, but the shore is lined with entertainment options. Shops, grocery stores, bookstores. The most famous store is the Bebek Badem Ezmecisi that sells almond marzipan. Although you can buy pretty much the same quality marzipan in other stores in Istanbul, Bebek’s genteel air has rubbed off on this establishment, making it extremely successful.
McDonalds and spinach borek
Bebek is also famous for its small art galleries, antique shops and the Bebek Kahve located behind the McDonalds on the shore.
Until a few years ago, there was no McDonalds here sadly, the Ozsut Patisserie and its fantastic pastries is no more. You used to buy your borek and a newspaper, and then sit over a coffee for hours in the café. The Patisserie felt as permanent as the pier or the mosque next to the café. But even Bebek can’t stop the horrors of globalisation. Thankfully, you can still find spinach börek at the Bebek Kahve. And the clientele is still as rich, beautiful and casual as ever. The top section of Bebek has amazing views of the Bosphorus. You can also see the orphanage, Greek Orthodox church and Catholic church. The prestigious Bogazici (Bosphorus) University is located between Bebek and Rumeli Hisarı. The world-famous Robert College, now a high school, is also here. Many important academicians, writers and businessman have come out of these two schools. Orhan Pamuk is perhaps the best known. The neo-classical Egyptian Consulate, Asiyan Musuem, excellent grocers and butchers, small boutiques, yachts, olive oil store, the famous Bebek Bar, the adorable police station and the luxurious homes and gardens make Bebek the unique place it is. Many diplomats and foreign businesspeople live here. Bebek defines luxury’ it is beautiful and without purpose.
Helpfull hints…
* The Bebek Hotel bar has a truly remarkable view. Perfect for a drink or for something to eat. Cevdetpaşa Cad. No: 34. Tel: 0212-358 20 00.
* Turku sells Anatolian handwork. You can find unusual pieces here. Cevdetpasa Cad. No: 226. Tel: 0212-265 29 91.
* Laleli is an elegant olive oil boutique. You can find soap and special vinegar. The cold press olive oil has very little acidity. Cevdetpasa Cad. No: 97/A. Tel: 0212-265 66 17.
* Dunya Aktuel Bookstore has many international newspapers and magazines to choose from before going to the Bebek Kahve.