Başakşehir is one of the 39 districts of Istanbul, Turkey. It is located on the European side of the city, north of Beyoğlu and Kurtuluş and west of Arnavutköy and Florya. The district covers an area of 176.5 km2 (68.1 sq mi). The district is still growing and evolving, making it a dynamic and vibrant place to live.
Başakşehir was established as a district in 2008. It is one of the newest and most modern districts of Istanbul. The name "Başakşehir" means "chief city" or "capital city". The district is home to a number of government agencies and ministries, as well as many large companies.
1. What is Başakşehir and what makes it unique?
What makes Başakşehir unique is its combination of old and new. The district is home to several historical landmarks, as well as modern architecture and amenities. This mix of history and modernity makes Başakşehir an interesting and exciting place to explore.
2. How to get around the city?
Başakşehir is easily accessible by public transportation. The Metrobus, an express bus service that runs on dedicated lanes, has a station in Başakşehir. The Metrobus line connects Başakşehir to other districts of Istanbul, making it easy to get around the city.
Several taxis operate in Başakşehir. Taxis are readily available throughout the district and can be hailed from the street or ordered by phone. Uber also operates in Istanbul, making it easy to get around Başakşehir using your smartphone.
3. Places to Visit in Başakşehir
There are several places to visit in Başakşehir, ranging from historical landmarks to museums to parks. Some of the most popular places to visit include:
The Blue Mosque
One of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, the Blue Mosque is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The mosque is open to visitors every day except Friday when it is closed for worship.
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
This museum is located in Sultanahmet Square, in the heart of Istanbul's Old City. The museum houses a collection of over 100,000 artefacts spanning centuries of Turkish and Islamic history.
Küçüksu Park
This park is located on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait in the Üsküdar district. The park is a great place to relax or take a stroll, with stunning views of the strait and surrounding hillsides.
Emirgan Park
Emirgan Park is one of Istanbul's largest parks, covering over 200 acres. The park features a wide variety of trees and flowers and several ponds where visitors can relax or paddleboat.
The Başakşehir Lighthouse
The lighthouse is located on a hill in Başakşehir Lighthouse Park and offers stunning views of the city.
The Başakşehir Waterfall
The waterfall is located in the park and is a popular spot for picnics and photographs.
Mevkii Skyscraper
The skyscraper is located near Atatürk International Airport and is one of the tallest buildings in the district.
4. Things to Do in Başakşehir
In addition to visiting its many sights, there are also plenty of things to do in Başakşehir. From shopping at its many malls and markets, there is something for everyone in this vibrant district.
Some things you can do include:
Shopping
There are many places to shop in Başakşehir, from small local shops selling traditional goods to large malls with international brands. no matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it here.
Kent Meydanı shopping mall
Kent Meydanı is a large shopping mall that features a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.
Akbatı AVM shopping mall
Akbatı AVM is another large shopping mall that offers a variety of shopping and dining options.
Dining
Countless restaurants and cafes cater to all tastes and budgets throughout Başakşehir many offering outdoor seating with views of the Bosphorus or Marmara Sea.
Sports
Başakşehir is home to a number of sports facilities that cater to a variety of different sports. The city has a number of football stadiums, including the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, which is the largest stadium in Turkey. Başakşehir also has a number of basketball arenas, including the Efes Pilsen Arena and the Fenerbahçe Ülker Arena. In addition, the city is home to a number of tennis clubs and facilities, such as the Başakşehir Tennis Club and the Istanbul Cup Tennis Complex. With a wide range of sports facilities, Başakşehir is a great place to live for people who enjoy playing or watching sports.
Arts & Culture
There are also many cultural activities and events taking place throughout the year in Başakşehir harbouring a thriving arts & culture scene. From art galleries and museums to eastern music concerts and traditional Turkish dance performances, there's always something new to see and do.
5. Real Estate in Başakşehir
Başakşehir is one of the most desirable locations in Istanbul for real estate due to its central location and accessible transportation. The municipality has taken great strides to develop the infrastructure and facilities in Başakşehir, which has made it an attractive option for families and businesses alike. In recent years, there has been a boom in construction, with new office towers, shopping malls, and residential complexes springing up all over Başakşehir.
As a result, the demand for real estate in Başakşehir is high and prices are constantly rising. If you're investing in Istanbul real estate, Başakşehir is definitely an area to keep your eye on.
No matter what your interests are, you're sure to get around Başakşehir and find plenty of things to see and do to keep you entertained during your stay. This dynamic and vibrant district offers visitors a unique mix of old and new with something for everyone to see and enjoy!