What to see and do in Eminonu, the most picturesque neighborhood of Istanbul

The area that extends around the southern end of the Galata Bridge, the side closest to historic and monumental center, is one of the most lively and interesting in Istanbul.

It is impossible to explore this city and not pass through this area several times where one always feels trapped by its monuments and street atmosphere.

This area is known as Eminonu and it is one of the busiest points of all Istanbul.

Here are the piers where do they come from ferries to the Asian side of the city and princes islands, in addition to those that go up to Anadolu Kavagi and become a little Bosphorus cruise.

Crossing the galata bridgeOn the other side we find beyoglu, fashionable neighborhood of istanbul, full of hotels, bars, shops and museums.

En Eminonu There are mosques, markets and the atmosphere around the pier and the tram stop.

The underground passages that link the different sections of this area are a true bazaar, and to all this is added the bustle that forms around the boats moored to the shore that are actually stalls selling mackerel sandwiches, as well as the bars and restaurants. which is at the bottom of the same bridge.

The silhouette of the Suleiman Great Mosque dominates the entire neighborhood, one of the places to enjoy the street entertainment in Istanbul.

Curiosities history of Eminönü in Istanbul

In the times of Byzantine Empire, what is now Eminonu It was an area given over to the italian republics who had obtained commercial concessions since the 10th century.

Venetians, Pisans, Amalfitans and Genoese shared the best places next to the Golden horn, true port of Constantinople.

El Jewish neighborhood was also in this area.

They all participated in the defense of the capital against the Ottoman siege, and now there are hardly any remains of their presence except for some walls around the city. Rüstem Pasha Mosque.

Yeni Cami, New Mosque in Eminönü

The building that dominates this complex is New Mosque, New Mosque.

Only in a city with so much history is it natural to call a mosque built in the 17th century “new.”

Actually it should be called New Mosque of the Sultan's Mother and it is because it replaced a previous one that was in the same place and that had been ordered to be built by the mother of another sultan.

Like the vast majority of imperial mosques, its plane represents a slight variation on that of the great church of Hagia Sophia.

It is one of the largest in the city, and the large number of semi-domes that define its structure form a kind of waterfall.

Likewise, New Mosque It is the center of a complex of religious and philanthropic institutions, such as a hospital, school, baths, fountains, etc., and also of a market whose profits helped finance all these services.

Misir Carsisi Spice Market in Eminönü

El New Mosque market is Misir Carsisi (The Egyptian Market or Cereal, since the word “Egypt” has both meanings), one of the most attractive in Istanbul and the second largest after the Grand Bazaar.

It is normally known as Spice Market o Spice Market, a name that is due to the fact that it previously specialized in medicinal herbs and spices.

It is one of the most popular and picturesque markets in all of Istanbul and another essential visit on any tour of the city.

A curious detail is its design, formed by two corridors that meet at right angles at the ends forming a kind of “L”.

Upon entering, you see that each hallway is flanked by an infinite number of shops, among which there are many shops selling spices, but also sweets, nuts, soaps, fabrics, perfumes, teas, etc.

It is one of the most touristy markets in Istanbul and the shop assistants speak an immense number of languages ​​so it will not be difficult to be understood.

Around the building, the streets are still a lively market where stalls are open and among which there are many food stalls, offering an immense variety of cheeses, olives, tea, nuts, etc.

The strings of peppers, eggplants and dried tomatoes, very common in the turkish gastronomy. The influx of buyers sometimes makes it difficult to move forward.

Although the shops are used to receiving foreign tourists, the majority are still aimed at local customers, and that is why there are also stores selling household goods, hardware stores, clothing, shoes, beads, food and much more, as well as restaurants.

Added to all this are the improvised stalls on the sidewalks, plus the merchandise from the stores that they take outside, making a walk through these streets an exciting and very entertaining tour.

Of all the streets that surround the Spice Market, the most interesting is the one that comes directly from the corner, the point where the two halls of the market meet.

Rüstem Pacha Mosque in Eminönü

Within this street bustle you have to be careful not to pass by in front of one of the treasures of Istanbul, which is a bit hidden.

Among so many merchandise displayed on the street, a gap in a door suddenly appears from which some steps emerge.

When you climb them you reach a kind of terrace where you find, completely oblivious to the bustle outside, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque.

This gem was built by Sinan, the most important Ottoman architect, creator among other works of the Suleiman Great Mosque, and is probably the most beautiful of the small mosques in Istanbul.

The last times we have tried to visit it it was closed for works, but it is highly recommended that we include it among the places to visit in a sightseeing trip to istanbul.

Rüstem Pacha it was twice grand vizier of Sultan Suleiman the MagnificentHe also married his favorite daughter, and eventually became the richest and most powerful man in the empire.

The mosque opens onto a courtyard, unique in the city as it is situated on a terrace, through a double porch, which is also somewhat unusual.

The rent paid by the shops that occupy the ground floor of this structure has been used to cover the expenses of this institution for centuries.

La Rüstem Pasha mosque It is especially famous for its extraordinary tile decoration that covers almost all the walls, which belongs to the period of greatest splendor of the Iznik school, the most famous of the Ottoman Empire.

From this point you can continue walking through these market streets, and if you take the streets that go up the hill, you will end up arriving, depending on the direction you take, to the Grand Bazaar or Suleiman Mosque.

Galata Bridge in Istanbul

Another option is to retrace our steps to go to the galata bridge.

This bridge crosses the Golden horn and connects the historic center with the part known historically as Pear o Galata. In this area, the galata tower It stands out especially on the buildings.

The bridge is used by cars and the tram, but there are also pedestrian crossings and at some point you will have to cross it on foot to enjoy the views and the atmosphere.

The railings of the galata bridge They are usually occupied by fishermen who line up along them, but there is a lower deck bridge where numerous bars and restaurants.

Having a drink at any of them at dusk while the lights turn on, the silhouettes of the mosques are silhouetted against the horizon and the ferries enter and leave the pier is an experience not to be missed.