Kartal, Administrative district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey
Kartal is an administrative district on Istanbul's Asian side that stretches along the Sea of Marmara coastline. The area combines residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and port areas into a sprawling urban region.
In the 9th century, Byzantine Emperor Theophilos built a palace in the Bryas area, influenced by Abbasid architecture. The settlement later became a fishing village before transforming into a modern urban district of Istanbul.
The name Kartal comes from the Turkish word for eagle, reflecting the area's past as a fishing community. Today, modern residential neighborhoods and shopping centers define the landscape, though the connection to the sea remains visible throughout.
The district is well connected by public transportation, including metro lines, ferries, and major highways E5 and E80. Visitors can find several ports from which boats depart to the Princess Islands and other destinations.
The area serves as an important hub for ferry connections to the Princess Islands and the city of Yalova. This role has made it a busy port and transit zone for many travelers.
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