Arnavutköy, Historic waterfront district in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey.
Arnavutköy is a neighborhood along the Bosphorus on Istanbul's European side, featuring old wooden Ottoman-era houses and narrow lanes that wind down to the waterfront. The buildings range from multi-story timber structures to modern dwellings, while the streets offer sudden views of the sea at many turns.
Sultan Mehmed II brought Albanian craftsmen to this area starting in 1468 to work on construction projects, which led to the establishment of the settlement. These early inhabitants laid the foundation for a community that would maintain its distinct identity for centuries.
The neighborhood's name comes from Albanian craftsmen who settled here starting in the 15th century, and this connection remains visible in its older streets and buildings. The area still feels like a former village, with narrow lanes that tell the story of its early inhabitants.
Bus services regularly connect the area to central Istanbul spots like Taksim and Kabataş, with ferry terminals near the main square offering water-based access. Visitors arriving by car should expect narrow streets and allow time to find parking in this compact neighborhood.
The area was known for growing small, delicate strawberries across about 40 hectares, an agricultural feature that set it apart from other neighborhoods for generations. This farming tradition has faded, but local stories and older residents still remember this distinctive product.
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