Kuzguncuk, Historic neighborhood on the Asian shore of Bosphorus, Turkey.
Kuzguncuk is a neighborhood on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus featuring traditional wooden houses painted in different colors and narrow streets with local shops. The main street, İcadiye, runs through the area and hosts many cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and small shops that keep the traditional commercial character alive.
The neighborhood developed from a fishing village into a multicultural settlement when Jews from Spain and Portugal arrived in the late 15th century. This migration brought prosperity and diversity that shaped the area for centuries.
Several religious buildings stand close together here: the Beth Ya'akov Synagogue, the Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church, and the Üryanizade Mosque. This arrangement reflects the religious diversity that continues to shape the neighborhood.
The area is easy to explore on foot since the streets are narrow and manageable with most places close together. Visit in the early morning or evening when streets are quieter and you can enjoy the shops and cafes in a more relaxed setting.
The neighborhood has no police station because crime rates have stayed consistently low. This reflects the strong community bonds that hold residents together.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
