Bebek Bay, Natural bay along the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, Turkey.
Bebek Bay is a natural inlet on the European shore of the Bosphorus with a deep and wide water basin framed by waterfront buildings and houses. The shoreline and the streets behind it form a continuous coastal zone where green spaces alternate with residential structures.
The bay became a preferred location for Ottoman summer residences starting in the 19th century, quickly earning status as a wealthy residential area. This social standing shaped the district and persisted through the following centuries.
The area has long attracted wealthy families and diplomats, as shown by the grand villas and refined houses scattered along the waterfront. The buildings here reflect how different people have made this place their own over time.
The waterfront and promenade are easy to walk along, with the best views from public spaces at the water's edge. To reach the area, use public transport, though access roads can get congested during peak hours.
The Kavafyan Mansion, a wooden structure from the 18th century, sits on a rise overlooking the water and is among Istanbul's oldest surviving houses. Its location provides a special vantage point on the neighborhood's historical development.
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