Çukurcuma

Çukurcuma is a neighborhood of steep streets lined with hundreds of antique shops, galleries, and vintage stores in 19th-century buildings. These structures retain the architectural style of the Ottoman period and create narrow passages that define the area's character.

The area received its name when Sultan Mehmed established Friday prayers in this valley following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Over centuries, it transformed from a prayer ground into a residential area and eventually became a center for antique dealers and craftspeople.

The neighborhood draws collectors and curious visitors who search through shops filled with objects from different eras and cultures. Walking through its streets feels like moving through layers of Istanbul's past and daily traditions.

The neighborhood sits southeast of İstiklal Avenue and is easily reached by tram and bus from Taksim Square and other parts of Istanbul. The steep streets require a leisurely pace, so wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time to explore the many shops at a relaxed rhythm.

The Museum of Innocence, inspired by Orhan Pamuk's novel, is housed within a building in the neighborhood and displays everyday objects from Istanbul's past. The collection blends fictional and real items in a way that challenges visitors to question the boundary between fiction and reality.