Ortakoy Istanbul: Mosque, Food and Things to Do

Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge seen from a yacht

Ortakoy is a lively waterfront neighbourhood in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, on the European shore of the Bosphorus. Its symbol is the Ortakoy Mosque, set right on the water beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the most photographed views in the city. Around it are cobbled lanes, cafes, weekend stalls and the kumpir and waffle stands that Ortakoy is famous for.

Locals come here to meet friends, eat by the sea and watch the ships go by. Here is what to see, eat and do in Ortakoy, and how to get there.

Ortakoy's history: a village of many faiths

Ortakoy means "middle village", and for centuries it was one of the Bosphorus villages where Muslim, Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Jewish communities lived side by side. In Ottoman times the shore was lined with the summer palaces and mansions of the elite, including sultans' daughters.

That mixed heritage is still visible: a mosque, a church and a synagogue stand within a few minutes' walk of each other, close to the main square.

Ortakoy Mosque on the Bosphorus waterfront with the Bosphorus Bridge behind

Things to see in Ortakoy

Ortakoy Mosque (Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque)

The official name of the Ortakoy Mosque is the Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque. It was built in the 1850s for Sultan Abdulmecid by architects of the Balyan family, the same family behind Dolmabahce Palace. Its tall windows, light interior and Baroque details make it one of the most elegant mosques in Istanbul.

The mosque is open to visitors outside prayer times. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.

Church of Ayios Fokas and Etz Ahayim Synagogue

A short walk from the square is the Greek Orthodox Church of Ayios Fokas (Saint Phocas), whose community dates back to the Byzantine period, and the Etz Ahayim Synagogue, one of the old synagogues of Istanbul. Both are reminders of Ortakoy's multicultural past.

Damat Ibrahim Pasha fountain

In the square stands an 18th-century fountain built by Damat Ibrahim Pasha, grand vizier and son-in-law of Sultan Ahmed III. It is a fine example of the decorative fountains of the Tulip Era.

Esma Sultan Mansion

On the waterfront near the square, the restored shell of the brick Esma Sultan Mansion is now used as an events venue. It is a good example of how old Bosphorus buildings have been given new life.

Cafes and cobbled lanes near the square in Ortakoy, Istanbul

What to eat and buy in Ortakoy

Ortakoy is best known for its street food. The lane behind the square is lined with stands selling:

Kumpir: a huge baked potato mashed with butter and cheese, then piled with your choice of toppings such as olives, corn, pickles and salads.
Waffles: loaded with fruit, chocolate and nuts.
Kokorec: grilled, spiced lamb intestines in bread, a classic late-night snack for the adventurous.

For more ideas, see our guide to the best Istanbul street foods.

Especially at weekends, the streets around the square fill with stalls selling handmade jewellery, hats, bags, second-hand books and colourful souvenirs. It is a pleasant place to browse rather than a serious shopping destination.

Kumpir and street food stalls in Ortakoy, Istanbul

Things to do in Ortakoy

Sit on the waterfront by the mosque with tea or coffee and watch the ferries and ships.
Eat at one of the seaside restaurants or cafes around the square.
Walk along the shore to the palaces nearby: Ciragan Palace is a few minutes south, and Dolmabahce Palace is further on in Besiktas.
Stay for the evening: in summer the bars and clubs along the Ortakoy and Kurucesme shore make it one of the liveliest nightlife areas in Istanbul.
See Ortakoy from the water, the angle that shows the mosque and bridge at their best.

Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge lit up in the evening

How to get to Ortakoy

There is no metro station in Ortakoy, but it is easy to reach:

By bus: frequent buses run along the coast road from Kabatas and Besiktas, and from Taksim.
On foot: from Besiktas it is a pleasant walk of about 20-25 minutes along the shore, past Ciragan Palace.
By taxi: quick outside rush hour, but the coast road can be slow in the evening.
By boat: Ortakoy is the classic view on any Bosphorus cruise. Private yachts can board nearby at Kurucesme or Besiktas.

To see Ortakoy and the rest of the strait from the water, read our Istanbul Bosphorus guide or plan a private Bosphorus yacht cruise from a pier near you.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ortakoy famous for?

Ortakoy is famous for the Ortakoy Mosque on the water beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, its kumpir and waffle stands, weekend craft stalls and waterfront cafes and nightlife.

What is kumpir?

Kumpir is a large baked potato mashed with butter and cheese and topped with your choice of fillings, such as olives, corn, pickles and salads. Ortakoy is the best-known place in Istanbul to eat it.

Can tourists visit the Ortakoy Mosque?

Yes, outside prayer times. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and women should cover their hair with a scarf.

How do I get to Ortakoy from Taksim or Sultanahmet?

Buses run to Ortakoy along the coast road from Kabatas, Besiktas and Taksim. From Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Kabatas and continue by bus or taxi.

Is Ortakoy worth visiting in the evening?

Yes. The mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge are lit up at night, and the cafes, restaurants and bars along the shore stay busy late, especially in summer.

See the Bosphorus on your own yacht

A private yacht cruise with captain and crew, only for your group: sunset, dinner or a full day on the strait. Book directly with a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul operator.

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Ortakoy in Istanbul: Mosque, Kumpir and Things to Do