Heart of Istanbul: Beyoðlu
 
ISTANBUL - From hunting lodges to five-star hotels, Beyoðlu has changed over the centuries into Istanbul’s most exciting district. While it reflects the modern face of the country, it is also home to many of old traditions that are kept alive despite the onslaught of modernization. One needs to get lost in Beyoðlu to truly learn the district.

There’s a district on the European side of Istanbul that has been the center of excitement almost from the time it was built until today, although no one really knows when it was first inhabited. That is Beyoðlu (son of the lord), a district that is also called Pera (the other side) and Galata (the milk district as its etymology is sometimes said to be). Basically Beyoðlu extends from Taksim Square to Tünel along what is now Ýstiklal Caddesi and for a few streets on either side, but attempts to consolidate and govern various districts around Istanbul meant that Beyoðlu was extended as a municipality down to the Bosphorus on the southeast, along the Golden Horn and north as far as the boundary with Þiþli. But only municipal governments know where one district starts and another ends.

In the beginning, foreigners formed one of the foundations of Beyoðlu by being allocated space in today’s Karaköy to anchor their ships and indulge in whatever activities they wanted to. This led to the building of Galata Tower and fortifications by the Genoese in the mid-14th century. Byzantine emperors undoubtedly thought it best to keep these formidable foreigners out of Constantinople’s old city, though the area had been recognized as part of the city as early as the fifth century A.D., and in an enclave that could be policed if not controlled.

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Spending a day in Beyoðlu
 
ISTANBUL - Sparing just one day to visit Beyoðlu absolutely would not be enough. From its historical building structures to restaurants, passages and bars, the town has much to offer everyone.

Just as it is home to coffee shops such as Gloria Jeans and Starbucks for your morning coffee, it also presents passages that offer you plenty of opportunities to shop at affordable prices. The eccentric atmosphere of these small thrift shops and jewelry stores are so much more inviting and fun than today’s shopping malls. Atlas Pasajý and Aznavur Pasajý are among the most well known passages on Ýstiklal Street.

For bookworms, the Aslýhan Passage, just across from the British Consulate, is the perfect spot to visit, with secondhand books in every language scattered in small shops that cover two floors. As an afternoon snack, do not forget to drop by Balýk Pasajý. Here you can get fried mussels and follow the same path back to Ýstiklal Street.

Once the night settles in and the lights start to shine, you may chose to couple your dinner with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. Fine dinner locations to do so include "5. Kat" in Cihangir and "Leb-i Derya" on the Kumbaracý Yokuþu, nearby the Tunnel area. But always keep in mind that you may have to bear with climbing a few stairs to feast your eye.

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Beyoðlu is very special place in Istanbul.Galata Tower is magnificent.It is very nice to have breakfast Galata Tower`s garden with your lover   And there is a place in Beyoglu:  DezANJ.``Melekler Kahvesi``.You must visit there.