Last updated on December 19, 2023.

The Üsküdar seaside is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery of Istanbul. The path sits the west of Üsküdar Square along the Bosporus.

 

Tea Time

First, if you’re looking for a place to sit and have a tea or coffee before walking along the seaside promenade, there are a few small, simple places between the Şemsi Pasha Mosque and the lighthouse. They also have free wifi.

 

Monuments

You’ll also see two monuments near the lighthouse with the numbers 1453 and 1923. Those are significant dates in Turkish history. 1453 marks the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople while 1923 marks the founding of the Turkish Republic.

1453 monument in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
1453 monument
1923 monument in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
1923 monument

 

Promenade

Along the seaside promenade, you’ll notice a lot of fishermen. This is a common scene all up and down the Bosporus. There’s something idyllic about patiently waiting for a nibble while looking across to another continent as a ferry shuffles past.

Fishermen in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Fishermen
Fishermen in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Fishermen

As you walk along the Üsküdar seaside dodging fishing poles and the occasional bicycle, you can’t help but notice the breathtaking views of the Bosporus across to the European side. Several important landmarks and areas can easily be spotted.

Looking towards the European side in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Looking towards the European side
Dolmabahçe Palace
View of the old city

 

Maiden’s Tower

A few minutes further down the promenade, there are some more nice places to kill time or have a bite to eat overlooking Maiden’s Tower. On the steps next to the ticket booth for boats to Maiden’s Tower, there are tables serving nargile, tea (çay), and Turkish coffee (Türk kahvesi). It can get crowded and service can be slow on a Sunday, but it’s a great setting right on the Bosporus. (Note: during my last visit as of July 2023, I noticed the steps were a construction zone. I’ll find out if the tea spots will reopen or not.)

Nargile and çay spot in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Nargile and çay spot

 

Ayazma Mosque

Standing on a hill proudly above the Bosporus is the Ayazma Mosque (Ayazma Camii). It was built by Sultan Mustafa III between 1758 and 1760 in memory of his mother, Mihrişah Kadın (d. 1732), and his brother, Şehzade Süleyman. The architect was Mehmed Tahir Ağa (d. 1788).

Looking at the Ayazma Mosque from the Bosporus
Looking at the Ayazma Mosque from the Bosporus
Ayazma Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Ayazma Mosque

I like the peaceful garden surrounding the mosque and its elaborate stone work, but I have never been fortunate enough to enter. It was either closed or undergoing a much needed renovation. Keep an eye out for the birdhouses built into the mosque’s façade.

Ayazma Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Ayazma Mosque
Birdhouse

 

Ottoman Homes

In the streets around the Ayazma Mosque, it’s possible to encounter several old wooden Ottoman home. Some are run down and in need of repair while others have been nicely restored.

Ottoman home in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Ottoman home
Restored Ottoman home
Restored Ottoman home
Ottoman home

 

Ayşe Sultan Fountain

A few blocks inland from the Ayazma Mosque is the Ayşe Sultan Fountain (Ayşe Sultan Çeşmesi). It was built in 1598 and was made of solid marble. Sorry for the shadows in the photo.

Ayşe Sultan Fountain

 

Kaptan Pasha Mosque

Finally, also a few blocks inland from the Ayazma Mosque is the Kaptan Pasha Mosque (Kaptan Paşa Camii), built in 1499. I haven’t been able to enter.

Entrance to the Kaptan Pasha Mosque
Kaptan Pasha Mosque
Kaptan Pasha Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Kaptan Pasha Mosque
Dome

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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