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.
Jump To
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.