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Kanlıca, sitting on the Asian side of the Bosporus in Istanbul, is a village known for its delicious yogurt and some of the most beautiful seaside mansions.
The village is a popular stop on the touristic Bosporus cruise offered by Istanbul City Ferry Lines (Şehir Hatları). During Byzantine times, Kanlıca was known as Vorádion (Βοράδιον) or Gláros (Γλάρος).
Yogurt
Kanlıca Yoğurdu is a brand of yogurt that’s been produced since 1893. It’s readily sold on the touristic cruises and at the ferry terminal. What sets it apart from other Turkish yogurts is that it’s eaten with powdered sugar while others are typically eaten with savory foods. It can also be served with jam or honey. The yogurt is a nice little treat and a must try on any touristic Bosporus cruise or a visit to Kanlıca.
Yalı-Spotting
The shores of Kanlıca are lined with fine Ottoman seaside mansions, both modern and historic. Of course, these yalı are best seen from the sea, so it’s recommended to come by ferry or on a touristic Bosporus cruise. I’ve walked along the road and it’s impossible to admire these homes from the street because of the high security fences. As the ferry approaches the terminal, you’ll get the best views of these unique homes.
Yağcı Şefik Bey Mansion
One of the most noticeable seaside mansions is the Yağcı Şefik Bey Mansion (Yağcı Şefik Bey Yalısı), sitting just north of the pier. It was built in 1905 by Yağcı Şefik Bey (d. 1915), an Ottoman merchant. The mansion occupies the site of the Cemile Sultan Mansion (Cemile Sultan Yalısı), which burned down in 1871. It was owned by Cemile Sultan (1843-1915), the daughter of Sultan Abdülmecid I.
The mansion stands out because of the mannequins that have been placed on the fence at the edge of the Bosporus.
Square
The ferry terminal sits on a small square, where you’ll be able to sample the yogurt. You’ll also find plenty of outdoor cafés and restaurants and a tall lighthouse called the Radar Tower (Radar Kulesi).
İskender Pasha Mosque
Also on the square is the İskender Pasha Mosque (İskender Paşa Camii). It’s a lesser work of Mimar Sinan, built in 1559. The tomb of İskender Pasha, an Ottoman military judge, is located in the courtyard
Bosporus
To the north of the village is a walkway right on the edge of the Bosporus. It leads to Çubuklu and is a fantastic place to walk with amazing views across to Europe.
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Kanlıca is through Üsküdar. Take a ferry to Üsküdar and walk to the Üsküdar Cami Önü stop (in front of the mosque across the street from the ferry terminal). Hop on pretty much any bus with a number 15 until you reach the Kanlıca stop. You can also take a dolmuş going to Beykoz and ask the driver to let you out at Kanlıca – it’s much faster than the bus.
If you’re on the European side, there’s a ferry service on the Istanbul City Ferry Lines (İstanbul Şehir Hatları) from either Arnavutköy or Bebek to Kanlıca every few hours throughout the day. Alternatively, you can take an aforementioned touristic Bosporus cruise. Kanlıca is one of two stops on the Asian side.
