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Fenerbahçe is one of the most pleasant neighborhoods in Istanbul. It’s an upscale area located on the Asian side in the Kadıköy district.
Introduction to Fenerbahçe
Fenerbahçe translates to Lighthouse Garden, in reference to a historic lighthouse built in 1562. The neighborhood gives its name to the Fenerbahçe Sports Club. Within Fenerbahçe is the upscale Kalamış neighborhood, which takes its name from the Greek word kalami (καλάμι) meaning reed. It’s known for two marinas that collectively make up the biggest marina in Turkey. They have a combined capacity of over 1,100 boats.
Kalamış Atatürk Park
I started my exploration of the area at Kalamış Atatürk Park (Kalamış Atatürk Parkı). It’s a nice green space next to Kalamış Marina.
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina
Across the street from the marina is the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina. This beautiful building is one of the best hotels in Istanbul, featuring 210 rooms, 8 restaurants, a spa, 3 swimming pools, a fitness center, 16 meeting rooms, and 2 ballrooms.
Sadun and Oda Boro Statue
A statue of Sadun and Oda Boro sits at the next intersection south of the hotel. Sadun Boro (1928-2015) was the first Turkish amateur sailor to circumnavigate the globe. He set off with his German-born wife, Oda, on August 22, 1965, and returned to Istanbul on June 15, 1968. It took them 1,028 days. Bora grew up in in the Caddebostan neighborhood of Kadıköy.
St. John Chrysostom Greek Orthodox Church
Near the statue is the St. John Chrysostom Greek Orthodox Church (Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου / Ayios İoannis Hrisostomos Rum Kilisesi). It was originally built in 1875 over the foundations of an early Byzantine church that stood there until 1555. The church was consecrated in 1876 by Metropolitan Kallinikos of Chalcedon.
Kalamış Historic Pavilion
Walking further south towards Fener Kalamış Street is the Kalamış Historic Pavilion (Kalamış Tarihi Köşk). I can’t find any information about this large wooden mansion sitting behind a stone wall.
Fenerbahçe Mosque
Across the street is the Fenerbahçe Mosque (Fenerbahçe Camii). It was built in 1986 on the site of a mansion confiscated from a minority Greek forced to flee the country in 1964.
St. Augustine Catholic Church
A block east of the mosque is St. Augustine Catholic Church. It was built by the French community in 1892. In order to pay its expenses, the church has been leasing its land to the Dalyan Club (Dalyan Kulübü) since 1983. The church isn’t visible from the road. Click here to see photos of the interior.
Jean Botter Pavilion
Back along Fener Kalamış Street is the Jean Botter Pavilion (Jean Botter Köşkü). It was one of four mansions built in the neighborhood for Jean Botter, the personal tailor of Sultan Abdülhamid II. The construction date is unknown, but the architect for all four mansions was Raimondo D’Aronco (1857-1932). Botter had them built as summer homes for himself and his three daughters, Louisa, Marie, and Josephine. His winter home was on Istiklal Street.
Fenerbahçe Yacht Marina
Across the street is the Fenerbahçe Yacht Marina (Fenerbahçe Yat Limanı). It’s lined by cafés and restaurants and is a pleasant place to relax. The marina is especially scenic at sunset.
Küçük Hanımefendi Sculpture
Next to the marina is the Küçük Hanımefendi sculpture (Küçük Hanımefendi Heykeli). It’s dedicated to the famous 1961 Turkish film Küçük Hanımefendi (Little Lady).
Fenerbahçe Park
Finally, at the southern end of Kalamış is Fenerbahçe Park (Fenerbahçe Parkı). The park is an island accessible by a bridge. It’s one of the biggest parks on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. There’s no admission and the park is open 24 hours a day.
The park is named after a lighthouse built in 1562. It contains walking and cycling paths, picnic tables, and a playground. There are also seaside cafés with some great views of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands. They’re very popular with locals, especially on weekends.
