Beyoglú

Beyoğlu is a district of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European side of the city and separated from the old town (historic peninsula of Constantinople) by the Golden Horn. In the Middle Ages, it was known as Pera ("the other side "), a name that was used until the early twentieth century, with the founding of the Republic. It has a population of 245,064 inhabitants (2008). The district encompasses other neighborhoods located north of the Golden Horn, including Galata, Karaköy, Cihangir, Şişhane, Tepebaşı, Tarlabaşı, Dolapdere and Kasımpaşa. Beyoğlu is the artistic, leisure and nightlife capital of Istanbul.

Beyoglu is the name of the modern district of Istanbul. This area is full of shops, restaurants, and bars. Beyoglu sows you the Western face of the city. At night the main street, Istiklal Cadesi, becomes a bustling artery in which to enjoy its many terraces and street performances. The bars and pubs in the area are open until the wee hours of the morning, and there are places where you can eat that are open twenty-four hours a day. For those of you who want to spend fun nights partying until dawn, Beyoğlu is the most recommended district for you.

In the alleys that are around Taksim Square in Istanbul's most modern area, one can still find places as magical as this small courtyard, which shows the ancient face of Istanbul. They say that it once was a meeting place for travelers, diplomats and spies, who visited Istanbul for decades, from Hemingway to Mata Hari, Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot.