Discover the Cankurtaran neighborhood of Istanbul with our local guide. We’ll explore the secrets of this beautiful neighborhood of Fatih along the coastal road to Yesilkoy, historical peninsula, including the best things to do, attractions, historical sites, places to see, eat, drink, stay, restaurants, and give you all the info you need to plan your visit.
About Cankurtaran
Cankurtaran is one of the historic and tourist neighborhoods on the Marmara Sea coast of the historic peninsula, located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia on the coastal road on the European side of Istanbul. Overlooking the Marmara Sea, Cankurtaran invites you to a journey through time with its historic streets and buildings that still preserve the texture of old Istanbul. While walking through the narrow and winding streets of the neighborhood, you can see elegant examples of Ottoman architecture on one hand and feel the traces of modern life on the other.
Cankurtaran offers a peaceful and serene living space for both locals and tourists. As you walk through the streets of the neighborhood at any time of the day, you can breathe in the special atmosphere where history and modernity blend together. The coastal strip of the neighborhood is ideal for morning walks and pleasant evening strolls.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
Cankurtaran, with its historical texture, beautiful streets of old wooden houses, hotels, squares, and lively atmosphere, is one of the neighborhoods where you can experience the air of old Istanbul. Among the places to visit in Cankurtaran, the Dede Efendi Museum, dedicated to one of the greatest composers of Turkish classical music, the Ishak Pasha Mosque, and the coastal walls stand out.
Cankurtaran Park, located on the coast part of the neighborhood and within walking distance to Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the unique view of the Marmara Sea.
One of the most striking points of Cankurtaran is the historic Istanbul Walls. These walls, dating back to the Byzantine period, are among the structures that were an important part of Istanbul’s defense system.
Ahırkapı Lighthouse
Ahırkapı Lighthouse is an important maritime structure located at the entrance of the Bosphorus on the historic peninsula of Istanbul. Built in 1755 during the Ottoman Empire, the lighthouse, with its 36 meters height, is one of the significant landmarks of Istanbul.
Erol Taş Café
Located in the center of Cankurtaran Square, Erol Taş Café is a venue that reflects the historical and cultural richness of the neighborhood and is named after the famous Turkish film actor Erol Taş. Known for his villain roles in cinema, Erol Taş was known in real life for his friendly and hospitable personality. Erol Taş Café operates to keep the memory of the actor alive and offer visitors a nostalgic atmosphere.
With its wooden tables, old movie posters on the walls, and warm atmosphere, Erol Taş Café provides a cozy and enjoyable environment for visitors.
Old French Prison
The Old French Prison is an interesting structure that bears witness to Istanbul’s history. Built in the 19th century, this prison was used by the French during the Ottoman Empire. Today, it has become a place of interest for visitors with its historical structure and intriguing past.
Boukoleon Palace
Boukoleon Palace is a significant structure from the Byzantine period of Istanbul. Located on the shores of the Marmara Sea, it is a palace that witnessed the glorious days of the Byzantine Empire, built in the 5th century AD. The remnants of the palace showcase the wealth and architectural skills of the Byzantine period.
The walls and sea view next to the palace offer visitors both historical and natural beauties simultaneously.
Little Hagia Sophia
Little Hagia Sophia is an important area located near Sultanahmet. It is named after the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, a historical landmark in the region. The mosque was built as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus during the Byzantine period and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period.
Little Hagia Sophia is also renowned for its historical and cultural richness. With its narrow streets, old houses, and historical texture, it sheds light on Istanbul’s past. It is a region preferred by both tourists and locals, offering a rich experience in terms of history and architecture.
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Built by Mimar Sinan in 1557, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque is located in the Little Hagia Sophia neighborhood, dominating the historic peninsula. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from Sultanahmet Square towards the sea.
How to Get to Cankurtaran?
There are many alternatives to reach Cankurtaran. You can reach Cankurtaran by train from Sirkeci by getting off at the Cankurtaran stop or by private car via the Eminönü-Bakırköy coastal road, heading towards Yenikapı-Bakırköy.
Those who prefer to walk can reach Cankurtaran on foot from Sultanahmet.