Discover the Samatya 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 Samatya
Located on the coastal road after Yenikapı on city’s European side, Samatya is a historic Greek neighborhood in Istanbul famous for its fish shops, restaurants, taverns, the renowned Develi meat restaurant, and historical structures.
With structures from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, narrow streets, and its preserved historical texture, it offers visitors a journey back in time.
The name Samatya derives from the Greek word “Psamathion,” meaning “sandy.” The neighborhood’s warm atmosphere, community culture, and friendly residents are what make it special.
Throughout its history, Samatya has been a cosmopolitan area where various ethnic groups lived together. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhood’s architecture and cultural fabric.
Samatya’s history extends far beyond that of Istanbul. Excavations for the Marmaray project revealed that the settlement in the area dates back 8,500 years. Samatya resembles a grand museum exhibiting significant structures from every civilization that has passed through Istanbul’s history.
Walking through the streets of Samatya, you can see traces of Armenian, Greek, and Turkish cultures. Historical churches, mosques, and synagogues are among the important structures that reflect the neighborhood’s multicultural past. With its rich historical and cultural texture, Samatya stands as one of Istanbul’s most unique neighborhoods.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
Among the places to visit and see in Istanbul Samatya are Samatya Square, the Fish Museum, beautiful streets with historic houses, Surp Kevork Church, Aya Nikola Church, and Agios Minas Church.
Samatya offers visitors many places to visit and activities to do. One of the most important historical structures in the neighborhood is the Surp Kevork Armenian Church, dating back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest Armenian churches in Istanbul.
Additionally, the Aya Nikola Greek Orthodox Church is another significant religious structure in Samatya, notable for its Byzantine mosaics.
The Samatya Fish Museum, established by local fishermen, displays over 300 species of fish and is located in the fisherman’s shelter on the coastal road. The museum can be visited every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
Istanbul Samatya’s historic Fish Market is one of the most lively and colorful spots in the neighborhood. Here, you can find fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
Furthermore, antique shops and stores selling handmade products in Samatya’s narrow streets offer visitors unique shopping experiences.
In Samatya, you can also walk along the coastal strip, enjoy the unique view of the Marmara Sea, and take photos.
Dining in Samatya
Samatya stands out for its rich food and drink culture. The taverns and restaurants located in the historic streets of the neighborhood offer the best examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. In Samatya, where the tavern culture is preserved, you can enjoy delightful evenings with mezes and fresh seafood.
Additionally, small restaurants located in the side streets of the neighborhood have become favorites for both locals and tourists due to their reasonable prices and delicious meals.
How to Get to Samatya?
There are many alternatives to reach Samatya. You can reach Samatya by taking the train from Sirkeci and getting off at the Kocamustafapaşa stop, or by using bus lines such as Yedikule – Eminönü, Yedikule – Beyazıt, Yedikule – Taksim, Yeşilköy – Eminönü, or Atatürk Airport – Taksim. You can also drive via the Eminönü-Bakırköy coastal road heading towards Yenikapı-Bakırköy.