besme@esme.org   

Bagdat Caddesi

Where the Heart of Modern Istanbul Beats

Bagdat Avenue (Bagdat Caddesi) is one of the most popular locations for Istanbul's lifestyle and cultural life. The street lies between Kadikoy and Bostanci (Asian part of Istanbul). This area is one of the most prosperous districts of Istanbul and also Turkey. The locals often call it "Cadde" (which means "street" or "avenue" in Turkish).

Besides hosting the most popular shops, there are also lots of popular restaurants, bars, cafes and cultural interest points all around the vicinity.

Today there are countless modern shopping malls all around the city, which are almost always tasteless and claustrophobic. But shopping and walking around Bagdat Caddesi, has always been and still is absolute enjoyment. I've been living around "Cadde" till 1983, and I always find another interesting detail each time I go out on the street.

Bagdat Caddesi - A lively Sunday afternoon at Saskinbakkal

Bagdat Caddesi

A lively Sunday afternoon at Saskinbakkal

The Oldest Shops on The Street

Divan Pub

Divan Pub

One of the oldest places on the street

Unfortunately, Bagdat Avenue is not a place that keeps the old values for a long time. There's a great amount of circulation in small businesses and shops on the street. It's very hard to find a shop older than 20 years because of the ridiculously high rental values.

One example of the traditional places on the street is Divan Pub. Divan Pub belongs to Koc Group, which also runs many businesses including automotive, electronics, and home appliances (such as Beko). So I think they can keep this location for a long time.

And there are some textile and fashion shops such as Desa, Misirli, Hayko, Erol. I hope they can survive the high rents and serve us for a long time.


Bagdat Avenue in History

BagdatAvenue around 1940s. You can notice the tram on the street.

Around 1940s

You can notice the tram on the street.

Bostanci port around 1960s.

Bostanci port

around 1960s

Goztepe train station around 1960s

Goztepe train station

around 1960s

Bostanci train station around 1950s

Bostanci train station

around 1950s

Suadiye public beach around 1940s

Suadiye public beach

around 1940s

  About Me
Bilgin Esme

My name is Bilgin Esme.

I'm running this site to share what I've learned from life and give as much contribution as possible.

Click here for more info : About Me

  Recent Images
Galaxy Quest - Never giver up, never surrender! Ghost Busters - Legends are forever Movies I Like to Watch - While I'm coding
Rules of Monopoly - and the bitter truth about life When I Compare Myself ... - from Zen Pencils
  Contact Me
  Bilgin Esme

Istanbul TURKEY

Mail : besme@esme.org
Active Hours : 10:00 - 19:00 GMT+2