Cengelkoy is a beautiful and historic district located on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. It is a highly sought-after location for real estate investment, thanks to its rich history, stunning views, and convenient location.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider buying an apartment in Cengelkoy:
- Breathtaking views: One of the main draws of Cengelkoy is its stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait, the historic Maiden’s Tower, and the European side of Istanbul. Imagine waking up to these views every morning and enjoying them from the comfort of your own apartment.
- Convenient location: Cengelkoy is well-connected to the rest of Istanbul via several modes of transportation, including ferries, the 1st Bosphorus bridge, and M5 & Marmaray metro.
- Rich history: Cengelkoy is steeped in history, with several landmarks and historic sites that date back centuries. It is walking distance to several Ottoman-era mosques and palaces, including the famous Beylerbeyi Palace, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, as well as several museums and cultural centres.
- Lifestyle: Cengelkoy offers a unique lifestyle that combines the best of modern amenities and historic charm. It has several upscale restaurants, cafes, and shopping centres, as well as several parks and green spaces for outdoor recreation.
- Investment potential: Cengelkoy is a highly sought-after location for real estate investment, with property values steadily increasing over the years. Urban regeneration along the Bosphorus is accelerating, and its low rise zoning restriction ensures supply restrictions – this has a heavy influence on price rises.
Cengelkoy: A Serene Neighborhood in Uskudar
Cengelkoy is a charming neighborhood located in the Uskudar district of Istanbul. This quiet and peaceful area is situated on the Asian side of the city, on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait. With its scenic views, green spaces, and relaxed atmosphere, Cengelkoy is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul’s city center.
History: a rich story dating back to the Byzantines
Cengelkoy has a rich history that dates back to the Byzantine period in the fifth century. It is believed Fatih Sultan Mehmet named the region but there are dozens of theories around its name.
In the Ottoman period, Cengelkoy became a popular destination for wealthy merchants and diplomats, who built luxurious mansions and summer houses in the area. Today, many of these historic buildings have been preserved and restored, adding to the neighborhood’s charm and character. Most notable of these are the Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Kuleli barracks.
What to See and Do
One of the main attractions in Cengelkoy is its stunning waterfront promenade, which offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the European side of Istanbul. The promenade is lined with charming cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or a cup of Turkish tea while taking in the views.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Cengelkoy has several parks and green spaces, including the Kuleli Military High School campus, which is open to the public on weekends. This sprawling campus features beautifully manicured gardens, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
The peaceful district of Çengelköy offers a variety of activities to visitors, including strolling through the charming streets, taking a walk along the waterfront, and enjoying delicious food and drink while taking in the stunning sea views from cafes and restaurants. For fishing enthusiasts, the shores of Çengelköy are especially popular on weekends and sunny days.
There are many quality cafes, fish restaurants, and pastry shops in Çengelköy where visitors can stop for a break. The most popular routine for visitors is to buy pastries from Çengelköy Börekçisi on the beach and enjoy them with tea at Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi right next door.
Çengelköy is famous for its tea gardens, fish restaurants, and pastry shops. The district is also home to several historical and natural attractions, such as the century-old plane trees that surround the streets, the historic Çınaraltı Mosque and Çınaraltı Tea Garden, the Çengelköy Fountain, and the ferry dock. The majestic Sadullah Paşa mansion, which can be seen before arriving at the dock, is also worth visiting.
Walking through the lovely narrow streets up to the hills in Çengelköy is also a great experience. The Küçük Şeyh Nevruz Mosque, the wooden houses, and the mansions lining Havuzbaşı Yokuşu are just a few examples of the district’s charming landmarks.
Other places to visit in Çengelköy include the Aya Yorgi Church and the Aya Pandaleymun Ayazması, which is said to have healing waters. Sevda Hill, which has been featured in many Turkish films, and Kandilli, known for its observatory, are also worth exploring. If you are planning to stay in Çengelköy, the Sumahan-on-the-Water boutique hotel is a great option.
When you visit Çengelköy, the historic Çınaraltı Tea Garden on the main square is a must-see. This place is always crowded with visitors, and you can enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Real Estate
Cengelkoy is a highly desirable neighborhood for those looking to buy property in Istanbul. With its historic mansions, charming apartments, and prime waterfront location, Cengelkoy offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.
The real estate market in Cengelkoy has seen steady growth in recent years, with prices for apartments and villas ranging from moderate to high-end. While prices can be steep, the neighborhood’s prime location and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a quiet and peaceful lifestyle in Istanbul.
The major advantage of Cengelkoy is its emergence from a sleepy Bosphorus town, to a major city centre residential neighbourhood. This is tampered by the strict Bosphorus planning laws, which limits height to three/four floors in most areas, and restricts the footprint of buildings. Much of Cengelkoy are poorly constructed single or double storey buildings from the 1970s-1980s. With the need for earthquake proof homes, these homeowners are cashing in. Smaller parcels of land are combined to allow for more construction space, giving these people a new home for free, whilst giving the builder the motivation of prime real estate in a hugely desirable neighbourhood.
Property in the lower price bracket are generally located in neighbourhoods where this regeneration is at an early phase. Property in the higher price bracket tend to be higher in the hills with Bosphorus views. In all cases, the regions easy access to the primary business zones (one in Levent and the second in Atasehir) makes it hugely attractive for middle class families. Add to this the exceptionally clean air of the neighbourhood, the low density housing, first class private schools, and the result is a melting pot for investors.
