Getting lost in the streets of Istanbul is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city. Beyond its historic monuments, Istanbul is filled with old apartment buildings, passages and architectural details that make you stop and think, “I wish I lived here.”
We have selected five historic apartment buildings, each with a distinctive story and an important place in Istanbul’s architectural history.
Ragip Paşa Apartment in Taksim
One of the wealthiest statesmen of the reign of Abdulhamid II was Sarica Ragip Pasha of Euboea. He was also associated with three of Beyoğlu’s famous passages: the Anatolian Passage, African Passage and Rumeli Passage, as well as the Ragip Paşa Apartment on İstiklal Street.
Commissioned in the early 1900s, this five-storey historic apartment building was designed in the Art Nouveau style. Architect Aram Karakaş introduced an unusual level of visual variety to the façade: the windows on each floor are different and feature distinctive geometric decoration.
Egypt Apartment (Mısır Apartmanı) in Galatasaray
The Egyptian influence can be seen in many parts of Istanbul, but it is particularly striking in the famous Mısır Apartmanı in Galatasaray.
Built between 1905 and 1910 and designed by architect Hovsep Aznavuryan, the building was commissioned by Abbas Halim Pasha, brother of Grand Vizier Said Halim Pasha.
The apartment later became associated with several important figures in Turkish cultural and political history. Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the poet who wrote the Turkish national anthem, lived and died here. The building was also connected with Sami Günzberg, dentist to Atatürk.
Today, Mısır Apartmanı remains one of Beyoğlu’s most distinctive historic buildings. Its upper floors and terrace provide wide panoramic views across Istanbul.
Dogan Apartments in Galata
Dogan Apartments is located on Serdar-ı Ekrem Street, one of the best-known historic streets in the Galata and Şişhane area.
The building was constructed for Belgian merchant and banker Albert Helbig between 1892 and 1894 and was designed by architect Raymondo D’Aronco.
With its 52 apartments, large internal courtyard and elevated terrace overlooking Istanbul, the building is one of Galata’s most recognisable residential landmarks.
The name Dogan Apartment comes from Dogan, the son of Kazim Tashkent, whose family acquired the building in the 20th century. Today, the apartment remains a major architectural attraction along Serdar-ı Ekrem Street.
Camondo Apartment in Galata
Camondo Apartment is closely connected with the history of the Camondo family, a prominent Sephardic Jewish banking family responsible for several important buildings and public works in Istanbul.
The family’s architectural legacy remains visible throughout Galata, most famously in the Camondo Stairs. Members of the family later left Istanbul for Paris, and several members of the family were deported and murdered during the Holocaust.
The exact construction date and architect of Camondo Apartment are not known with certainty. However, the building is associated with several notable residents, including architect Gabriel Tedeschi, dentist Hantz von der Heyde and Turkish artist Abidin Dino.
The nearby Camondo Stairs were constructed to create a more convenient route between the family’s residences and the banking district around Bankalar Caddesi, formerly known as Voyvoda Street.
Hidivyal Palas in Şişhane
While many historic apartment buildings in Beyoğlu have been converted into hotels, Hıdivyal Palas followed the opposite path.
The building originally opened in 1841 as one of Istanbul’s luxury hotels under the name Hotel d’Angleterre. It later changed ownership and operated under names including Egypt Hotel and Hıdiv Hotel.
The hotel became known for prominent guests, including French writer Pierre Loti and other notable visitors of the period. Its restaurant was also associated with European-style dining and an extensive wine collection.
Today, the historic building continues to form part of the architectural character of Şişhane and Beyoğlu.
Inspired by “Istanbul Flaneur”.
