Living in Istanbul, which is unique in the world and spread over two continents, decorates the dreams of thousands of people. One of the questions that haunt everyone who decides to live in Istanbul or who wants to buy an apartment in Istanbul is “Which side should I buy an apartment from, Europe or Asia?”. Of course, it is not possible for everyone to have a clear answer. Both sides have a unique cultural texture and a lifestyle created by people. The answer to this question varies according to the expectations, lifestyle, budget and wishes of those who want to live or invest in Istanbul. In this article, we will talk about the similarities, lifestyles, and differences between the European and Asian Sides of Istanbul. If you are ready, let’s start with the European Side!
European Side of Istanbul
The European Side of Istanbul (Rumelian Side) is the territory on the European continent. European Side districts are Arnavutkoy, Avcilar, Bagcilar, Bahcelievler, Bakirkoy, Basaksehir, Bayrampasa, Besiktas, Beylikduzu, Beyoglu, Buyukcekmece, Catalca, Esenler, Esenyurt, Eyupsultan, Fatih, Gaziosmanpasa, Gungoren, Kagithane, Kucukcekmece, Sariyer, Silivri, Sultangazi, Sisli, and Zeytinburnu.
Districts on the European side of Istanbul such as Besiktas, Sisli, Beyoglu, Fatih, Bakirkoy, Kagithane, Zeytinburnu, and Sariyer are highly developed districts in terms of business and life. Especially, districts such as Besiktas, Sariyer and Sisli are referred to as the places where the heart of Istanbul’s business life beats today; districts such as Kucukcekmece and Bagcilar are referred to as places that will become business and life centers in the future.
In addition to these districts, with the newly built Istanbul Airport in Arnavutkoy and the Istanbul Canal Project that will pass through this line, its districts such as Basaksehir and Arnavutkoy are expected to gain great value and these districts offer profitable investment opportunities to investors.
Most of the historical and touristic places to visit in Istanbul (Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Eminonu, Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street) are located on the European Side. Of course, there are many cafes and restaurants near these historical and tourist places. The European Side of Istanbul will be an ideal choice for those who like to visit the bustling city life and tourist attractions.
The European side of Istanbul is also fairly crowded in terms of population compared to the Asian side. While this crowded population is ideal for those who are considering starting a business here, the Asian Side will be more suitable for those who want a quiet and calm life.
Although the green areas and forests on the European side are less compared to the Asian side, there are Belgrad Forests, one of the most beautiful forests of Istanbul, on this side. On the European side, apart from the Belgrad Forest, there are parks and forests such as Cilingoz Nature Park, Samlar Nature Park, Gokturk Pond Nature Park, and Emirgan Grove.
The nightlife of the European side is much more active than on the Asian side and has more social opportunities such as universities and shopping centers. Job opportunities for job seekers and employment opportunities for business start-ups are much higher.
Housing investments on the European side are much higher. This means that the European Side has more options for real estate investment in Istanbul. So, the construction here is much newer and more extensive. Transport facilities are more developed, traffic density and noise are higher.
On the European side, people of various nationalities, races and religions live together from all over the world. This multicultural mixed structure is less on the Asian side, mostly Turks live there.
Asian Side of Istanbul
The Asian Side (Anatolian Side) of Istanbul is the territory on the Asian continent. Asian Side districts are Adalar, Atasehir, Beykoz, Cekmekoy, Kadikoy, Kartal, Maltepe, Pendik, Sancaktepe, Sultanbeyli, Sile, Tuzla, Umraniye, and Uskudar.
Districts on the Asian side of Istanbul, such as Kadikoy, Atasehir and Uskudar, are highly developed districts in terms of business and life. Especially Kadikoy is one of the most preferred districts of Istanbul for life. On the other hand, Beykoz and Cekmekoy are the districts preferred by people in the upper-income group, where villas and detached houses are generally located. Atasehir, as the finance center of Istanbul and even Turkey, is a district open to development and investment, offering high-profit investment opportunities. It is one of the most ideal places for those who want to invest in Istanbul. Districts that are relatively far from the city center such as Kartal, Maltepe, Pendik and Tuzla offer advantageous opportunities for those who want a quiet life.
While the local population is high on the Asian side of Istanbul, there is a multicultural population consisting of people from various countries on the European side.
Historical and touristic places to visit on the Asian side are limited, but green areas are much more. In addition, the Maiden’s Tower, one of the symbolic structures of Istanbul, is located on the Asian side. The legendary Adalar (Islands) are also one of the fairytale places on the Asian side.
The construction on the Asian side is also less compared to the European side. Since the population is less, everything else is shaped accordingly. Shopping centers, universities and job opportunities are also low compared to the European side.
The crime rate is lower on the Asian side than on the European side. The low population density and the high density of local people are among the main reasons for the low crime rate.
The Asian Side offers a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Well, which is better, Europe or Asia?
“If you have an active lifestyle, if you want to be close to social and business opportunities, the European Side; if you have a quiet lifestyle, we can say that the Asian Side would be better for you.”
