Eminönü, formerly referred to as Pérama, is a significant commercial waterfront area located in Istanbul’s Fatih district. It sits strategically at the junction of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Golden Horn. Perched on the ancient peninsula of Istanbul, it connects to Karaköy—formerly Galata—by the famous Galata Bridge across the Golden Horn. Eminönü was first given under the Sultanahmet district till 2009, then combined with Fatih. Tucked completely inside the city’s old walls, this area—which is bursting with trade, culture, and transportation hubs—remains one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historically important regions.

Two architectural wonders dominate Eminönü’s busy main square: the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and the New Mosque (Yeni Cami). Completed in the 17th century, the magnificent example of Ottoman baroque architecture, the New Mosque is still a significant highlight of the skyline of the area. Beside it, one of Istanbul’s oldest and most energetic markets—the Spice Bazaar teems with the seductive smells of exotic spices, dried fruits, and traditional delicacies. Attracting thousands of daily visitors, these sites define Eminönü’s cultural and commercial core.

Among Istanbul’s most essential transit hubs is Eminönü. Along the coastline, several ferry terminals provide paths over the Bosphorus to the Asian side and to several points along the Golden Horn. On the T1 tram line, which links Sultanahmet, Kabataş, and Bağcılar—key historical and commercial areas—the district is also a necessary stop. For both residents and visitors, Eminönü is a vital transit hub thanks to its flawless mix of maritime and rail travel.

From the southeast, Eminönü becomes Sirkeci, home of the renowned Sirkeci Railway Station, once the end of the mythical Orient Express. To the northwest, the neighborhood blends with the busy shopping centers of Tahtakale and Küçükpazar, renowned for their maze-like streets lined with stores offering everything from textiles to home products. Further inland, the ancient Mahmutpaşa shopping area presents a vivid market scene with specialties in fabrics, apparel, and accessories. Though it stayed a commercial and cultural powerhouse, Eminönü was the second smallest separate district in Istanbul during its existence. Adalar was the smallest.

Eminönü gets its name from its Ottoman period historical purpose. The phrase combines “önü,” meaning “in front of,” and “emin,” which means “justice,” or “faith. This name probably comes from the existence of Ottoman customs houses and maritime tribunals once running along the coastline. Custom authorities, sometimes known as “Emins,” watched commercial activity in the region, a major hub for trade and regulation. Retaining its importance as a commercial center over the ages, Eminönü constituted the central administrative area of early Republican Istanbul along with the surrounding Fatih district.

Rising as evidence of Istanbul’s rich maritime legacy and active urban fabric, Eminönü is still a thriving epicenter of trade, culture, and history. Whether investigated for its historical sites, vibrant marketplaces, or strategic location, it is an essential component of the city’s character.

History of Eminönü Square

Byzantine Period

Eminönü, a historical district in the heart of Istanbul, has witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations. Located between the “Neorin Gate” (Başçe Gate) and the “Porta Drungari,” it was an important coastal and harbor area during the Byzantine period. Byzantion, founded around Topkapı Palace, Sarayburnu, and Sirkeci, relied on the booming waterfront sector.

Originally an important marine center, the entire Sirkeci-Eminönü shoreline extends westward from Sarayburnu. Later, the area surrounding Sirkeci Train Station was reclaimed from the sea. During the Byzantine era, the northern areas of Sirkeci and Cağaloğlu were known as “Eugeniu”. This location was located outside the Byzantine walls, inside the Septimus Severus Wall, and is believed to be near the defenses around Topkapı Palace today.

Bosphorus View from Eminönü

Emperor Leontios steadily cleaned up the Neorion Port, an important trading and commercial docking facility that had filled with silt. However, the digging resulted in a catastrophic plague epidemic, which was purportedly caused by disturbed rubbish. By the tenth century, Latin colonists had created their own commercial piers by gaining exclusive trading enclaves in Eminönü-Sirkeci.

Bahçekapı, located between Eminönü and Sirkeci, is named after the “Garden Gate,” a seawall aperture in Istanbul. Originally known as “Porta Neorion” during the Byzantine era, the large concentration of Jewish residents eventually led to the names “Porta Hebraica” or “Porta Judeca”. The Ottomans referred to it as “Çıfıt Gate,” also known as Şuhut Gate. A defensive tower, said to have stood here, anchored one end of the strong chain spanning the Golden Horn’s opening, with the other end connected to the Galata Tower. Previously, the gate was located on Arpacılar Street, behind the current New Mosque.

Ottoman Period

Throughout the Ottoman Empire, Eminönü remained a thriving commercial center. Goods were unloaded, kept, and transported out of the city’s primary import terminal. Thousands of traders, merchants, and sailors worked in the neighborhood, transforming it into a thriving hub for daily life and business. Aside from its religious structures, Eminönü was densely packed with inns, markets, and commerce centers.

Transformation of the Urban Landscape

Foreign visitors frequently depicted the historic Eminönü Square as a bustling port teeming with little rowboats, large commercial ships, and a diverse architectural landscape. The New Mosque’s stunning form stands out against the wooden coastal businesses. However, the construction of the Galata Bridge profoundly altered this urban quality by focusing business activity inland toward Galata.

The advent of steamships, the formation of the Hayriye Company, and the extension of the railway to Sirkeci all had a significant impact on the district during Sultan Abdülaziz’s reign. The construction of the Tünel in the late nineteenth century, as well as the entrance of horse-drawn and eventually electric trams, further changed Eminönü’s infrastructure. New docks and warehouses emerged in Galata and Sirkeci, reinforcing the region’s position as a major shipping hub.

Sirkeci, a key district in Eminönü, gained popularity due to its closeness to Topkapı Palace and later as the dock of Babıali, the Ottoman administrative seat. Sirkeci Station’s construction increased its relevance by revitalizing the region and providing a variety of economic opportunities.

Eminönü in the Late Ottoman Period

Bahçekapı made significant contributions to Ottoman ceremonial customs. Grand viziers were escorted via this gate to the palace, and commercial products such as grain were directed into the city. Bahçekapı also gave entrance for latecomers after the city gates closed in the evening.

In 1569, a massive fire spread from Demirkapı to Bahçekapı, causing significant harm to the region’s Jewish Quarter. Another severe fire in 1865 prompted further urban alterations, including the removal of several city walls during road construction projects.

Evliya Çelebi describes Cağaloğlu as an Ottoman elite enclave with well-known palaces. In the late 16th century, Grand Vizier Çiğalazade Sinan Pasha commissioned a palace and bathhouse, giving the area its name. Over time, the name “Çiğalaoğlu” evolved into “Cağaloğlu.” The Grand Vizier’s office, Babıali, established the district as the Ottoman bureaucracy’s headquarters by the 18th century. It also became a center of Turkish newspaper activity in the 1870s.

The Republic Period

Eminönü’s transition to the Republican era was characterized by significant structural and architectural changes. Sultan Abdülhamid II built Sirkeci Train Station, the Fourth Vakıf Han, and the Post Office, which influenced the evolving urban fabric.

Eminönü Square saw considerable changes under Governor and Mayor Lütfi Kırdar’s tenure (1938-1949). The demolition of structures in front of the New Mosque, as well as the bridge ticket booths, created more open space. The Spice Bazaar’s surroundings were also demolished and restored. In 1955-56, the Unkapanı-Eminönü road construction devastated Balıkpazarı, a historic market noted for its fishmongers and bars.

Despite efforts to preserve Eminönü’s historical silhouette, major demolitions from 1984 to 1989 damaged Yemiş Pier and its surroundings. The pedestrian bridges built in the 1980s disrupted the area’s historical aesthetics.

Sirkeci was best known in the early twentieth century for expatriate travel agents and low-cost hotels. While little eateries and shops catered to the passing crowd, the hotels behind the station accommodated foreign visitors. Sirkeci has historically served as a key docking location, connecting Babıali Street and Ankara Street to the sea via Galata Bridge.

The opening of the Sirkeci-Florya coastal road (1957-1959) helped to reduce traffic congestion and redirect movement around Sarayburnu. Budget hotels relocated to Laleli-Aksaray, and by the 1960s, Eminönü had become a commercial and business center. Originally residential, the Bahçekapı region underwent a similar commercial transition.

Cağaloğlu lost administrative prominence with the establishment of the Republic, but it remained the hub for Turkish journalism. Eminönü reintegrated into the Fatih region in 2008 under Law No. 5747.

In 2024, a comprehensive renovation project was completed to alter Eminönü’s coastline zone, allowing historical preservation to be better integrated with contemporary urban design.

Eminönü Today

Galata Bridge: A Conduit Between Continents

The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn and serves as an enduring symbol of Istanbul, connecting the historic Eminönü district to the busy Karaköy area. More than just a crossing, this bridge is a bustling highway where city life unfolds in a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Ferries and fishing boats carve routes across the water beneath its steel girders, connecting Istanbul’s European and Asian sides in a never-ending flow of movement.

Fishers on Galata Bridge: An Enduring Tradition

From dawn to sunset, the silhouette of fishermen casting lines over the bridge’s balustrades has become an indelible element of Istanbul’s visual vocabulary. Whether amateurs or experienced fishers, they form an unbroken chain, hoping to catch bluefish, mackerel, or anchovies from the depths below. Their existence embodies the city’s marine culture, providing a tangible link to a time when fishing was more than just a sport but a source of nourishment for the city’s residents.

Eminönü: The Beating Heart of Istanbul’s Port

Eminönü, located at the entrance to the Golden Horn, has long been a hub of Istanbul’s commercial and cultural activity. This historic quarter, along with nearby Sirkeci, has played an important role in trade from the city’s founding. From the majestic headquarters of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce to the labyrinthine lanes of its old bazaars, Eminönü pulsates with energy that reflects the never-ending vibrancy of a city straddling two continents.

Eminönü Today: A Hub of Movement and Commerce

Eminönü, a microcosm of Istanbul’s diverse personality, thrives as both a transit and commercial hub. The region serves as the principal ferry terminal for crossings between the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea. The auto ferry to Harem departs from here, and the renowned Sirkeci Railway Station is close, providing rail connections as far as Bucharest. The T1 tram, a lifeline for city commuters, glides over the streets, connecting vital areas in a complex ballet of urban transportation.

Despite its daytime bustle, Eminönü transforms at night. With most buildings occupied by offices, businesses, and workshops, the region has a calm mood that contrasts strongly with the daily noise. Despite having only roughly 30,000 residents, the region sees an influx of approximately two million people every day, highlighting its importance as a hub of business and trade.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums: A Treasury of Antiquity

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located within the historic fabric of Eminönü, provide an unmatched trip through time. This institution, which consists of three main sections—the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum—houses remnants from several civilizations that formerly molded the region. From Mesopotamian antiques to Ottoman-era gems, its rich collection tells a complete story of the city’s deep historical roots.

Shopping in Eminönü: Markets and Bazaars

Visitors to Eminönü’s enormous markets are in for a sensory feast. The iconic Spice Bazaar, with its arched ceilings and scented products, is the district’s shopping crown jewel. While traditional spice dealers compete with an increasing number of tourist-oriented kiosks, the bazaar’s character remains distinct.

Beyond its walls, the streets leading up to Mahmutpaşa are teeming with businesses offering textiles, home products, and ornate ceremonial dress for young boys undergoing circumcision. In Tahtakale’s busy hans, a diverse range of merchants sell anything from delicatessen foods and freshly ground coffee to wholesale packaging supplies. As one approaches Sirkeci, one comes across specialized establishments that sell photographic equipment, bicycles, and a variety of stationery items, demonstrating the area’s wide economic appeal.

Gastronomic Delights: The Flavors of Eminönü

Eminönü’s culinary character has been established for decades by grilled mackerel sandwiches, or balık ekmek. These basic yet delectable meals, served from colorfully painted boats floating at the water’s edge, evoked the sense of Istanbul’s seafaring past. Though city officials have attempted to limit their presence, a small number of sellers remain, keeping the tradition alive.

A short stroll inland leads to the famed Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir candy business, a true establishment since 1777. This shop, known for its Turkish Delight and a variety of Ottoman sweets, exemplifies the city’s longstanding love affair with handmade confections.

Eminönü in Popular Culture: A Cinematic Backdrop

Eminönü’s picturesque alleyways and seaside panoramas have served as a compelling background for various film productions. Blockbuster films like Skyfall (2012), Taken 2 (2012), and Argo (2012) have captured the district’s energetic energy, incorporating its architectural grandeur and frenzied bustle into their stories. The area’s everlasting attractiveness, which combines historical elegance and modern vitality, ensures its continuous presence in world storytelling.