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3 places to visit in the Gaziosmanpaşa district of Istanbul: Gaziosmanpaşa Parks, Urban Transformation Projects and Taşlıtarla. Plan your trip to Gaziosmanpaşa with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Gaziosmanpaşa is a district of Istanbul province. It was previously known as Taşlıtarla and Küçükköy. It developed after the 1950s and became a district in 1963. The district covers an area of 12 km², has an average elevation of 108 metres above sea level and a population of 478,395.

Geography and Neighbours

Gaziosmanpaşa borders Bayrampaşa, Esenler, Eyüpsultan and Sultangazi. Under a new law in 2008, Arnavutköy and Sultangazi gained district status, and Gaziosmanpaşa’s population fell considerably as a result.

History

The district area was formerly part of the boundaries of Eyüpsultan and Çatalca districts. The lands in the south-east where the district centre stands today were empty until the 1950s, and because they were arid and stony within Eyüp district boundaries they were commonly called Taşlıtarla. In 1952 the story of Taşlıtarla began with houses built by the state for Balkan migrants, and from the 1960s onwards it gained great momentum as industry shifted to Rami and Eyüp. It became a district on 4 September 1963, under number 11496 and Law No. 309.

Development and Urbanisation

The best indicator of Gaziosmanpaşa’s urban growth is the population growth of the district, which increased 165-fold between 1935 and 1997. The district’s population rose from 3,847 in 1935 to 635,000. With the opening of the T4 tram line and the M7 metro line it also gained modern transport, and it became the district that received the most migrants.

Economy

The economic life of Gaziosmanpaşa is based mainly on small tradesmen and outsourced production. In the district centre, 60% of the economically active population works in small trades.

History and Culture

Gaziosmanpaşa became a district in 1963. Under the 2008 law, Arnavutköy and Sultangazi became districts.

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Places to Visit in Gaziosmanpaşa

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Nature

Gaziosmanpaşa Parks

Parks and green spaces in the district's dense urban fabric offer places to walk and relax.

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Attraction

Urban Transformation Projects

Gaziosmanpaşa is one of the districts where Istanbul's most extensive urban transformation projects have been carried out. Modern housing and commercial areas are changing the face of the district.

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Historic

Taşlıtarla

Taşlıtarla, the centre of Gaziosmanpaşa district since 1963.

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Places to Visit Around Istanbul Province

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While you are in Gaziosmanpaşa, you can also see the highlights of Istanbul province. These places are in other districts.

  • Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya-i Kebir Mosque) — Built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian between 532 and 537, this was the largest cathedral in the world for about a thousand years; it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and a museum in 1934, and reopened for worship as a mosque in 2020. With its dome 55 metres high and its Byzantine mosaics, it is one of the turning points in the history of architecture.
  • Topkapı Palace — Built by Mehmed the Conqueror at Sarayburnu in the 1460s, the palace was the seat of government and residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years; with its Harem, Treasury, Holy Relics and courtyards, it is now a museum.
  • Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) — A six-minaret mosque built for Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa; it is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the more than 20,000 İznik tiles decorating its interior.
  • Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) — A vast underground cistern built in the 6th century under Justinian and carried on 336 columns; the Medusa heads under two of the columns are its most famous corner.
  • Süleymaniye Mosque — Built by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, the mosque stands at the centre of a large complex with madrasas, a hospital, a soup kitchen and tombs; its silhouette on the hill overlooking the Golden Horn is one of the symbols of the city.
  • Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) — One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, made up of more than 60 streets and thousands of shops that grew up around the bedestens built under Mehmed the Conqueror; carpets, jewellery, copperware and leather goods are sold.

Practical Information for Visiting Gaziosmanpaşa

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
All year round
Places to visit
3 places

What to Eat in Gaziosmanpaşa

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  • Tradesmen's Restaurant Dishes (Esnaf Lokantası Yemekleri)

    Tradesmen's restaurants in Gaziosmanpaşa serve traditional Turkish home cooking at affordable prices.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Gaziosmanpaşa

  • Balkan Migrant Culture

    Gaziosmanpaşa is one of the districts where families who migrated from the Balkans settled from the 1950s onwards. This migrant heritage has shaped the district's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Textiles and Ready-to-wear Clothing — Gaziosmanpaşa is one of the major centres of Istanbul's textile and ready-to-wear clothing sector.

Economy

Gaziosmanpaşa is one of the densely populated residential centres on the European side of Istanbul. Textiles, trade and urban transformation projects are its main economic activities.

How to Get to Gaziosmanpaşa

Gaziosmanpaşa is connected to every part of Istanbul by bus and minibus lines.

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Gaziosmanpaşa: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Gaziosmanpaşa?

The top 3 sights in Gaziosmanpaşa are Gaziosmanpaşa Parks, Urban Transformation Projects and Taşlıtarla.

What to eat in Gaziosmanpaşa?

Tradesmen's Restaurant Dishes are standout dishes on Gaziosmanpaşa's tables.

What is Gaziosmanpaşa famous for?

Gaziosmanpaşa is known for its Textiles and Ready-to-wear Clothing and Balkan Migrant Culture. Gaziosmanpaşa is one of the major centres of Istanbul's textile and ready-to-wear clothing sector.

How do I get to Gaziosmanpaşa?

Gaziosmanpaşa is connected to every part of Istanbul by bus and minibus lines.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Gaziosmanpaşa?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: all year round.

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