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5 places to visit in the Kağıthane district of Istanbul: Kağıthane Stream and Sadabad Ruins, Cendere Valley and Kâğıthane Stream. Plan your trip to Kağıthane with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The district covers 15 km², has an average elevation of 5 metres above sea level and a population of 446,420, and gained district status in 1987.

History and Culture

Sadabad was demolished in the 1940s and a military school was built in its place. Around 60 kasır and köşk (pavilions and mansions) reserved for sultans and viziers were built along the Kâğıthane Stream. The Çağlayan and Hürriyet neighbourhoods were founded in 1953 by a decision of an association.

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Places to Visit in Kağıthane

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Historic

Kağıthane Stream and Sadabad Ruins

The Sadabad Palace, a symbol of the Tulip Era (1718–1730) of the Ottoman period, stood on the banks of the Kağıthane Stream. Today, parks and walking paths line the stream.

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Nature

Cendere Valley

Located in the north of Kağıthane, Cendere Valley forms a natural corridor in the middle of the city, with green spaces and walking trails.

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Nature

Kâğıthane Stream

The stream that flows into the Golden Horn and gives the district its name.

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Religious

Sadabad Mosque

A mosque in Kâğıthane that has survived to the present day alongside an old kasır (palace pavilion).

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Historic

Baruthane (Kâğıthane)

The old gunpowder works in Kâğıthane, established during the reign of Bayezid II.

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Places to Visit Around Istanbul Province

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While you are in Kağıthane, 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 Kağıthane

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring (April–May)
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Kağıthane

Food guide →

  • Esnaf Lokantası Yemekleri

    The tradesmen's restaurants of Kağıthane serve traditional Turkish home cooking at affordable prices.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kağıthane

  • Tulip Era Heritage

    During the Ottoman Tulip Era (1718–1730), Kağıthane was home to Sadabad, the centre of palace entertainments and garden culture.

Local Products

  • Kağıt Üretimi Mirası — The district takes its name from a paper factory established here during the Ottoman period. Although this tradition is no longer continued, it is remembered as a historic legacy.

Economy

Kağıthane is one of Istanbul's fast-developing districts. Office towers, trade centres and housing projects are bringing vitality to the district's economy.

How to Get to Kağıthane

Kağıthane is connected to every part of Istanbul by metro (M7, M11) and bus lines.

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Kağıthane: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kağıthane?

The highlights of Kağıthane are 5 places: Kağıthane Stream and Sadabad Ruins, Cendere Valley, Kâğıthane Stream, Sadabad Mosque and Baruthane (Kâğıthane).

What to eat in Kağıthane?

Esnaf Lokantası Yemekleri are the standout dishes on Kağıthane's tables.

What is Kağıthane famous for?

Kağıthane is known for its Paper Production Heritage and its Tulip Era Heritage. The district takes its name from a paper factory established here during the Ottoman period. Although this tradition is no longer continued, it is remembered as a historic legacy.

How do I get to Kağıthane?

Kağıthane is connected to every part of Istanbul by metro (M7, M11) and bus lines.

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

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring (April–May).

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