With a history dating back as far as 5500 B.C., Kadıköy – formerly Chalcedon – is thought to be the oldest place of settlement in Istanbul.
Though much of its history was sadly demolished in favour of 1970’s functionalism, the area nevertheless preserves a coarse charisma. Beginning with the monumental bronze bull statue at its start and concluding with a little park at its end, Bahariye Street is a jumble of tributes to art, culture and capitalism. There’s everything from the remnants of a Byzantine arch to an early-20th-century opera house, dimly lit cinemas and the stunning Aya Triada Greek Orthodox Church. A nostalgic tram runs the length of the Street before curving round to the seaside district of Moda, and the main drag boasts big names like Mango, United Colors of Benetton, Adidas and Mavi Jeans with a scattering of cut-price outlets and döner restaurants.
