Its historical buildings date back to the 18th century. Akaretler Sıraevler was built by palace architect Sarkis Balyan, a member of the Balyan family, under the order of Sultan Abdülaziz in 1874. Sıraevler is described as the first row house project in Istanbul. Akaretler Sıraevler consists of sixty-six singular units and six apartments. Especially at the end of the 19th century, famous names of the period lived in this region as its popularity increased. The palace painter Fausto Zonaro, poet and critic Sabahattin Kudret Aksal, who was born in house number 57 in 1920, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mother Zübeyde Hanım, and during the First World War Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself all lived in this region.
Besiktas Akaretler and the Revival of a Historic Quarter
The first restoration work in the region started after Net Holding rented the area for 49 years in 1987, using the model “build-operate-transfer.” In 2003, the restoration process stopped for a short time after it was transferred to Garanti Bank, but in 2006 the revival process started again under the leadership of Serdar Bilgili. Modernizing the area while protecting its history and characteristics was time-consuming and exhausting, yet important in bringing Istanbul a more international environment.
Akaretler Sıraevler, described as Istanbul’s greatest restoration project, covers 55 thousand square meters. Including some of the world’s most famous brands, it has had 34 stores, cafes, and car parks, and with the W Istanbul branch of the world-famous W Hotel, it became one of Beşiktaş’s standout destinations.
The district is located between Beşiktaş and Maçka and takes its name from the Akaretler Row Houses. In old Turkish, the word Akaretler means lodgings. The area sits close to one of the city’s most historic waterfront palace zones, so it also works well as part of a wider Beşiktaş itinerary that may include Bosphorus Cruise experiences or a stop at nearby Ortakoy Mosque.
Akaretler as a Shopping and Fashion Street
If you are bored with shopping in Nişantaşı, Akaretler offers another stylish alternative. Walking along the street and looking into the display windows of its attractive stores can easily turn an ordinary day into a pleasant one. Akaretler presents many opportunities for visitors who want to combine shopping, dining, and strolling in a historic setting.
If you want to browse the shopping streets of Akaretler and make purchases from stores located in Turkey, you will find both well-known brands and more selective items. In addition to major labels, limited-edition designer shoes, bags, clothes, and handmade jewelry are also sold here. Catherine Malandrino, Sevan Bıçakçı, Berluti, Nuxx, Sergio Rossi, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Marni, 1930 Antika, and Cornelliani are among the brands once located on this street.
For a cheerful lunch or a special dinner, Pastorito and Spice Market were presented as suitable choices, while Cafe Nero was noted as a place to cool down with an iced latte. As with all venue lineups in Istanbul, it is wise to check official sources or current listings for the latest tenants and openings.
Newly opened Joke Perestroyka, run by İzzet Çapa, was described as trying to create a new fashion stream with Saturday brunches. The name Perestroyka brings to mind “revolution and reconstruction” in Russian.
Istanbul has long carried the title of a tourism center and has also become a center for business with its congress venues, international financial institutions, and company headquarters in certain districts. Akaretler is one of these areas. The creative ideas of the advertising agency Alametifarika were designed here, and Prof. Osman Müftüoğlu’s clinic called “Yaşasın Hayat!” was created for people seeking a high-quality and fit lifestyle.
Akaretler brings a breath of fresh air to the daily life of Istanbul with an extraordinary style and atmosphere that recalls Europe’s upper-class quarters. It remains a pleasant place to spend a day in Beşiktaş.
Things to Do in Besiktas Akaretler
Explore the Akaretler Row Houses
It is easy to be fascinated by the historical atmosphere of Akaretler, where these row houses define the district’s identity. Located next to Beşiktaş Bazaar, the neighborhood is associated with the housing units established here. The history of the row houses dates back to 1875 and the Ottoman period, and Akaretler still reflects that historical atmosphere of Istanbul.
The architecture of the houses is striking and noticeably different from the modern architecture seen elsewhere in the city. On the lower floors, visitors can spend time in cozy cafes, while the surrounding streets continue to reflect Istanbul’s changing fashion culture.
One of the points of interest of Beşiktaş Bazaar, Akaretler Row Houses were built in the nineteenth century by Sultan Abdülaziz to accommodate important figures connected to Dolmabahçe Palace. These buildings were constructed on land formed at the point where Poet Nedim and Süleyman Seba streets merge into a fork.
The architecture of Akaretler was designed by the famous architect Sarkis Balyan. Some of the row houses were intended for palace guards or other important palace figures, while some were planned as rental properties, with profits envisioned for the Aziziye Mosque. Akaretler, one of the places representing the historical identity of Istanbul, has been restored true to its original form until today. The row houses were included in the scope of a renovation project in 1996, and within that project new shopping streets, cafes, museums, shops, parking lots, and hotels were added to the district.
You can find many places to explore in the historic streets and buildings of Akaretler. The quarter that fascinates visitors with its historical atmosphere is also home to various culinary delights and cultural elements. In its restaurants, cafes, and shopping streets, entertainment and calm can exist side by side.
Stop by Mendel’s
Mendel’s is presented as a place for chocolate lovers exploring the streets of Akaretler. Beyond its design and luxurious atmosphere, it gathers many kinds of chocolate in one place and aims to make visitors feel special. Brownies and cakes are among the options mentioned, and the venue is noted for its presentation and taste.
Poets Coffee (Şairler Kahvesi) is described as one of the most peaceful and quiet places you can find in Akaretler. After a long day of travel, it offers traces of Turkish literature, memories of Turkish poets, good food, and pleasant music.
Try a Traditional Evening at Kalamata Meyhane
Kalamata Meyhane is one of the recommended places to taste Turkish appetizers and listen to Turkish art music. In this tavern, among Akaretler’s appealing evening spots, visitors can try alcoholic beverage options and enjoy a nice dinner.
Why Visit Akaretler in Beşiktaş?
Istanbul has been the capital of different empires throughout history and a shared living area for people from many cultures. For that reason, various historical ruins and aesthetic monuments appear in almost every district of the city. Beşiktaş, though small in scale, is one of these old and layered districts. Famous for Beşiktaş Bazaar, it became a district in 1930 during the republican period and has remained one of Istanbul’s most visited points ever since.
Akaretler stands out within this wider Beşiktaş landscape because it combines history, architecture, shopping, and dining in a highly walkable area. If you want to understand the character of this side of the city beyond monumental landmarks such as Galata Tower or the old-city classics, Akaretler offers a more neighborhood-based experience.
For background on the row houses and their historical development, you can also consult Wikipedia’s Akaretler Row Houses entry. For current transport information in Istanbul, official updates from IETT may help when planning your visit.
