FLOWER MARKET & Fish MARKET - ISTILAL STREET

ÇİÇEK PASAJI (FLOWER MARKET)
The Flower Market is one of the most distinguishing buildings in Beyoğlu, offering a very unique ambiance.
Lying like the letter "L" between two doors, one entrance is on the street while the other is accessible from the Balık Pazarı (Fish Market).
The passage was used as an opera house during the reigns of Sultan Abdulhamit and Abdulaziz and hosted Italian composers.
After the 1870 fire, which impacted all of Beyoğlu, it was designed by architect Cleanthy Zanno as a bazaar and apartment block and built by Hiristaki Zografos.
After World War I, aristocrats from Russia moved here along with the established craftsmen that were selling flowers.
The name Flower Market is a relic from this period. Restored several times since then, long established restaurants have been serving their guests in this glorious and lively passage.

Nevizade
Nevizade, famous for traditional turkish restaurants... Both Flower Market and Nevizade are full of restaurants ideal for having fresh fish and authentic Mediterranean and Aegean appetizers that specialize in fresh vegetables dishes made with olive oil (zeytinyağlı).

BALIK PAZARI (Fish MARKET)
Next to Flower Market is the Balık Pazari (Fish Market), an ideal place to try traditional Turkish food like kokoreç and mussels in the shell.
Fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, fruit and authentic spices are sold within the market.
One of the two passages opening to the market is Avrupa Pasaji (Europe Passage), which is a restored historical building where authentic souvenirs are sold. After the Beyoğlu fire, it was rebuilt by M. Scribe.
In the passage, two floors are occupied by stores. Authentic Turkish souvenirs like nargile (water pipes), tea sets and scarves are sold in the
passage, which is also known for the sculptures on the second floor. In Aslihan Çarşısı (Aslihan Bazaar) right next door, there are second hand bookstalls selling books in many languages.