Bebek Villiage, Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey

Bebek Villiage, Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey 

Bebek is a historic Istanbul neighbourhood that falls within the boundaries and administration of the Beşiktaş district. It is located on Bebek Bay along the European shores of the Bosphorus strait and is surrounded by similarly affluent neighbourhoods such as Arnavutköy, Etiler and Rumeli Hisarı.

The literal meaning of the word “Bebek” in Turkish is “baby”, which is a reference to the neighborhood’s attractive positioning on the Bosphorus with its deep, sheltered bay and sweeping views in both directions along the waterway. It is believed to be a shortened form of “Boğaz’ın gözbebeği”, which translates, literally, as “the pupil of the Bosphorus”, or more appropriately, “the apple of Bosphorus’ eye”, as the literal translation of “pupil” in Turkish is “eye baby”.

Bebek was a popular residential district under Ottoman rule, and continues to be so today. Its population reflected the diverse society of the time, which is still visible in Bebek’s historic architecture and contemporary constituencies.

Epic Turkey Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound