Haydarpaşa Garı
The Haydarpaşa Terminal was built in 1909 by German architects Otto Ritter and Helmut Conu and served the railways until its closure in 2012. Overlooking the Bosphorus near the Kadıköy ferry station, visitors can still wander inside to linger for a while in the past.
Marmara University
Located right next to the Selimiye Barracks is the equally beautiful building that now serves as the Haydarpaşa campus of Marmara University. Built in 1827 by French and Italian architects Alexandre Vallaury ve Raimondo D’Aronco, the structure was Turkey’s first medical school.
Trotsky House
Even though it’s dilapidated and in need of renovation, the Yanaros mansion on Büyükada continues to be a remarkable sight. It was also here that Leon Trotsky lived for four years in 1929 after being exiled from the Soviet Union.
Sancaklar Mosque
Built by Istanbul’s famous architecture firm, Emre Arolat Architects, the Sancaklar Mosque is anything but your traditional religious structure. After climbing down a slope of natural stone stairs, a concrete slab canopy hides the interior of a mosque that is a simple cave-like space devoid of the usual decoration.
Vakko Fashion Center
Another one of Istanbul’s striking modern structures, preeminent Turkish fashion house Vakko’s headquarters was completed by New York based Rex Architects in 2010. The building is a wonder composed of steel and glass panels, both reflecting its surroundings as well as offering a glimpse into the stylish offices within.
Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage
Büyükada’s other hidden treasure is the Prinkipo Greek Orphanage, which looms eerily on the island’s highest point behind a scant curtain of trees. Taking up 20,000 square meters, the structure can only be gazed at from afar, because its utterly dilapidated state could pose a few dangers. However, the wooden structure is stunning nonetheless and one of Europe’s largest wooden buildings.