“Anatolian Manhattan” is what some developers once dreamed of turning Fikirtepe into. Today we explore this fascinating neighborhood in Istanbul. Fikirtepe is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. It falls within the boundaries of the Kadıköy district. This area includes the Fikirtepe, Eğitim, and Dumlupınar neighborhoods.
Let’s delve into Fikirtepe’s history. Archaeological finds suggest the area has ancient roots. Fikirtepe was likely connected to the sea in ancient times. Kalamış Bay may have extended to the foot of Fikirtepe.
The presence of settlements in Fikirtepe during the Byzantine and early Ottoman periods remains uncertain. However a city map drawn in 1786 by Kauffer shows the name “Fikir Tepesi”. Local legend says the area gets its name from the dervish Fikir Baba.
In the 18th century the Kurbağalıdere creek flowed to Hasanpaşa. This area was popular among Istanbul residents. People enjoyed boat trips and picnics. Artists and poets visited Fikir Tepesi for inspiration. V. Murad’s hunting lodge was almost the only structure in Fikirtepe until the 1950s. The lodge and the Sultan’s farm were surrounded by strawberry fields, acacias, and chestnut forests. The Marmara University Göztepe Campus now stands on this site.
Until the late 1950s it is said that only teacher Refik Apa’s house stood here. Fikirtepe experienced significant internal migration starting in the 1950s. It quickly became a shanty town. Fikirtepe became a neighborhood in 1965. The meadows and strawberry fields were replaced by thousands of shanty houses. The rapid population growth led to Fikirtepe being divided into three neighborhoods in 1975. These are Dumlupınar, Fikirtepe, and Eğitim.
The southern part of Fikirtepe began to develop with the relocation of the Yüksek Kız Öğretmen Okulu in 1966. This area is known as Eğitim Mahallesi. Eğitim Mahallesi is the most modern part of Fikirtepe. It is marked by high-rise blocks. In contrast the Dumlupınar and Fikirtepe neighborhoods feature two or three-story shanty houses. These neighborhoods were the only shanty settlements within Kadıköy.
The scarcity of construction sites in Istanbul’s city center has attracted investors to this area. The old auto repair shops were moved to the Bostancı Oto Sanayi Sitesi. Uzunçayır, located behind Fikirtepe, was transformed into a residential area after the E-5 highway was built.
Excavations have revealed that Fikirtepe is one of Istanbul’s oldest settlements. Many artifacts are displayed in the Archeology Museum. Notable historical structures include V. Murat’s hunting lodge on Kasr-ı Ali Caddesi. Religious buildings include the Aklar, Tepe, Pehlivan, and Merkez mosques in Fikirtepe. Other mosques are in Dumlupınar and Eğitim.
The most important educational institution is the Marmara University Göztepe Campus. This campus evolved from the Atatürk Eğitim Enstitüsü. Other schools in the area include Mehmed Bayezid High School and various elementary schools.
The Fikirtepe culture represents one of the oldest cultures in the Marmara Region. It dates back to 5500 BC. This Neolithic culture marked the beginning of settled village life based on agriculture and animal husbandry.
In recent times Fikirtepe has experienced urban transformation. This has led to increased real estate values. The area has seen demolition and construction. New residential projects with names like “Loft” and “Brooklyn” reflect this transformation. Fikirtepe is a neighborhood with a rich history and ongoing development.