Did you know that Selamiçeşme is not just a place but a feeling? It’s a beloved spot in Istanbul. It is known for its mouthwatering kebabs and traditional Turkish flavors. Let’s dive into the story of Selamiçeşme.
Selamiçeşme is a quarter in Istanbul. Istanbul itself stands on a triangular peninsula. This peninsula lies between Europe and Asia. For over 2,500 years, Istanbul has bridged cultures and powers. It has been one of the most coveted cities.
The story of Istanbul begins with Byzantium. Legend says Byzas led Greeks from Megara. They captured the peninsula from Thracian tribes. They built the town around 657 BCE.
In 196 CE Roman Emperor Septimius Severus rebuilt the town. He named it Augusta Antonina. This honored his son. In 330 CE Constantine the Great made it his capital. He called it New Rome. Coins still read Byzantium. He ordered the name change to Constantinopolis.
Greek speakers later called trips there “eis tēn polin”. This meant “into the City”. By the 13th century, this became Istinpolin. Over centuries, this evolved into Istanbul. The Turkish Post Office officially changed the name in 1930. Before that, it was Constantinople for a millennium.
The old city spans about 9 square miles. It features seven hills which were a requirement for Constantine’s New Rome. Mosques and landmarks dot these hills. UNESCO recognized them as a World Heritage site in 1985.
The Golden Horn, Bosporus, and Sea of Marmara surround the peninsula. They are known as “the three seas”. The Golden Horn is a deep valley about 4.5 miles long. Turks call it Haliç meaning “Canal”. The Bosporus connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. It passes through the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles. The Golden Horn divides old Istanbul from Beyoğlu. The Bosporus separates European Istanbul from Asian districts like Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
Like history, nature shapes Istanbul. Great rivers make the Black Sea colder and less salty. Black Sea waters flow south through the Bosporus. Mediterranean waters push north as an undercurrent.
The northeast wind or poyraz brings cold from the Black Sea. The karayel from the Balkans can freeze the Golden Horn. The southwest wind or lodos brings storms on the Sea of Marmara.
Istanbul has endured fire, earthquakes, riots, and invasions. Over 60 conflagrations and numerous earthquakes mark its history. Urban development has swept away traces of these disasters. Today modern buildings coexist with old wooden houses.
Parts of Stamboul’s walls remain. Sultan Mehmed II breached the land walls in 1453. This spot is called Cannon Gate. The walls are 4.5 miles long. They feature a double line of ramparts and a moat. The inner wall is about 30 feet high and 16 feet thick. It has 60-foot towers.
Sea walls were built in 439. Short sections remain along the Golden Horn. These walls had 110 towers and 14 gates. The Sea of Marmara walls stretch about 5 miles. They had 188 towers and were about 20 feet high.
Galata and Atatürk bridges cross the Golden Horn. Before dawn, they open for ships. The shores are a mix of docks, warehouses, factories, and ruins. Ferries to the Asian side leave from under the Galata Bridge. Istanbul boasts three of the world’s longest suspension bridges.
Beyoğlu is considered “modern Istanbul”. Since the 10th century, it has been a foreign quarter. Warfare and fires have left few pre-19th-century structures. A funicular railway runs from the Galata waterfront to the Pera Plateau.
From the 10th century, Galata was a foreign traders’ enclave. The Genoese enjoyed special privileges. After 1453, foreigners lived here. Compounds included schools, churches, and hospitals. Galata became crowded. Building moved up to Pera. Foreigners needed Janissaries to visit Stamboul.
Emi Geylan calls Selamiçeşme Kebap a favorite local spot. It offers a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. It’s perfect for experiencing Turkish hospitality. So come enjoy the delicious kebabs of Selamiçeşme. Experience true Turkish flavors.