The Eyüpsultan district is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic, expansive, and strategic areas of metropolitan Istanbul. With its astonishing vastness, this district begins from the vibrant, historical shores of the «Golden Horn» in the south and extends to the pristine coastline and lush green forests of the Black Sea in the north.
Today, Eyüpsultan symbolizes a beautiful and purposeful contrast; while it is known as the spiritual and historical heart of Istanbul, it also pioneers the development of ultra-modern, luxury suburban estates for global investors. Sharing borders with key districts such as Fatih, Beyoğlu, Şişli, and Kağıthane, along with direct access to the new Istanbul Airport, has transformed Eyüpsultan into a crossroad for modern living and attracting international capital.
The History of Eyüpsultan; The Ups and Downs of the Golden Horn's Jewel
To understand the true value of Eyüpsultan, we must take a deep look at its historical evolution. The historical significance of this district dates directly back to the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. This area is the resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a prominent companion of the Prophet of Islam. With the construction of the «Eyüp Sultan Mosque» by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (as the first mosque built after the conquest), this area became one of the most important spiritual destinations.
During the Ottoman Empire, residing in the vicinity of this mosque was the most luxurious privilege reserved for the elite, viziers, and the royal family. The magnificent tombs of high-ranking officials such as Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and Ferhad Pasha still stand out in this area.
The Era of Industrial Decline and the Great Renaissance
In the 19th and 20th centuries, with the establishment of numerous factories, the shoreline of the Golden Horn became heavily industrialized and polluted, turning Eyüpsultan into a working-class district. However, a major turning point occurred in the early 2000s; when, through powerful government intervention and the allocation of multi-billion dollar budgets, the massive ecological cleanup project of the Golden Horn was launched. This renaissance brought Eyüpsultan to the attention of real estate developers and sparked a wave of urban renewal (Gentrification) in the area.
Getting to Know the Neighborhoods of Eyüpsultan (Micro-Market Analysis)
Due to its unparalleled vastness, Eyüpsultan is not a monolithic market, but rather divided into three sections with entirely distinct identities:
1. The Historical Core: Eyüp Center and the Golden Horn Strip
The southern part of the district is the cultural and historical anchor of Istanbul. The fabric of this area includes traditional Ottoman streets and protected historical buildings that have been renovated with modern amenities. This area mostly hosts authentic Turkish families and has preserved its traditional vibe (especially during Ramadan with large street festivals).
2. Urban Renewal Corridors: Alibeyköy and Yeşilpınar
Central neighborhoods like Alibeyköy and Çırçır are the main focal points of urban transformation in Eyüpsultan. Major developers are replacing dilapidated structures with ultra-modern residential complexes equipped with smart home systems and dedicated green spaces.
- Primary Target Audience: Due to quick access to the Şişli and Maslak areas, these neighborhoods are considered the most attractive spots for young professionals and first-time homebuyers.
3. Northern Luxury Paradises: The Phenomenon of Göktürk and Kemerburgaz
The most significant transformation in Eyüpsultan has occurred in the Göktürk and Kemerburgaz areas. These regions, which were transformed by the visionary "Kemer Country" project (featuring artificial lakes and golf courses in the heart of the forest) in the 80s, are today Istanbul's most luxurious suburban estates. Multi-million dollar villas, high security, and a 25-minute distance to the airport have made this area the primary hub for C-suite executives, affluent individuals, and wealthy expats.
Arterial Highways and an Unrivaled Public Transportation System
The development of transportation infrastructure has been the driving engine behind the increase in property prices in Eyüpsultan:
- Transit Highways: Being surrounded by vital highways such as E5 (Metrobus route), E80 (international transit route), and O-3 has minimized traffic in this region.
- Metro and Tram: The jewel of the region's transportation network is the M7 Metro Line (Alibeyköy - Mecidiyeköy), which has reduced the travel time to commercial hubs to a mere 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, the T5 Tram Line along the shores of the Golden Horn makes access to Eminönü highly enjoyable.
- Pierre Loti Cable Car (TF2): This famous aerial cable car, with a length of 384 meters, takes passengers to the touristic Pierre Loti hill in less than 3 minutes at a speed of 4 meters per second, with a daily capacity of 4,000 people.
Tourist, Leisure, and Recreational Attractions; A Stroll in the Heart of Eyüpsultan
Eyüpsultan is not just a residential area; it is a living museum of Ottoman history and a paradise for lovers of nature, shopping, and excitement:
Historical and Cultural Jewels
- Eyüp Sultan Grand Mosque: The spiritual heart of Istanbul, featuring courtyards full of ancient plane trees and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.
- Rami Historical Library (Rami Kütüphanesi): An Ottoman-era military barracks that was recently transformed with a stunning restoration into one of Europe's largest and most beautiful libraries with expansive green spaces.
- Feshane Art Center (Artİstanbul Feshane): A former fez (hat) manufacturing factory on the shores of the Golden Horn, now turned into a large art gallery and a venue for international festivals.
- Zal Mahmud Pasha Mosque: A lesser-known but unique brick and stone masterpiece by «Mimar Sinan».
Nature Tourism and Thrills
- Pierre Loti Hill and Cafe (Pierre Loti Tepesi): The best and widest panoramic view of the beautiful curve of the Golden Horn to enjoy an authentic Turkish tea.
- Kemerburgaz City Forest (Kemerburgaz Kent Ormanı): One of Istanbul's largest green spaces, offering walking trails, cycling tracks, forest cafes, and bird-watching towers.
- Göktürk Pond Nature Park: An excellent destination for weekend picnics, camping, and nature photography by the lake.
- Isfanbul Theme Park (Isfanbul): A massive 600,000-square-meter entertainment complex with over 50 thrilling attractions, making it the unrivaled hub for family entertainment in all of Istanbul.
Shopping Centers and Modern Lifestyle
From modern malls like Axis Mall and Forum Istanbul to the mega-project Tersane Istanbul featuring art galleries and VIP services, all shopping needs and a luxurious lifestyle are covered in this district.
World-Class Educational and Medical Infrastructure
For affluent families residing in luxury areas like Göktürk, higher education is a priority. Eyüpsultan is home to top international institutions:
- Istanbul International Community School (IICS): Offering an American educational system and full IB programs.
- British International School (BIS): Featuring the Cambridge educational system for international students.
- Hamidiye International School of Medicine: An advanced center hosting medical elites from 35 countries worldwide.
Economic Outlook and the Future of the District
Eyüpsultan has been legally designated as the development center for Istanbul's future mega-projects. The construction of an ultra-modern city hospital with a capacity of over 1,000 beds (ready for operation in 2027) will transform this area into a health tourism hub.
Simultaneously, by implementing "Eco-City" projects, the municipality has mandated the use of solar panels, recycling systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in newly developed areas. This approach has made Eyüpsultan the safest and most profitable choice in all of Turkey for foreign investors intending to acquire citizenship (with a $400,000 investment).
Conclusion: Is Eyüpsultan Suitable for Living and Investment?
At a glance, Eyüpsultan is a symbol of smart development in the metropolis of Istanbul. This district has successfully preserved its historical heritage, while its northern and central parts host the most modern urban renewal projects and ultra-luxury estates. Unrivaled access to communication infrastructure, proximity to the international airport, and high potential for property value appreciation have made this district a strategic choice. Whether you intend to obtain Turkish citizenship or are looking for a peaceful and high-quality life for your family, Eyüpsultan is one of the safest destinations to buy property in Istanbul. To view unparalleled investment opportunities, we recommend visiting the dedicated page for buying property in Eyüpsultan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Eyüpsultan District
1. Can I get Turkish citizenship by buying property in Eyüpsultan?
Yes, many of the luxury and villa residential projects in this district (especially in the Göktürk and Kemerburgaz neighborhoods) have a value exceeding $400,000 and are perfectly suitable for quickly obtaining a Turkish passport and citizenship.
2. What is the distance from Eyüpsultan to the new Istanbul Airport?
Eyüpsultan is one of the closest districts to Istanbul Airport. From the northern neighborhoods of this district (like Göktürk), it is only about a 25 to 30-minute drive by private car to the airport.
3. What are the best neighborhoods in Eyüpsultan to buy a house?
For ultra-luxury, peaceful, and villa-style living, the Göktürk and Kemerburgaz neighborhoods are the best options. However, for investing in modern apartments with quick access to the city center, urban renewal projects in Alibeyköy and Yeşilpınar are recommended.
4. What is the status of the public transportation system in Eyüpsultan?
This district features a comprehensive network including the M7 Metro line, T5 and T4 Tram lines, the Pierre Loti cable car, and direct access to the dedicated Metrobus line and main highways (E5 and E80), making commuting incredibly fast.
