Sariyer on the Bosphorus, Istanbul

Sariyer (SAH-ruh-yehr) is a northern suburb of Istanbul on the European (western) shore of the Bosphorus near the Black Sea, 22 km (13.6 miles) north of the Galata Bridge.

During most of its history, Sariyer was a fishing village, with fishing weirs set up in the Bosphorus currents, and hearty fishermen going out in boats daily to harvest the fruits of the sea.

The Bosphorus has lost many of its fish, but seafood is still a specialty here, making Sariyer a good place for lunch if you take a Bosphorus cruise.

Otherwise, Sariyer is a normal Bosphorus town, with no outstanding sights, but plenty of authentic Turkish atmosphere and activity. I like it.

The exception is the exquisite Sadberk Hanim Museum just south of Sariyer on the shore road in Büyükdere.

From Sariyer, you can head north 15 km (9 miles) by bus, minibus or taxi to Kilyos, the Black Sea beach resort.

Or you can head south along the Bosphorus European shore to Büyükdere, Tarabya, Yeniköy, Rumeli Hisari (the great fortress), Bebek, Arnavutköy, Ortaköy, Besiktas (Barbaros), Dolmabahçe Palace, Beyoglu and Taksim Square, or Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn.

Here's how to return to Istanbul by bus, minibus or taxi.

Kilyos Beach

Sadberk Hanim Museum

European Shore Tour

Bosphorus Ferry Cruise

Bosphorus TurYol Cruise

Bosphorus Cruise Homepage

The Bosphorus

Southern Bosphorus Sights

Northern Bosphorus Sights

Istanbul Sights

Istanbul Homepage

Fish Restaurants in Sariyer, Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey

Above, seafood restaurants along the waterfront in Sariyer, on the northern Bosphorus, Istanbul.
Below, fish for sale.