Sarıyer (SAH-ruh-yehr) is a northern suburb of Istanbulon 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, Sarıyer 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 forlunch if you take a Bosphorus cruise.
Otherwise, Sarıyer 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 Hanım Museumjust south of Sarıyer on the shore road in Büyükdere.
From Sarıyer, 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 Hisarı (the great fortress), Bebek, Arnavutköy, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş(Barbaros), Dolmabahçe Palace, Beyoğlu and Taksim Square, or Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn.
Here’s how to return to Istanbul by bus, minibus or taxi.
—by Tom Brosnahan
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