Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu
Map showing Beyoğlu District in Istanbul Province
Beyoğlu
Location in Turkey
Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu (Istanbul)
Coordinates: 41°01′43″N 28°58′29″E / 41.02861°N 28.97472°E / 41.02861; 28.97472
CountryTurkey
ProvinceIstanbul
Government
 • Mayorİnan Güney (CHP)
Area
9 km2 (3.5 sq mi)
Population
 (2022)
225,920
 • Density25,000/km2 (65,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+3 (TRT)
Area code0212
Websitewww.beyoglu.bel.tr

Beyoğlu (Turkish: [ˈbejoːɫu]) is a municipality and district of Istanbul Province, Turkey. Its area is 9 km2, and its population is 225,920 (2022). It is on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey, separated from the old city (historic peninsula of Constantinople now known as Fatih) by the Golden Horn.

Genoese traders founded Beyoğlu. In the 19th century, its population was largely composed of foreigners of European origin, including Catholic Levantines, along with local Christians and Jews. Events such as 1950s Istanbul pogrom and suburbanization led to high income Muslims, Armenians, Greeks, and Jews leaving for the suburbs, which resulted in decaying housing. Urban renewal projects and gentrification started in 1980s and 1990s. Cultural events such as Istanbul Film Festival, restaurants, and coffee shops were established, while middle-income and upper-income residents returned to the area. Present-day Beyoğlu is one of the main night-life areas in Istanbul.

The district encompasses other neighborhoods located north of the Golden Horn, including Galata (modern-day Karaköy), Tophane, Cihangir, Şişhane, Tepebaşı, Tarlabaşı, Dolapdere and Kasımpaşa, and is connected to the old city center across the Golden Horn through the Galata Bridge, Atatürk Bridge and Golden Horn Metro Bridge. Beyoğlu is also home to İstiklal Avenue and Taksim Square.