The Best Spots For Food Shopping In Kurtuluş, Istanbul

Originally built in the 16th century as a residential area for Chian Greeks who worked in the Ottoman dockyards, the Kurtuluş neighborhood (formerly known as Tatavla) reached a population of 200,000 during the 19th century. Also called ‘Little Athens,’ the area had several Orthodox churches, schools, and tavernas, some of which still exist today. Six years after the foundation of the Republic, the neighborhood was renamed Kurtuluş, which translates into ‘liberation.’ Until the riots of 1955, Kurtuluş continued to be a Greek community, and its many beautiful neoclassical houses still stand today. Nowadays, the area is home to a small Greek population (almost entirely emigrated), Turks, Armenians, Kurds, and Jews. With such a rich history and ethnic diversity, it’s no wonder that Kurtuluş Caddesi (the area’s main road) is full of eclectic food spots, with everything from the sweet to the savory.