The entrance floors of the houses in Kaleici serve as warehouses, provision rooms, and service floors. Similarly, mezzanines have comparable functions. The kitchen, bath, and toilet are often located in the garden due to the favorable climate. This arrangement eliminates the challenge of moving goods around inside the house. Daily life primarily unfolds in the “taslık” (paved court) and “hayat” (open-air courtyard). The rooms in these houses, functioning like independent dwellings, can accommodate large families. Due to this characteristic Read More about Exploring Camli Kosk, they are commonly referred to as “houses.” The most extensive room is typically assigned to the eldest family member. Windows are placed in accordance with the household tradition, prioritizing functionality over outward views. Sofa height within the rooms determines the window height. The windows are sizable, allowing ample light to penetrate. At times, upper windows are also used to enhance light entry.
Historical Insight from Evliya Celebi
Referring to Evliya Celebi provides insights into Kaleici’s past: “(…) Besides the four main gates, there are 22 smaller doors in the districts separated by the city ramparts. This inner fortress consists of seven floors, lacking a trench. It is situated where the Pasha Palace and Hunkar Mosque are found, with cannons facing the port. The entire fortress comprises seven parts, with three thousand tightly arranged houses, including seventy streets, featuring paved roads Guided Round Tours Turkey. Each house has a trellis situated over the touristic Kaleici.”
Transformation into a Tourism Hub
While Evliya Çelebi’s depiction of houses and streets in Kaleiçi remains consistent, a crucial transformation has occurred. Today, Kaleici is no longer solely a living place; it has evolved into a tourism brand. Neglected houses, once abandoned, are now being restored by new owners. The area boasts charming boutique hotels, boardinghouses, restaurants, bars, and cafes, attracting both individual travelers and mass tourism. Restaurants with gardens, adorned with lime trees, offer a taste of Mediterranean romance during summer evenings. For those seeking a more sophisticated ambiance, the ‘Gizli Bahce’ complex, restored from five different Seljuk-era residences, provides an extraordinary view over the yacht port. The menu at ‘Gizli Bahce’ encompasses Turkish, French, and Italian cuisine, along with delectable seafood options.
