Some hail Eminönü as quintessential Istanbul, while some see it just a crowd of people. In Eminönü, some distill happiness from feeding birds, and some from being in touch with history. Located in the historical core of Istanbul and inside the Byzantine walls, Eminönü has been known as the beating heart of trade for centuries…

The distinction of these streets as a trade and finance hub dates back to Byzantine era. In the days of the Byzantine Empire, the area circled the Port of Neorion and was the top choice for settlement for the Latin colonisers, especially the Genoese and Pisan, who had secured concessionary areas in the city from the 10^th century onwards. The destiny of one of its most important quarters, Sirkeci, was pretty much the same during both Byzantine and Ottoman eras: a trade hub that imports were shipped in and stored, and one where sailors and merchants rushed about. In brief, the most famous port quarter of Istanbul. The final destination of the famous Orient Express, the Sirkeci Station is also another important part of this chain. The Grand Post Office, a structure that marks 20^th century architecture, and other historical business blocks are integral part of this historical architectural family. 

At night, the crowd of the day simply vanishes. Eminönü at night and Eminönü during the day are as different as night and day. The population goes from 3 million during the day to 50,000 at night. This happens to be the most charming, most affordable, most varied, most local and most global shopping mall of the city. It presents itself as an open bazaar with its ceaseless commotion and its melange of trade complexes, covered markets, drinking fountains, madrasas, and mosques. As you walk through its historic streets that seem to turn back the clocks, you cannot help daydreaming about the days of the two empires and concluding that this is by far the most beautiful area of the city.