In the Byzantine period, Rouphinianai (also spelled Ruphinianus), or Drys^[4] refers to Caddebostan and the surrounding area. Rouphinianai was a port town presumed to have been located about 5 kilometers east of Chalcedon.^[5] The settlement had a harbor, dock, palace and several religious buildings. The town took its name from ruler Flavius Ruphinus, while the name Drys likely comes from a magnificently large oak tree spotted in or near the area as Drys has a similar meaning to oak.^[6]

In the Ottoman times, Caddebostan was referred to as Cadı Bostanı ("witch garden"),^[7] as outlaws commonly hid in the neighborhood.^[8] In 1906, the Ragıp Pasha Mansion was built by August Jasmund.^[9] When the neighborhood became more developed and urbanized, the name was changed to Caddebostan, which literally translates to "street garden".

In 1930, a separate neighborhood unit was created for Caddebostan, separating it from Erenköy and Göztepe.^[10] The neighborhood became a place for entertainment with its beaches and a casino opening in the 40's. In 1985, the Caddebostan Coast was filled which increased Caddebostan's popularity further.^[8] Later, the casino was closed.^[11]

Education edit

While Caddebostan is a small neighbourhood in terms of size, it has many schools; both public and private. These private schools include Irmak Schools and İSTEK Semiha Şakir Schools.^[12]

Culture edit

There is a cultural center, CKM, short for Caddebostan Kültür Merkezi (Caddebostan Cultural Center in English) located in Caddebostan. The place includes one theater hall, many movie theaters and other facilities such as a gym, a bookshop, a library, and a bar.^[13]

Attractions edit

Coastal edit

Caddebostan has the very popular Caddebostan Coast which people often walk, run, or go by the cycling routes. The Caddebostan Coast also includes the three Caddebostan Beaches.^[14] The coast is approximately 950 meters long.^[15] The coast includes the Dalyan Park which contains facilities such as playgrounds and sport related installments.^[7] It is possible to swim in the waters of Caddebostan unlike most places in Istanbul (due to pollution).^[16] In the summer, it gets very crowded.^[17]

Historical edit

There are many old mansions on the coast, the most significant one being Ragıp Pasha Mansion, also referred as "Perili Köşk". The mansion carries historical legacy and is the landmark of Caddebostan.^[7][18] Other notable mansions include Theron Damon Mansion^[19] and Tevhide Hanım Mansion.^[20]

Shopping edit

Caddebostan, in its borders holds one of the most important parts of Bağdat Avenue which most famous brands are located on. The entire street is 14 kilometers long, spanning from Maltepe in the east to Kadıköy in the west. There is often a lot of traffic and the street is usually crowded. It is the main shopping center of the neighbourhood.^[21]

Nightlife edit

Along with Bağdat Avenue, another important street in Caddebostan is İskele Street, commonly referred to as "Barlar Street", ("bars street"). The street is a place which has many bars (explaining the streets name).^[22] At nighttime, Barlar Street is very active, and can be dangerous as it is common to see fights and other incidents.^[23]

Parks edit

The Göztepe 60. Year Park is located inside the borders of Caddebostan, but often perceived to be in Göztepe due to its name.^[24] The park is a popular and often crowded place which many parents commonly take their children to play or just to walk around and relax. Göztepe Park contains exercise areas, flower gardens, and playgrounds. It is a quite big park and attracts various people in the region.^[25]