Besiktas
Besiktas has a population of 190,813 (2000 census).
In the centre of Besiktas (pronounced 'Beshiktash) there is a major bus terminal and a ferry port for boats to the Asian side of the city and the cities marine museum. Opposite to the museum is a historical Ottoman Mosque.
The centre of Besiktas is usually overcrowded but it has many winding streets, house cafes, resturants and bars.
Further up from the centre of Besiktas is Yildiz Technical University, Yildiz Park and Yildiz Palace and from this point on, housing becomes more upmarket and much more expensive.
Besiktas is neighbour to the upmarket Bebek and Etiler areas (where Bogazici University is) and Mecidiyekoy which is one of the central business districs of European Istanbul (and also home to Galatasaray football club)
Besiktas is also home to the Yahya Effendi Tekke. One of the most well preserved surviving Tekkes in Istanbul.
Politically this area has always been centre left leaning and has in the past been a stronghold of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP)
Also the district hosts the football team, Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü; (Besiktas Gymnastics Club), who have won twelve Turkish Super League titles and participated three times (1997-98, 2000-01, 2003-04) in the Champions League.
