Nişantaşı

This upscale district north of Taksim developed in the late Ottoman era around commemorative marker stones set up by sultans to record their archery feats, from which its name derives. Elegant apartment blocks from the early twentieth century line tree-shaded avenues now filled with designer boutiques, cafés and galleries. Long tied to the city's literary and cultural elite, it features prominently in the novels of Orhan Pamuk, who grew up here. Belle époque architecture, shopping and intellectual heritage give it a distinct character.