Istanbul’s Asian side: a neighbourhood guide for Arab buyers
In short
Istanbul’s Asian side is generally calmer than the European side. It brings together historic districts such as Üsküdar and Kadıköy, a modern financial centre in Ataşehir, a long residential coastline from Maltepe to Kartal, Pendik and Tuzla, and new inland districts such as Sancaktepe. It is linked to the European side by the Marmaray line under the Bosphorus, ferries and bridges, and it is home to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Choose your district by how close it is to a rail or metro line.
Written by Mohammed Bukhari, Real estate consultant
Last reviewed October 7, 2026
Many people talk about Istanbul as if it were one city, but it is two cities on two continents. The Asian side attracts many Arab families because it is calmer, greener in many districts, and still well connected to the European side.
Historic districts on the Bosphorus
Üsküdar
A conservative historic district on the Bosphorus, with its mosques, waterfront and ferries. Prices are high and demand is steady.
Kadıköy
A lively district with markets, cafés and a waterfront, and a hub for ferries and the metro. Its prices are among the highest on the Asian side.
The modern centre
Ataşehir
Residential and office towers, Istanbul’s financial centre and large shopping centres. It suits those who want modern living close to business.
The eastern coast
Maltepe and Kartal
A long coastline with parks, modern projects and easy access to rail and metro lines.
Pendik and Tuzla
Further east, near Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with lower prices and new projects.
New inland districts
Sancaktepe and surroundings
Modern housing projects at lower prices, with greater reliance on roads and the metro.
Transport
- Marmaray: a train under the Bosphorus linking the two sides along the coast.
- Metro: one line from Kadıköy east to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and one from Üsküdar towards the inland districts.
- Ferries: from Kadıköy and Üsküdar to the European side.
- Bridges and tunnel: for cars, with congestion at peak times.
Details in the guide to transport in Istanbul.
What to watch out for
- Year of construction and the ground: see the guide to earthquake safety in buildings.
- Urban transformation: many older buildings in upmarket districts are entering rebuilding projects. See the urban transformation guide.
- Closed neighbourhoods: check this if a residence permit is your goal. See the guide to closed neighbourhoods.
Which district suits whom?
- History and the Bosphorus: Üsküdar.
- Liveliness and culture: Kadıköy.
- Modern living and business: Ataşehir.
- The coast at a reasonable price: Maltepe and Kartal.
- Price and the airport: Pendik and Tuzla.
In short
The Asian side gives you relative calm, a long coastline and historic districts, with good connections to the European side. Choose your district by budget and by how close it is to a rail or metro line, and check the building before anything else. For prices, read the Istanbul price guide.
Browse properties in Üsküdar and Kadıköy as well as Ataşehir and Kartal, or contact us.
Sources
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