Its name means "healing"
In antiquity the place was called "Pharmakeia". As the name did not sound very pleasant, in the 5th century Patriarch Atticus of Constantinople changed it to "Therapia", meaning healing. Over time it became Tarabya. With its clean air and cool breezes, it is no surprise that it was Istanbul's summer retreat for centuries.
The embassies' summer retreat
Tarabya's cool summers also drew foreign envoys in Ottoman times. From the reign of Selim III, France, Switzerland and Naples; under Mahmud II, Denmark and Romania; and under Abdülhamid II, Britain and Germany built summer embassies here. Germany's historic summer residence lives on today as the Tarabya Cultural Academy, which has hosted artists since 2011.
Living and doing business in Tarabya today
The bay and marina, the fish restaurants along the shore and the promenade facing the Bosphorus are the heart of the neighbourhood. Apartments close to the shore with Bosphorus views are the most requested. Further up the hillside you find quieter residential compounds, villas and detached houses among the greenery.
Tarabya is also a lively commercial neighbourhood. Shops along the coastal road and around the square are sought after for cafés, restaurants and local businesses. Visitors all year round and a steady local population make commercial property here valuable for both buyers and tenants.
The neighbourhood is home to campuses of Lycée Pierre Loti and Tarabya British Schools, so families wanting to live near school often ask about Tarabya. Hacıosman metro station (M2), about 3 km up from the shore, gives a fast connection to Maslak and the city centre.
Looking for property in Tarabya?
For sale or for rent; an apartment, villa, shop, commercial space or land; by the shore or up the hill… Tell me what you are looking for. When a suitable place comes up, I will call you before it goes online. If you want to sell or let your property, let's first see it on site and set the right price together.