23.10.2026 17:20
An image of Kadıköy, one of Istanbul's most crowded and bustling districts, from about 96 years ago reveals the great change the area has undergone. In the area where the Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex is located today, the old Fenerbahçe Stadium can be seen, and right in front of it is Kurbağalıdere. In the area where apartment buildings had not yet risen, wooden houses, vegetable gardens, and green spaces stand out.
A photograph of Kadıköy, one of the liveliest spots in Istanbul, said to date from the 1930s, reveals the district's past appearance. In the image, stated to be from approximately 96 years ago, it can be seen that the area around Fenerbahçe Stadium—today surrounded by high-rise buildings—consisted largely of green spaces.
THE SURROUNDINGS OF FENERBAHÇE STADIUM WERE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
One of the most striking details in the photograph is the old stadium in the area where today's Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex is located. In the image, Fenerbahçe Stadium is clearly visible with its stands and pitch, while no dense construction as seen today surrounds it. Kurbağalıdere, which runs just in front of the stadium, stands out as one of the important details reflecting the area's natural appearance in the past.
BOATS ON KURBAĞALIDERE, WOODEN HOUSES AROUND IT
In the historical photograph, boats moored at the edge of Kurbağalıdere, the bridge over the stream, houses with red-tiled roofs, and large green areas draw attention. In the area, which today experiences heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, it can be seen that vegetable gardens, houses with gardens, and open land occupied a large space in those years. The photograph offers a scene quite different from Kadıköy's present-day urbanized appearance.
IT WAS ONCE KNOWN AS “PRIEST’S MEADOW”
The area where Fenerbahçe Stadium is located was formerly known as “Papazın Çayırı.” This area, one of the important points in Istanbul's football history, acquired its current stadium identity through the changes it underwent over time. The area, once surrounded by wide meadows, turned into one of Kadıköy's most densely populated residential areas over the years.
IT BECAME UNRECOGNIZABLE IN 96 YEARS
The image reflecting nearly a century of change also reveals how Istanbul has transformed over the years. Kadıköy, where boats once stood by the stream, wooden houses lined up, and wide green areas stretched out, now has a completely different appearance with its multi-story buildings, busy streets, and dense population.