History and Importance of Baghdad Street from Past to Present
What is the history of Baghdad Street?
Üsküdar has been an important place for all civilizations passing through Istanbul. Because Üsküdar is the closest point to the European side, in the old times, when the opposite bank was crossed from Üsküdar, Istanbul would have passed to Constantinople. During the Anatolian campaigns, the Ottoman army came to the Ayrılıkçeşmesi via Üsküdar. The Sultan and the Ottoman army set off from Haydarpaşa Meadow. Because of this tradition, the road between Üsküdar and Ayrılıkçeşmesi was called Ceremonial Road. The path that started after the Ayrılık Cesmesi took the name of Baghdad Road in 1638 with VI Murad's expedition of Baghdad. The fountains in these places were used for activities such as joining the group, gathering and taking a break. The Baghdad Road was named Baghdad Street in 1934. This name was given for the part up to Pendik. Nowadays, it is known that the border is up to Cevizli.
Since 1851 Sirket-i Hayriye was in service and came to Kadikoy and in 1872, the installation of Haydarpaşa-Pendik rail line increased the settlement area in the region. Before these years, there were very few settlements around Baghdad Street. The settlement began fully in the late 1800s. During the reign of Abdulhamid II, the notables of the palace bought land and built pavilions. Thereupon commercialization started in the region. In the 1920s, the entertainment concept of Kadıköy Kuşdili Meadow shifted towards Mühürdar, Belvü and Kalamış with the 1930s. The arrival of electricity and tram in 1928, the two-way operation of the Kadıköy-Bostancı tram line structured around Bagdat Street. Baghdad Street was used as a summer house area.
When the 1950s reached, 3-floor construction permit and in the following years, 4 - 5-floor construction permit increased the development of new buildings. The people of Kadıköy loved Baghdad Street even more in the 1960s because of the new buildings and the old mansions. In 1966 the tram was removed, and in the 70s the kiosks were quickly demolished, and new buildings were built. In the 80s, the region lost its summer property, and traffic became one-way. In the 1990s, the crowded part was between Şaşkınbakkal and Caddebostan. Patisseries that were quite fashionable in the 90s were on this line. At that time the ground floors were not housed. When we came to the 2000s, it became known as Bağdat Caddesi Cadde. Afterwards, cafes and restaurants started to open. In 2010, the urban transformation style was rebuilt by demolishing many buildings on the street. Baghdad Street is one of the popular spots of domestic and foreign tourists.
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