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Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, home to iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Sultanahmet Square, is taking its first step toward becoming a pedestrian-focused zone.
Authorities have announced a major restructuring plan to reduce vehicle traffic and enhance the area for tourists and locals alike.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has launched the “Historic Peninsula Transportation Action Plan,” aiming to protect the area’s historic fabric while promoting environmentally friendly mobility.
As part of the initial phase, the Sirkeci–Harem car ferry line will be relocated to Yenikapi. Areas surrounding Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace will be closed to private vehicles, creating pedestrian-only zones.
Pelin Alpkokin, Deputy Secretary General of IMM, spoke to Hurriyet daily: “Our ultimate goal is to remove vehicle traffic from the heart of the Historic Peninsula, create pedestrian-friendly streets, and implement congestion pricing similar to Singapore or London once the necessary regulations are in place. Simply put, polluters pay. But some areas will remain off-limits even if you pay.”
Alpkokin emphasized the broader aim of restoring the peninsula’s charm and accessibility: “This is a multi-stakeholder effort to give the Historic Peninsula back its rightful character. The current chaos does not suit this area. People cannot easily walk, explore, or enjoy the historic surroundings."
"We aim to reopen it to both local and international visitors and bring it to international standards. The vision will expand further when new metro lines reach Besiktas and Kabatas in 2027, and we are also considering similar plans for Kadikoy Moda on the Asian side.”
The first pilot project will be launched on Vatan Street, where bus-priority lanes will be created in high-traffic areas with strong public transport demand. The Vezneciler-Fenertepe Metro Line, integrated with these lanes along Fevzipasa Street toward Edirnekapi, will provide efficient alternatives to private vehicles.
To encourage public transportation, park-and-ride facilities, known as P+D (Park et-Devam et), will be expanded. A new P+D lot in Alibeykoy will allow drivers to leave their vehicles and switch to buses or metro services.
Tourists will benefit from shuttle services linking hotels in Sarayburnu and Cankurtaran to the historic sites. Short-term drop-off points for tour buses will be established at Sirkeci and Yenikapi, referred to as “Tourism HUBs,” supporting smooth access to key attractions while keeping private vehicles out. Pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly routes will further improve mobility within the area.
The relocation of the Sirkeci–Harem car ferry terminal to Yenikapi will free up space in Sirkeci for short-term tourist bus operations, turning it into a central point for visitor transit.
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