Ordu Boulevard - Divan Road

İstanbul Ordu Boulevard – A Roman Axis or the Divan Road


Ordu Boulevard, almost centrally crossing the Historical Peninsula in İstanbul, extends towards Aksaray Square, and is connected with Vatan Boulevard. Ordu Street, had been known as one of the major axes of the Roman city plan (Castrum), identified as ‘Divan Road’ during reigns of Ottoman Empire. The main aim of the project is to pedestrianize the Boulevard that has a tram lane passing through it, and to propose on surface, shared, accessible and equal to everyone, and universal design.

The traces of lost buildings of the Boulevard in time, due to calamities such as destruction, fire or earthquake, are marked in different ways on their original locations, and panels are placed that have information, drawings or photographs. The area in which the historical Theodosius Gate exists has been imprinted by a distinct lighting and spatial organization. The open space gained via removing temporary bus stops in front of the Beyazıt Mosque has been considered as a city square for Fatih District crisscrossed with trees.  That ‘Square’ will be a new recreational spot for İstanbul residents and visitors between the Grand Bazaar and Beyazit Mosque, together with seat arrangements under the trees, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Info and Communication Spots.  Sea views, vistas, along Ordu Boulevard have been labeled by means of attention-seizing urban design approach. By the two-lane bicycle paths on both sides of the tram lane, Ordu Boulevard will be a very important part of the Bicycle Networkof the Historical Peninsula.