This afternoon I changed my regular route and decided to stroll from the architecturally enriching, very colourful and except for Sunday mornings, the forever clamorous touristy Istiklal Street down to one of my favourite museums, Istanbul Modern via Boğazkesen Street.

Boğazkesen definitely deserves a long account of her stories to be disclosed, all from the history of the current Tomtom Suites, to the presently abandoned home of French nuns of St Joseph’s Orphanage to the myriad art galleries for which Bogazkesen is now well known for. However today she will merely shine through snapshots.

Literally translated as “throat slitter” the name Boğazkesen does not really connote the warmest feelings nor does it award credit to the richness of her history.

It was unusual to see Boğazkesen so abandoned, so lonely almost. A chilly Sunday meant that the usual crowds were nowhere to be seen, accentuating the grandeur of the refined architecture which the usual masses divert the attention from.

The magnificent architecture I admired as I strolled down down Boğazkesen Street reminded me of a line in The Fountainhead written by one of my favourite authors, Ayn Rand. “A house can have integrity, just like a person,’ said Roark, ‘and just as seldom.”

Where is Boğazkesen Street?

How to get to Boğazkesen?

It is best to get off at the Tophane Tram station and walk the slight uphill.