Apr 29, 2025

Sadaka taşı Istanbul

Politeness and lack of greed

"The "Sadaka taşı" in Istanbul were used as open charity boxes in the time of the Empire. Now they're a reminder to the elaborateness of the public back then."

So this is a new discovery for me as well. Last week I was on a stroll in the depths of İstanbul where I came across this small pillar stone. It's called sadaka taşı (charity stone). During the Ottoman period these structures were erected at certain points of the city. The sole purpose of this was the fair connection between the people with money and the poor (or the beggars). It's a very polite gesture that shows the elaborateness of the public during those periods.

These small pillar stones represent the modern donation system but openly. Usually placed within mosque complexes and in a very hidden corner. It's almost as tall as a human or maybe a little taller. There is a cavity on the very top. So people who wanted to do charity would place whatever amount they wanted in this cavity. The people with need would only take the amount they needed and leave the rest for the others. No one was offended by begging nor by paying a beggar.

The system worked fine until the descent of the Empire. As seen in the picture some still exist. So if you get to see one now you know what it stands for. No, I wouldn't suggest for you to leave any money there.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Sümbül Efendi ağa

TL

free

Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Boden

Cool ambiance for a chillout

Thanks to Boden, it is now possible to find a chic ambiance, tasty cocktails, food and reasonable prices all in one place in Kadıköy.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jun 15, 2025

Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu

A Rooftop Escape

Among the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu lies a hidden gem with breathtaking views at the rooftop of the Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jun 15, 2025

Filiz Restaurant

Local way of fish and meze

Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 13, 2025

Frankestayn Kitabevi

Empowering pages in Beyoglu

Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 13, 2025

Hasanpaşa Gashouse

Industrial heritage

Hasanpaşa Gashouse, which has been providing the Kadıköy District for 130 years with gas, has finally opened as a cultural centre and a museum...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jun 13, 2025

Bohem's Coffee

The heartfelt hospitality

The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jun 12, 2025

Moda Nostalgia Tramvay

Ride On The Asian Side

Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 11, 2025

Az Cok Thai

Flavors of Thailand in your plate

At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 11, 2025

Batard Bomonti

French Bistro in Istanbul

Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 8, 2025

The Museum of Innocence

Beauty of Storytelling

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 8, 2025

3rd Culture Store

Design store in Istanbul

From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 7, 2025

Lokal Makers Shop

Slow shopping in Istanbul

At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jun 7, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

236 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7291
Filters