The district behind Leander's Tower is Uskudar, the historical location for crossings to the European side.

The 16th century mosques and the monumental fountain in the square, and the miniature §emsi Pasa Mosque and the medrese on the shore, both built by Sinan, are fine examples of Turkish architecture.

The historical Karacaahmet Cemetery is located on the slopes of Uskudar and behind these rise the Carnhca hills. These hills covered with pine groves offer a bird's eye view of the Bpsphorus and the Princes' Islands.