YUKSEK KALDIRIM

Just to the north of Bankalar Caddesi, a second road climbs up to Pera by a more more direct, steeper route. This is Yuksek Kaldirim (High Pavement), which was originally a street of 118 stone steps which connected with what is now Galipdede Caddesi. This was always a cosmopolitan area, with all sorts of interesting shops, and many of the city's brothels tucked away to the side. Locals tell of the famous Madame Matild Manukyan, who owned one of the brothels, and was the country's highest tax payer in the 1980s-1990s. The colors and atmosphere of the 19th century, however, have vanished, numerous stores that are supplied with electricity have appeared and the roads have been asphalted. Now, we will continue our journey to the Karakoy neighborhood. We will go down the street and cross it using a subway.