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Photo: Tonilupe, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Stretching west from the park is this impressive 16th-century stone bridge with four humps and 28 arches spanning the channel between lagoon and sea. The bridge is pedestrian only and offers some very nice views, so it's worth walking across the entire (breezy!) span via the three islets to the quiet western end, even though beyond is industrial gap site, with the modern highway roaring to the south. In the park, the pillbox menacing the bridge was part of the "Çakmak Line", the World War II fortifications stretching from here to Terkos, which were Istanbul's last line of defence from the west. The pillbox exterior is colourfully decorated but the interior is closed.
The Kanuni Sultan Suleiman bridge, also known as Büyükçekmece Bridge, is a stone arch bridge located in Büyükçekmece, 36 km (22 mi) west of the center of Istanbul, Turkey, on the European side of the Bosphorus.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The main attraction is this small circular park on the lakefront. Much of its content is modern, including the amphitheatre and sculpture. But behind the amphitheatre are the old baths, and on the park's southeast rim is the caravanserai: Büyükçekmece was traditionally the first overnight stop for caravans trekking west to Europe from Constantinople, or their last stop eastbound. Also known as Kurşunlu Han, the "lead inn" as that's what it was roofed with, it's now a cultural centre: see if there is an exhibition on, and in any case try to peek inside at the architecture supporting the roof. Next to it is Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, with its kerbside minaret artistically carved out of a single piece of rock, and a large fountain to provide water to the arriving caravans.
big lagoon
This lagoon and district has more to offer. There are lots of cafes around the Kültür Park, and restaurants along the banks of the lagoon's outlet channel. There is nothing of note in modern downtown Büyükçekmece.
The Pelit company has made chocolate since 1957. This small museum is dedicated to the history of chocolate in Turkey and also features numerous chocolate sculptures.
A charming coastal neighborhood, known for its sandy beaches, vibrant summer atmosphere, and stunning views. One of the few swimmable places in the Marmara Sea.
An Olympic venue. Home court of the national team.