The elegant row houses that slope up Süleyman Seba and Şifa Nedim avenues in the Akaretler district of Istanbul, just off the shore road from Beşiktaş, have a classic, timeless appearance. In fact, they were built 136 years ago, as extra accommodations for the royal staff at the nearby Dolmabahçe Palace. After that use became obsolete, the area was gradually developed into a miniature residential and retail district.

Akaretler’s shopping scene was revitalized in 2008, when a group of leading international clothing designers including Damas, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, and Chloé opened branches on its streets. Many of those boutiques have since closed, however, and an array of trendy, high-end shops and galleries have moved into their old homes on the cobbled streets of Akaretler.

These days, the neighborhood features a less pricey and more Turkish selection of fashionable retailers and eateries. Akaretler now boasts the flagship branch of Haremlique, retailer of elegantly designed linens and textiles, hip new wine bar Corvus, branches of upscale jewelry shops such as Sevan Bıçakçı and Storks, a Can Hi-Fi audio and video center for your high-end technology needs, and a wedding outlet by Turkish luxury designer Vakko. The Turkish coffee-shop chain and purveyor of fine chocolates Kahve Dünyası has opened a branch in the midst of the shops. For a more filling meal, you can enjoy fine Middle Eastern cuisine in sumptuous armchairs on the shaded terrace of Al Jamal Badawi restaurant, or cross the street for a dinner at Kalamata Meyhane. Located at the W Hotel, Minyon offers a warm and elegant atmosphere where you can enjoy a light salad or an afternoon cocktail. Another very recent addition to the area’s dining scene is The Winston Brasserie, which specializes in upscale Italian fare.

The real stars of the new Akaretler, however, are the eclectic and exciting galleries that have opened in the past several months. At the end of 2010, art and photography gallery artlimits moved into the building on Şair Nedim Caddesi formerly occupied by Marc Jacobs. More than 25 different photographs and prints adorn its walls, all available in a variety of sizes. Though some pictures are reminiscent of other media, such as woodprints or oil paints, most have been digitally created. All the images leave striking and colorful impressions on the viewer. Though small, the gallery has already picked up the work of some extremely prominent artists, such as Ergan Inan, recipient of a 2010 President’s Culture and Art Grand Award.

Another new Akaretler gallery, Art ON, opened in March and held its third exhibition in June. A group exhibition featuring contemporary art masters such as British pop artist Dexter Dalwood and Turkish 3-D artist Seçkin Pirim, the show aimed to juxtapose Turkish contemporary art against the international modern art scene. Previously, Art ON also distinguished itself with “Virtual Places”, a solo exhibition by Turkish contemporary photographer Ali Alışır, and its inaugural exhibition, which featured unique editions by modern artists such as Damien Hirst and Gary Hume.

A walk through Akaretler will also interest fans of fashionable interior design. In May of 2011, two contemporary Turkish interior design companies opened branches in the area. A whimsical animal theme runs through the furniture and interior décor products of Autoban, founded in 2003 by Seyhan Özdemir and Sefer Çağlar. From winged chairs shaped like birdcages to light fi xtures that suggest octopi and spiders, Autoban offers a surrealist spin on everyday objects for the home. For those who enjoy more conventional home accessories, Autoban’s elegant wooden tables, ceramic vases, candleholders, and dazzling selection of colorful glass animal figurines will surely delight.

The 40-year-old company Derin Design offers products for those seeking the thin furniture, fluid shapes, and solid colors that characterize more minimalist, mid-century-modern home design. The wide selection of candleholders on offer resemble everything from factory pipes to sponges, and some of the lamps and ceramic accessories look like instruments from a science laboratory. Derin’s designs are as practical as they are contemporary: plastic shelves that fold into themselves and sleek, spare chair-and-table sets will refine your living space.

You can also visit Akaretler virtually and check out a map of the district as well as links to each gallery at www.akaretler.com.tr.