Galata Tower: Istanbul's Iconic Landmark with a Rich Past
The Galata Tower is an iconic structure situated in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. The tower derives its name from the surrounding neighborhood. Originally constructed as a watchtower during a bygone era, it has since been repurposed as a museum. The Galata Tower stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of Istanbul, captivating visitors from both Turkey and around the world with its rich history, enchanting ambiance, and mythical tales.
The History of Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of the first towers in the world. It takes its name from the Galata district where it is located. This structure, which was built as a watchtower within the walls of Galata, was used for different purposes in different periods. Today, it serves as an exhibition space and a museum.
Galata Tower, which is rumored to be one of the first towers in the world, was built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius in 528 to the highest point of the region. Its appearance then was very different from now. Moreover, it is made of wood.
It was built to be used as a lighthouse and watchtower, and this place was built at the highest point of Galata due to the fact that one zoned structure is a rule that another structure does not block the sea view. For centuries, Galata was seriously destroyed during the Crusade 4, when it was in a dominant position on the Bosphorus. It always collapsed due to fires that broke out later.
Galata was rebuilt by the Genoese in 1348. This time it was not made of wood, but by the masonry stone method. Its appearance at that time and its current appearance are a little more similar. After the Conquest of Istanbul, great importance was given to the Galata Region by Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
In 509, the tower was completely destroyed in the Istanbul earthquake, which is referred to as the ”little apocalypse'. The reconstruction was also completed by the architect Hayrettin. The tower, which started to be used as a dungeon during the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, suffered great damage due to fires during the reign of Selim II and was renovated once again. It was also used as an observatory during the reign of Murat III.
By the year 1632, Galata Tower witnessed another one of the historical days. Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi performed his 3358-meter flight from the tower to Üsküdar Doğancılar Square. The restoration of the tower to its current appearance is the last repair made between 1965 and 1967.
Where is the Galata Tower? How to Get There?
The tower is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. There are many ways to come to the tower, which is located 2 minutes from the Tunnel Square where Istiklal Street ends. You can get off at Şişhane metro stop, exit Istiklal Caddesi exit and reach the tower by walking for 1-2 minutes from Yüksek Karbayım Sokak.
Even if you are coming from the coast or from the Anatolian Side, it is possible to come here by ferry. If you are coming from across, you can also take the ferry if you are coming from the European side, you can choose the Kabataş – Zeytinburnu tram line on the coast.
You can access the address and location information of Galata Tower from below:
Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Number: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Galata Tower Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Galata Tower is used as a museum today. You also have to pay a certain fee when entering here. The entrance fees of Galata Tower are as follows:
Entrance Fee: 350 TL
Museum Card: Valid
Galata Tower working hours information is as follows:
Opening Time: 08.30
Closing Time: 23.00
Box Office Closing Time: 22.00
Closed Days: Open every day
NOTE: Galata Tower entrance fees, opening hours and open days may vary on public holidays and holidays. For this reason, we recommend that you get information first.
Phone: 02122454141
Website: https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=GLT04&distId=MRK
Why is "Galata" Tower?
There are many rumors about the reasons why it is called 'Galata' and there is no definite information about any of them. One of the rumors is that the Gauls came all the way here and settled here, and their names were given here.
The second rumor is that the Galatians took the name of the Galata People. There are also a lot of people who think there is a similarity of names at this point. A third rumor is that the name Galesü, which means milk place, was put because dairy farming was widespread in this region during the Byzantine period.
Legends about the Galata Tower
There are stories and legends told from language to language about many historical buildings today. There are also countless legends about the Galata Tower. Some of these, and the most well-known, are as follows:
Women's Corpses with Their Hearts Ripped Out
'When it started to be used as an observatory during the Murat period, interesting events began to happen around the Galata Tower. Almost every night, the bodies of women with their hearts ripped out are dumped next to the tower. After these events, which caused unrest among the public, the observatory was closed. But things don't settle down. And when the events continue for years, people living in the region migrate to other districts and do not even travel to Galata, let alone live in Galata on one side. The mystery behind the murders and murders continues until the detective agency founded by Abdulhamit solves the events. As a result of the work of the agency, it becomes clear that a secret cult committed the murders.'
The Love of Giants
'It's the sixth century. It is swinging beautifully in the Tues of the Marmara Sea. This beauty is so fascinating, so revealing that people have turned their backs even to Istanbul, the beauty of the world, that is, Constantinople with its name at that time, they are watching this beauty. This is a lonely and sad beautiful Maiden Tower. One day, an Istanbul boy is standing right in front of the Maiden's Tower. That's the Galata Tower, too. Maiden Tower falls in love with this young man at first sight. So how is it possible to be indifferent to the appearance of such a beautiful. The Galata Tower also immediately falls in love with the Maiden's Tower. Their love did not fit into the hearts of both of them over time. But it is impossible for them to reach each other, to confess their love. Both of them are worried about not getting back together. One day a man came out and came next to the Galata Tower. And somehow convinced that man to take his love letters to the Maiden's Tower. This is the man, I mean, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, filled all those letters in his shirt, put on his wings and left himself for this love from the Galata Tower into the void. A little with the help of the wind blowing that day, a little with the help of Hezarfen's dreams, this love began to float in the air. But just as he was about to arrive at the Maiden's Tower, all the letters spilled out of his shirt collar into the sea. Galata jumped up nervously because it didn't happen this time. But the sea could not remain indifferent in the face of such a love; it carried all the letters one by one to the Maiden's Tower with its waves. The Maiden's Tower, which reciprocated her love, shone with happiness again. And of course, the Galata Tower, which sees him in this state, is also. It is precisely thanks to this love that they have both become beautiful day by day. And they have continued to fascinate people for 15 centuries.'
According to a rumor, it is said that a person who goes to the Galata Tower for the first time with their beloved marries them. But the rules is that none of the two should have visited the tower before.
Galata Tower Restaurant
There is a restaurant in the Galata Tower where you can look at the whole of Istanbul from the top. However, it is useful to make a reservation before you come here. You may find it difficult to find a place because both local and foreign tourists flock here. It is said that restaurant prices used to be very expensive, but now they have fallen because they have passed to the municipality.
Other Places You Can Visit While Visiting Galata Tower
The area around Galata Tower has countless places to visit. Some of the places you should definitely see here are as follows:
Galata Mevlevi House
Galata Bridge
Kamondo Stairs
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