Galata Tower's Surroundings

tags: Galata Tower

Editor: Rasim Terzi (Tue, Nov 19, 2024 5:07 PM)

The First Intercontinental Flight

Galata Tower's Surroundings

Galata Tower stands as if proclaiming its dominance over Istanbul, aware that it owes its breathtaking views to this position. It knows that all Istanbul lovers are drawn to it. For centuries, it has gazed longingly at its love, the Maiden’s Tower, without ever reaching her. Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu narrated this love story in his works, weaving the tale into his poems.

Bereketzade Hacı Ali Ağa Fountain
The first tower here was built in 528 AD by Emperor Justinian. However, the current massive structure was built in 1348-1349 by the Genoese. At the time, the tower was part of Galata's walls and was called the "Tower of Christ." During the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (1494–1566), the tower was used as a prison. Later, it was allocated to the Ottoman military band, the Mehter Team, and in the mid-20th century, it served as a lighthouse. Today, the 69.9-meter-high tower, offering 360-degree views of Istanbul, serves as a restaurant and nightclub (details below).

Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi's Flight
In 1638, Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, who earned the title "Hezarfen" (meaning "a thousand sciences") for his vast knowledge, managed to fly from Galata Tower to Üsküdar’s Doğancılar Square, making the first intercontinental flight. It is believed that he was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s studies on birds to design his wings. Initially, Sultan Murad IV was pleased with his experiments, but under the influence of the Sheikh ul-Islam, he exiled Hezarfen to Algeria, arguing that no one should surpass the Sultan. This story was also depicted in the 1996 film "Istanbul Under My Wings." Today, Istanbul Airport’s ground services company bears the name Çelebi in his honor.

Bereketzade Hacı Ali Ağa Fountain
After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, Bereketzade Hacı Ali Ağa, the first governor of Galata, built the fountain and donated it to a mosque. In the 1950s, the fountain was moved to the square near the tower. Recently, the square beneath the tower has been restored, becoming a popular gathering place again. The area surrounding the tower is known as Kuledibi.

Genoese Heritage in Galata
Other remnants of the Genoese include the gate adorned with St. George’s cross, a symbol of Genoa, and two emblems on the Harap Kapı in Yanık Kapı Street. In Kart Çınar Street, there are some Genoese buildings dating back to the 1300s. Among the most significant is the Podestat, the residence of Genoese administrators, whose front façade faces Bankalar Street. While its façade resembles a 19th-century building, its rear reveals its 14th-century origins.

The Genoese in Istanbul
During the 11th and 12th centuries, the weakening Byzantine Empire granted commercial privileges to Italian city-states like Venice, Pisa, Amalfi, and Genoa. Many Italian merchants settled along the Golden Horn. In 1204, during the Fourth Crusade, the Genoese supported Emperor Michael Palaiologos and gained the right to move to Galata, where they built strong walls. In 1261, the Byzantines regained power, and the Emperor allowed the Genoese to manage Galata semi-independently. When Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror took Istanbul in 1453, the Genoese, aiming to preserve their privileges, remained neutral. After the conquest, Mehmed allowed them to retain their religious and commercial privileges but insisted they disarm and demolish their walls. Today, there is a museum named Galata in Genoa.

Beyoğlu (English) Hospital
Close to the grandeur of Galata Tower, there is another significant structure that often goes unnoticed. The Beyoğlu (English) Hospital, resembling an eggshell with its dome, was built in 1904 by Percy Adams, the architect of the London University Senate House. It served British sailors who frequented the area. Situated on Camekan Street, the hospital was designed to overlook the sea, allowing signals from incoming ships to be visible. In 1924, it was donated to the Turkish Red Crescent and still functions as a hospital today.

English Prison
Between 1904 and 1919, Ottoman sultans allowed foreign powers to punish their citizens within their own facilities. Just a short walk from Galata Tower Street, you can find the building that served as an English prison. In later years, it became an English military police station and then private property. During the 1970s, it was used as a jewelry workshop. In the 1990s, it was purchased by an architect and transformed into Galata House Restaurant.

Sen Piyer Han
Located on Kart Çınar Street, this darkened building was constructed by the French ambassador. The plaque at the entrance mentions that French poet André Chénier was born here in 1762. He later became a victim of the guillotine during the French Revolution in 1794.

St. Peter and Paul Church
On Galata Tower Street, you can also find the St. Peter and Paul Church, built by Swiss architect Gaspare Fossati between 1841 and 1843. Originally constructed by members of the Dominican order in 1228, their first church was later converted into the Arap Mosque. After moving to a hilltop location, the wooden church suffered damage in the fires of 1660 and 1731, leading to its reconstruction as the current stone building in 1841.

Neve Şalom Synagogue
The most famous Sephardic (Spanish-origin) synagogue in Istanbul is the Neve Şalom Synagogue. Initially a converted ceremony hall of a Jewish boys' school on Büyük Hendek Street, it became a synagogue in 1938. As the congregation grew, a new synagogue was constructed and opened in 1951. The synagogue, meaning "Oasis of Peace," stands out with its stained glass decorations, marble features, and massive chandelier. Tragically, it was the target of a bombing in 1986 that killed 23 people and again in 2003, resulting in three deaths.

Dogan Apartments
Located on the backstreets of Galata, this building was constructed in the 1800s by the Belgian banker Helbig family. Offering stunning views of Istanbul, it was named after Doğan Taşkent, the son of Kazım Taşkent, founder of Yapı Kredi Bank. The boy tragically died in a skiing accident in Switzerland. Serdar-ı Ekrem Street, where the apartments are located, has recently been revitalized with restored buildings, boutique shops, and cafes.

The name "Galata" is believed to originate from the Greek word "gala," meaning milk, as there were supposedly milk sellers in the area.

Tue, Nov 19, 2024 5:07 PM

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