Galata Tower, Istanbul, Turkey
This content was last updated on 24.01.2024 22:20
The Galata Tower, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and considered among the oldest towers in the world, is also one of the symbols of Istanbul. Here is what you need to know about the Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of Istanbul...
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About Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of the first places to come to mind when it comes to places to visit in Istanbul. Galata Tower is a touristic place that has been watching the city for centuries with its majestic appearance, telling stories about it, and offering its guests the opportunity to see the most beautiful views of the city. It is one of the symbols of Istanbul, which is frequently visited by both domestic and foreign tourists.
This historical building has managed to attract more attention with the latest arrangements, and especially the changes in its content are a subject that everyone is curious about. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism "Mehmet Nuri Ersoy" stated that there would be informative works describing Istanbul on the floors. With a great show, the restoration process was completed and the Galata Tower was opened to visitors.
Now, let's get to know this magnificent tower, which has witnessed Istanbul for centuries, starting from its history, with all its aspects.
Where is Galata Tower
Galata Tower is located in the Galata section of the Bereketzade District, in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Galata Tower, built on the European side of the city, is located between Şişhane and Karaköy, overlooking the Bosphorus.
Address: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
How to Get to Galata Tower
There are many different ways to go to Galata Tower.
Private Vehicle: You can reach Taksim from the Tarlabaşı road by entering the Galata Tower sign on the left. You can leave your vehicle in the car parks around the tower.
Public Transportation: First of all, you reach Taksim. Then, after crossing Istiklal Street from beginning to end, you can reach the tower about 500 meters below the end of the street.
If you want to come from Eminönü side, you can reach by climbing the bank from Bankalar street via Karaköy road or you can use the tunnel.
Who Built Galata Tower? When Was It Built?
Galata Tower was first built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 507-508 AD. The present tower was rebuilt by the Genoese in 1348 - 1349. The tower was raised between 1445 and 1446.
It was damaged by the earthquake in the 1500s and was repaired by Architect Murad bin Hayreddin.
After the tower was repaired during the "Selim III" period, a bay window was added to the upper floor of the tower.
In 1831, the tower suffers another fire, "Mahmud II" rises two more floors above the tower and the top of the tower is covered with the famous cone-shaped roof.
The building was last repaired in 1967.
Architecture of Galata Tower
Galata Tower was built in a masonry rubble stone mesh system. The exterior is stone masonry. It is thought that the 16-line eulogy in the inscription at the entrance was written in the name of "Mahmud II" because it was made during his reign.
The round arched window above the door was the soldiers' watchtower. It is a nine-storey building after the high ground floor. The windows on its cylindrical body are round arched with brickwork. The development of the last two floors just below the cone roof is emphasized by the profiled moldings surrounding the cylindrical body. There is a meshed viewing balcony with metal ornaments that wraps the floor under the cone roof. On the lower floor, there are round arches sitting on deep niches and windows with round arches made of brick.
Today, it is observed that the part of the building up to the third floor has a Genoese character and the other floors have an Ottoman character.
Galata Tower Visiting Hours
The tower is open to visitors every day of the week. Galata Tower visiting hours are as follows;
- Opening time: 08:30
- Closing time: 23:00
- Box Office Closing Time: 22:00
Galata Tower Entrance Fee
Galata Tower entrance fee is 175 TL. (As of 2022)
The First Flying Person: Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi
Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi is the first Turkish scholar who managed to fly in the world. It is known that he lived in the 17th century, during the reign of "Sultan Murad IV", who reigned between 1623 and 1640, and was known as Hezarfen among the people because of his extensive knowledge.
Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi, who did experiments and researches on various subjects at home, took the example of another Turkish scholar named İsmail Cevheri and realized the primitive form of today's aircraft. He conducted experiments in Okmeydanı to measure the durability of the wooden wings he had prepared before his historical flight by examining the flight of birds. This flight was met with interest in Europe, and engravings showing this flight were made in England.
Watching this situation from the Sinan Pasha mansion in Sarayburnu, "Sultan Murad IV" first took care of Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi very closely, but doubting the existence of such a knowledgeable and resourceful man, he exiled him to Algeria. Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi died there.
The only historical record of Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi is in the famous Ottoman traveler and historian Evliya Çelebi's Seyahatnâme.
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