The Impressive Story of the World’s Second Oldest Metro, Beyoğlu Karaköy Tunnel
The historical Karaköy Tunnel, which has the title of the second oldest metro in the world, has been carrying passengers between Karaköy and Beyoğlu for 144 years. This historical transportation vehicle and platform, which has become one of the symbols of Istanbul, is one of the must-see places for those who come to the city for a visit. Here is the impressive story of the world’s second oldest metro, Beyoğlu Karaköy Tunnel, dating back to the 19th century!
It All Started in 1867 When French Engineer Eugène Gavan Came to Istanbul
Young French engineer Gavan came to Istanbul, where he was praised, for a touristic trip in 1867. Istanbul, one of the most magnificent cities of the East, is divided into two sides in a fascinating way and the Golden Horn serves as a bridge between the eastern and western sides. At that time, mostly Muslims lived on the left side of the Golden Horn, called the “Istanbul Side” and mostly Europeans lived in the area called “Beyoğlu” and “Galata”, which is on the right side. The most magnificent hotels of Istanbul are located in the Beyoğlu region, where Europeans live, and French engineer Gavan also has stayed in one of these magnificent hotels.
However, Eugène Gavan Admires the Istanbul Side
Even though Eugène Gavan stayed in Beyoğlu, he became fascinated with the Istanbul Side. Gavan, who tours the city whenever he gets the chance, leaves Beyoğlu and comes to Yüksek Kaldırım almost every morning. Going all the way from Yüksek Kaldırım to Karaköy, Gavan crosses this hill by walking. Of course, Gavan is not the only one on the Yüksek Kaldırım, a large group of people also pass from this hill every day. The engineer comes up with a great idea after noticing this crowd.
Eugène Gavan Decides to Build an Underground Elevator Here
This engineer who wants to build an underground elevator in such a busy area makes this idea his main focus. Gavan came to Istanbul for a month for a holiday and stayed for 2 years to finish the project and he started his work right away. He began to prepare the necessary plans to build an underground elevator in the area right next to the hill known as Yüksek Kaldırım.
Difficulties Have Started to Arise
After planning everything it came down to a high budget. He first applies to France to obtain the budget, but the application is rejected. Gavan later applied to England and received a positive response from England. Now all that remains is to get approval from the Ottoman Government and that is Sultan Abdülaziz. Gavan, who is passionate about his idea, establishes relationships with many men in the government through tough struggles and eventually manages to convince them one by one. Gavan, who immediately set to work on the construction of the tunnel with the edict issued in 1869, took firm steps forward on his path. The construction lasted 5 years and was finished in 1874. However, Eugène Gavan, who was passionately attached to this project, left Istanbul in 1869 and could not see the tunnel completed.
In The Beginning, There Was Almost No Interest in The Tunnel
The people of Istanbul, who were used to transportation by horse-drawn vehicles, found this technology strange at that time. In order to attract people’s attention, the popularity of the tunnel has increased thanks to applications such as adding a trailer that can carry small cattle and allowing children under 5 to travel for free. Thus, the Karaköy Tunnel manages to win the hearts of Istanbulites by becoming a part of the city.
Tunnel of Firsts: Karaköy Tunnel
The tunnel, whose construction dates to the Ottoman Period, is the world’s first underground funicular system. Karaköy Tunnel, which is the second metro in the world after the London metro in terms of underground public transportation system, has been the meeting point of Istanbulites from past to present.
Beyoğlu, where the Karaköy Tunnel is located, was previously known as Pera. Pera, a part of Istanbul culture, is one of the most special districts that reflects the texture of our history. Dozens of buildings that bear witness to history, the magnificent Galata Tower and the world’s second oldest metro, Karaköy Tunnel, accompany the magnificent stance of Pera.
To Discover the Paths Eugène Gavan Had Followed: Pera Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Beyoğlu, Pera Palace Hotel is waiting for you to take you on a magical journey through the dusty pages of history. The historical museum hotel, which is one of the most important symbols that make Istanbul what it is today, is a great option for those who want to visit this place with its location close to the Karaköy Tunnel. By staying at Pera Palace Hotel, located in one of the most established regions of Istanbul, you can reach the Karaköy Tunnel easily and enjoy the wonderful view of the Golden Horn in this unique place where the past and the future unite.
These articles may also be of interest to you:
Historical Buildings in Beyoğlu and Their Stories
Beyoğlu Guide for Those Who Want to Discover
The History of Istiklal Street, the Heart of Istanbul!
