Historical Story of Galata Tower

Galata Tower, one of the unique symbols of Istanbul, is one of the most visited structures by both local and foreign tourists. The tower, which has hosted different civilizations throughout history, has been used for many different purposes over the years. Galata Tower, which is the subject of many legends, is waiting for those who would like to breathe in the scent of the Bosphorus and contemplate Istanbul with the sweet, cool breeze. Let’s have a look at the historical story of the Galata Tower, which is one of the most special buildings that make up the silhouette of Istanbul.

History of Galata Tower

Galata Tower was first built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianos in 507-508 AD. In 1348-1349, the Genoese rebuilt the tower. The tower has been used for different purposes since 1453 when Constantinople came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Galata Tower, which was originally built as a lighthouse, was used as a shelter for prisoners of war, an observatory, and a fire tower from 1717.

After the fire during the reign of Selim III, a large part of the tower was damaged and after its repair, a bay window was added to the tower. After another fire occurred in 1831 during the reign of Mahmud II, two more floors were added to the tower and a cone-shaped hill was built. With the last repair in 1967, Galata Tower gained its current unique appearance.

Galata Tower was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013. In 2020, restoration and renovation works were carried out on both the interior and exterior. With the work carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the tower is turned into a museum. Today, Galata Tower continues to welcome its guests with its exhibition areas and observation terrace.

Under the Wings of Istanbul: Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi

One of the important stories that make the Galata Tower meaningful is undoubtedly that Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi made his first flight experience from this tower. In 1632, Ahmed Çelebi managed to fly approximately 3 kilometers from the Galata Tower with wooden wings that resembled bird wings, which he made himself and landed in Doğancılar in the Üsküdar district.

Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi was rewarded with a bag of gold by the sultan of the period, Murad IV, for his courage and perseverance. However, Ahmed Çelebi was exiled to Algeria because the sultan thought, “This man can do anything, and he is someone to be feared.” Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi died while in exile in Algeria in 1640.

Galata Tower Legends

  “Oh Istanbul, aren’t you the one who separated a whole city for the sake of a Bosphorus?

  “Who knows what kind of love you carry; your two sides don’t seem to unite!”

When Galata Tower is mentioned, two legends usually come to mind. One is the legendary love story of Galata Tower and Maiden’s Tower. The Maiden’s Tower began to feel even more lonely as couples in love admired it from the beach. But this loneliness lasted until she saw the Galata Tower standing elegantly in front of her and fell in love with him.

The Maiden’s Tower starts watching him with admiration every day and prays to meet him. Some days she felt sad thinking that her love was one-sided. But it turns out that the Galata Tower was also admiring her from afar. The biggest obstacle between them to meet was the huge Bosphorus. Neither the Maiden’s Tower nor the Galata Tower could reach out. They were both in agony and devastated day by day in the face of this impossible love.

One day, Galata Tower finds out that Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi would grow wings from the top and fly to the opposite shore, passing by the Maiden’s Tower. Galata Tower wrote letters and poems declaring his love for his beloved, gave them to Ahmed Çelebi and told him to give them to the Maiden’s Tower. Due to the strong storm, the papers in Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi’s hands were blown away into the cold waters of the Bosphorus before they could reach the Maiden’s Tower. Even though Maiden’s Tower could not receive her letters, she understood that her love was mutual. From that day on, both towers began to shine brighter and brighter during Istanbul evenings.

Another famous legend is based on the belief of the Romans. According to this belief, a man and a woman who climbed the tower together for the first time will certainly get married. However, it was believed that if either of them had climbed the tower before, this spell would be broken. In addition, if the couple who climbed the tower together were destined not to come together, the tower would certainly pose an obstacle for them. In short, the tower does not accept couples who shouldn’t be together.

How to Arrive at the Galata Tower?

If you are thinking of visiting the Galata Tower, located in the Bereketzade district of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, you can consider many different transportation options depending on your route. You can reach the tower easily which is located between Şişhane and Karaköy, by walking, tram, metro, or bus.

Some transportation ways that you can arrive at the Galata Tower:

• Tram: You can get off at the Karaköy stop of the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line and walk for about five minutes to reach the Galata Tower.
• Metro: You can get off at the Şişhane stop of the Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro and walk downhill to reach the tower.
• Bus: If you prefer to travel by bus, you can reach the Galata Tower with all lines operating to Karaköy.

A Short Journey to the Past: Stay at Pera Palace Hotel!

How about staying at Pera Palace Hotel when you visit Galata Tower, one of the historical symbols of Istanbul, where every street has a scent of history and countless songs and poems have been written in its name? Pera Palace Hotel, which is within walking distance of Galata Tower, invites you to travel in time and witness history with its 130-year-old glorious history. Pera Palace Hotel, which has been hosting guests from different cultures for centuries, just like the Galata Tower, offers you much more than a hotel.

Pera Palace Hotel, where you will witness the traces of the past come to life here, is the favorite of Istanbul with its spectacular food, magnificent rooms, neo-classical architecture, and world-famous guests! You can visit Pera Palace Hotel to witness history and take a short journey into the past in Istanbul, one of the most vibrant cities in the world.