The city you have arrived in is, in fact, a fusion of different worlds. Its historic core, filled with mosques and churches, forms the heart of the old city, where Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Turks have lived side by side for centuries. But directly across the Golden Horn, along the waterfront, lies another world a merchant colony shaped by Italian traders, whose cousins could be found in every Mediterranean port.
For centuries, Italians were joined by other European powers eager to establish commercial and diplomatic ties with the Ottoman Empire,French, English, and Spanish merchants and diplomats settled here, making this district a crossroads of civilizations. This is what makes this part of the city special to me.
In Istanbul, we have a term for the Europeans born and raised here: "Tatlı Su Avrupalısı" Sweetwater Europeans. A phrase that hints at their unique identity, neither fully European nor entirely Ottoman, but a blend of both. Galata became their home, a place where Italians, Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Turks lived together, shaping the city's skyline with their distinct architectural styles.
When the Genoese obtained permission to build a tower, they sought to protect their colony and keep watch over the ship traffic of the Bosphorus. In doing so, they unknowingly gifted us with one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul.
Even as the old city's taverns closed for the night, the drinking houses of Galata home to sailors and merchants remained open. Even today, locals from the historic peninsula venture here for a night out. And as we explore this part of the city, I’ll share with you some of the best places to experience its unique spirit.
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