Galata is the historic European neighborhood just north of the old city. It is where merchants, especially Italians, settled and led a generally separate life from the Turks across the Golden Horn (see map). The old European presence can still be seen today in the scattering of red roofs, a stark contrast to the grey marble mosques on the other side of the Horn.
When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in the 15th century, it became a holy city for Muslims. However, unlike other Europeans rulers who were burning heretics at the stake at this time (the Inquisition was in full swing), the Sultans tolerated Christians and Jews, many of the latter fleeing persecution in other parts of Europe.
The reason for this policy was totally practical, not a liberated sense of moral duty. Trade thrived, with merchants from all over, and residents were less likely to rebel against Ottoman rule since everyone was making money. It doesn't mean that everyone lived together peacefully all of the time (and there were plenty of Orthodox Christians executed over the years), but people tended to "agree to disagree."
Istanbul became the most international city in the world. For centuries.
We started this day's walk from our hotel next to Topkapi Palace and headed to Galata Bridge, then over to Galata Tower (see map!).
As mentioned in previous entry, Galata Bridge is where all the ships came into port for centuries, and today continues to be a bustling fish market and the primary way to walk or drive over to Galata from the Sultanahmet.
Restaurants line the underside of the bridge and floating fish-sandwich restaurants line the quays next to it. Fishermen line the bridge, with their lines out.
The floating fish sandwich restaurants:
Tourists and locals, alike, flock to these restaurants where the food is affordable, and the meal is an experience. A raucous one. Believe me.
Remember that "juice" I told you about?!!?
Galata Tower, built in 1348, was the tallest building in the city for centuries. Even today, it dominates the old European neighborhood. We climbed to the top for 360 views.
Looking across the water, going left to right, you can see Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque. There's the Galata Bridge, and in the foreground, the characteristic red-tiled roofs of Galata.
We've had a stow-away on this trip, who has joined us for all our excursions. Flat Niko (aka Flat Stanley) is an easy travel companion, so easy to tuck in the suitcase or in our pocket. We love you Niko! We'll have a FS montage coming soon!
