Index:
The story of the Galata Tower: The Towers’ Love and Other Legends
A journey in faith: St. Mary of Blachernae (Ayın Biri Church) and Balat Iron Church
Rejans 1924: Mustafa Kemal’s Reminiscence
A modern underground sanctuary: Sancaklar Mosque
A refreshing escape from the city: The Islands of İstanbul
The other side of the sea: City Lines Ferries
Three Beşiktaş experiences: Hope in Barbaros, Post-Match Joy, and Patisserie and Lights
The story of the Galata Tower: The Towers’ Love and Other Legends
The Galata Tower holds many stories and legends. The most recent is found in The Atlas of Misty Continents, written by one of Turkish literature’s most sincere authors, İhsan Oktay Anar. From the book: “It was rumored that the first ships of the Genoese group to arrive here were guided by a white seagull flying in the dark. After they arrived safely, the unbeliever Pundus, who was their helmsman, sought this seagull as the Messiah and found this seagull’s nest. Since it was Sunnah to eat the flesh of Jesus according to their beliefs, he fried the seagull and ate it. As the ancients narrated, the Genoese tribe built a high tower on the place where this seagull’s nest is located on the top of this majestic building – later called the Galata Tower – it is said that mansions chose the lofty mountain of Bursa – Uludag, with binoculars and the valiant men with their naked eyes.” Today, enormous construction projects between the Galata Tower and Uludag make it impossible to gaze upon the mountain from the Tower. But when you do climb the stairs to the top of the Galata Tower, we hope you remember this story! ☺
Love story of Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower
Another tale of the Galata Tower is the love between it and the Maiden’s Tower. According to legend, the Galata and Maiden’s towers are in love, but they are separated by the Bosphorus. The Galata Tower writes letters to the Maiden’s Tower but cannot send them. Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi, the Ottoman scientist, becomes the unlikely Cupid for these structures. When he ascended the Galata Tower for his famous flight over the Bosphorus, the Tower whispered its love in Hezârfen’s ear. Hezârfen, borne by the peculiar wind of the Bosphorus, arrives at the Maiden’s Tower carrying the message of love from the Galata Tower. The Maiden’s Tower, hearing of this devotion, becomes even more stunning, and the Galata Tower realizes that its love is requited. The two towers become even more majestic after that day.
The legend: you will marry the person you climb the Galata Tower with
Another tale about Galata Tower dates from the Roman era. According to legend, a man and a woman who climb the Galata Tower together will marry. The spell could be broken if one of the parties had previously climbed the Galata Tower. As well, if the couple were not destined to reunite, they would be continuously prevented – somehow – from climbing the Tower together.
A journey in faith: St. Mary of Blachernae (Ayın Biri Church) and the Balat Iron Church
The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Ayın Biri Church) and St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Orthodox Church, also known as the Iron Church, are both in İstanbul’s Fatih district. Set on the coastline of the Golden Horn, the Iron Church is a notable İstanbul destination. Opened in 1898, it is made entirely of cast iron and is the world’s only surviving iron-built church; there were two other iron churches, one in Argentina and one in Austria, but these have vanished. Following a seven-year renovation, the Iron Church was reopened in 2018.
Another notable attraction is St. Mary of Blachernae, also known as the Vefa Church or the Ayın Biri (First of the Month) Church. On the first day of every month, visitors to the Greek Orthodox church can “make wishes”. A small sum is donated, symbolic trinkets are chosen, and the wishmaker can enter the church to light candles and pray. Traditionally, the trinkets are returned to the church when the request is granted. The ritual attracts a considerable number of people, with long queues sometimes forming. Whether or not you have wishes, the Ayın Biri Church is one of İstanbul ’s loveliest sites.
Rejans 1924: Mustafa Kemal’s reminiscence
The famed Rejans 1924 served historical personages such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and novelist Agatha Christie; located on the Olivia Pass (Olivia Geçidi), off Istiklal Street, this venerable restaurant continues to serve Eastern European delicacies. Rejans 1924 is a true İstanbul classic, established by Russians fleeing the Red Army and seeking refuge in İstanbul after the 1917 October Revolution. Still featuring many of its original details, the ambiance of Rejans 1924 is somewhat otherworldly. It is one of our top places to visit in İstanbul, both for the atmosphere and the delicious food.
A contemporary underground sanctuary: Sancaklar Mosque
The exterior of the award-winning Büyükçekmece Sancaklar Mosque is a sloping landscape of rock and grass. Also known as the “Underneath Mosque”, it was designed by architect Emre Arolat, to harmonize with its surroundings, reflecting the significance Islam accords to the environment. Inside the simple, streamlined structure, the sun’s rays penetrate via slim openings in the qibla wall. In addition to its tangible beauty, the design has a spiritual meaning: those who come to pray at the Sancaklar Mosque leave the outer world behind and become one with the earth as they descend the stairs. The Sancaklar Mosque, with its architectural structure and spiritual depth, is one of İstanbul’s must-see attractions.
A refreshing escape from the city: The Islands of İstanbul
The İstanbul islands, just a ferry ride from the city, present a beautiful break from the chaos of the city at any time of the year. The islands offer numerous cultural and historical sites dating from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras, as well as the Republic. You can discover more about İstanbul ’s islands in our comprehensive guide: “A handkerchief, Turkish delight, the secret keepers: Islands of İstanbul”.
The other side of the sea: City Lines Ferries
Tossing bits of simit (Turkish bagel) to seagulls from a ferry is one of İstanbul’s charms, wherever the journey may take you. The City Lines ferries have provided one of İstanbul ’s most significant modes of urban transportation since the mid-nineteenth century and, today, carry approximately 40 million passengers every year. In addition to being a practical way to travel, the City Lines ferries are an essential part of Dersaadet’s city culture. They even have kiosks where passengers can purchase tea and snacks. A ferry ride offers a respite from traffic and stress, and an opportunity to gaze at the Bosphorus. Even better, most of the must-see destinations on our list are accessible via ferry! ☺
Three Beşiktaş experiences: Hope in Barbaros, Post-Match Joy, and a Patisserie and Lights
Home to several universities, as well as the Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club, one of İstanbul ’s three major sports clubs, Beşiktaş is a lively district, especially before, during and after a football match! In addition to numerous cafes, bars and restaurants, Beşiktaş has its own ferry terminal, replete with places to sit, eat and drink. Barbaros Boulevard, the main road, winds down to the seafront to intersect with Dolmabahçe Boulevard, a tree-shaded avenue lined with portraits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Elegant Dolmabahçe Boulevard stretches from the Beşiktaş bazaar and ferry terminal to the former İnönü Stadium (now Vodafone Park) and the Dolmabahçe Palace. Another highlight of the district is the decades old Hakan Patisserie, a popular place to meet with friends or simply enjoy a snack. Surrounded by lights, Hakan Patisserie is easy to find!
