Istanbul/Galata

[[file:Istanbul (Turkey) banner Galata Tower.jpg|1280px|Halal Explorer to Galata, Istanbul}} Taksim - Istiklal Street

Galata, and Beyoğlu further north with its main thoroughfare and the pedestrianized Istiklal Street, and the adjoining Taksim Plaza is the neighborhood of Istanbul north of Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City|Sultanahmet/Old City, across the Golden Horn. If anywhere can be regarded as the "downtown" of Istanbul, it is this neighborhood, more specifically the Taksim Plaza. Primarily visited for its Halal dining, this neighborhood has also its own share of sights and lodging.

Istanbul/Galata Halal Travel Guide

TaksimPlaza - Taksim Plaza

Beginning as a village named Sykai ("the fig fields"), Galata ( Turkish: Karaköy) rose to prominence as a trade colony of the Genoa|Genoese, also with a large population of the Venice|Venetians, just north of the then-Byzantine Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City|Constantinople. After the Islamic Ottoman Empire|Ottomans captured Istanbul and the autonomous status of Galata was left largely untouched, except that its city walls were razed (all what remains of the once mighty Galata Castle are the Galata Tower, built as a tower of the castle, and a short wall section in ruins just below the metro bridge spanning over the Golden Horn). While there were a few countryside retreats of the rich and powerful as well as dervish lodges of those seeking seclusion among its wilderness at that time and the first time the Beyoğlu area ("son of the lord", probably after the certain son of a Genoese ruler of the area, who had a mansion there), formerly Pera (Greek for "the other side", as it literally is from the point of view of Constantinople), which lies north of Galata, was settled en masse is during the 1850s, when the Grande Rue de Péra ("the Great Road of Pera"), today’s Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi), was opened. Taksim Plaza (Taksim Meydanı) is even younger; it was developed as a city square as late as the 1930s.

Starting its life as a Western/Catholic (Genoese/Venetian) foothold beside the Eastern (Orthodox Byzantine/Muslim Ottoman) Constantinople, Galata has always represented the "West". This is quite easily visible from the neo-classical architecture of the most of the area, but there is more to that than what meets the eye: the first street lighting and the first underground railway (Tünel, built in 1875, also the oldest in continental Europe), and the first European-style theaters in Türkiye had all come about in this neighborhood. During the last century of the Islamic Ottoman Empire, when the modernization and westernization efforts reached a climax and the decision of the Islamic Ottoman dynasty to abandon the centuries-old Topkapı Palace in the Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City|old city for the Middle Eastern style Istanbul/Bosphorus|Dolmabahçe Palace near Beyoğlu was a symbolic act that clearly manifested the direction that was decided for the nation to take.

The core of the neighborhood is pedestrianised İstiklal Caddesi (or Avenue, or Boulevard), thronged by people strolling and lined by restaurants and retail outlets. It's 2 kilometers long and connects three squares: Taksim in the north is the biggest, Galatasaray Plaza in the middle is really just a widening of the street, and Tünel Plaza in the south. A vintage tram trundles along its length. This is the former diplomatic neighborhood from when Istanbul was the former capital of the Islamic Ottoman Empire, so look for the various impressive embassy buildings, nowadays consulates since the capital moved to Ankara. The British consulate in Hamalbaşı Caddesi is worth a look.

Travel to Istanbul/Galata

The famous vintage tram of Istiklal Street is not as ancient as it may seem. Well and the tram cars are ancient (dating back to 1920s) but its track is not. The tram service in European Side of Istanbul had come to an end in 1961, when they were replaced by buses and their tracks were surfaced upon. In 1992 and the city council decided to pedestrianize Istiklal Street (after the opening of a new and wider parallel avenue - which cost the city several hundred historical buildings). After the motorized vehicles were banned from the street, its tarmac was shelled out and new tracks for ancient tram were laid down.}}

• A metro line connects Taksim Plaza with Istanbul/New_City|neighborhoods located north and airport (change at Yenicapi)
• Airport shuttles run by Havaş connect Taksim Plaza with Atatürk Airport (~40 TL/person); also with less significant Sabiha Gökçen Airport situated in Istanbul/Asian_Side|Asian Side (also 40 TL/person).
• Because of its very central location in the city life, it’s feasible to find a direct bus from everywhere but the outermost suburbs in the city to Taksim Plaza. The most useful public bus lines for the travellers are:
• 61B Taksim-Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old City|Beyazıt near Sultanahmet
• 96T Taksim-Atatürk Airport
• 110 Taksim-Istanbul/Asian_Side|Kadıköy
• Dolmuşes also take passengers from Istanbul/Bosphorus|Beşiktaş, Istanbul/Western_Suburbs|Bakırköy, Kadıköy and Bostancı (both in Istanbul/Asian_Side|Asian Side) to Taksim.
• A modern tram line connects lower parts of this neighborhood on the shore of Bosphorus (such as Karaköy, Tophane, Fındıklı, Kabataş) with Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City|the peninsula of Old City.
• Ferries from Istanbul/Asian_Side|Kadıköy across the Bosphorus moor at Karaköy.
• You can pass to Galata/Karaköy side from Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City|Eminönü via Galata Bridge on foot.

InstanbulNostalgicTram - Tram at Istiklal Street

• A funicular connects Istiklal Caddesi with Karaköy on the shore of Golden Horn. The Tünel funicular is the second oldest urban underground railway in the world (after London’s Underground), dating back to 1875. Although the distance travelled is rather short between its two stations (a whopping 573 meters, which perhaps make it also the title winner for being the shortest metro line of the planet), it beats the effort one has to make to climb up the steep slope between the aforementioned locations. For its lower station, look for the sign Tünel on the side of a building just over the Galata Bridge on the western side of the street.

What to see in Istanbul/Galata

GalataTower - View of the Galata Tower from across the Golden Horn

Around Galata Tower

The bankers’ town of Galata and the Tower: A cosmopolis and a finance center with bankers and stock exchange crowned by the Tower which was built by the Genoese in the 14th century, offering a great birds-eye view of the old city.

• Galata Tower - Galata Kulesi - It was built by the Genoese on the city walls of Galata and then a western (Genoese/Venetian) stronghold beside eastern (Byzantine/Ottoman) Constantinople. Ride an elevator and take two flights of stairs to the top and then walk the parapet for a 360-degree view of Istanbul, including the entire Sultanahmet peninsula: crowned by Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. A beautiful spot worthy of a lot of pictures. Also has an underwhelming restaurant and a café at the top.

• Galata Convent of Whirling Dervishes - Galata Mevlevihanesi - A ritual dancing hall of the mystical Mevlevi order (who are the followers of the teachings of Mewlānā Jalāl ad-Dīn, better known as Rumi in the West) and the quiet and peaceful garden of this place is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu. The oldest Mevlevi lodge in Istanbul and the convent was started in 1491, when the surrounding area was, hard to believe today but, pure wilderness beyond the city walls of Galata, although the current building dates back to 1855, which took its shape after many repairs, rebuildings, and fires. However and the lodge was shut down in the early years of the republic (in 1925) along with all other 'reactionary' movements in Türkiye, and the building has been serving as a museum dedicated to the Mevlevi order since 2010. Downstairs is a series of rooms dealing with the daily life of an average dervish, with informational signs in Turkish and English about the history of Islam and the Mevlevi order (also notice the original wooden pillars that support the building on this floor). On the upper floor is a dancing hall, a perfect example of 19th century Ottoman Baroque, where sema dervish ceremonies are held (every Saturday and Sunday at 17:00, an extra 90 TL—buy tickets in advance, as space is limited). On the third floor is a display of various traditional Turkish/Islamic arts, including paper marbling (ebru), and calligraphy. After exiting the building, check out the small graveyard (or the "silent house" as the sign at its entrance says) on one side of the building, shaded by a number of hackberry trees, which Ottomans favoured to plant in the yards of masjids and graves to sign holiness. Here and the carved fez, or the basket of flowers in case of women, perched upon the highly detailed marble gravestone indicates the occupant's rank in the dervish hierarchy. At one corner of the necropolis is the grave of İbrahim Müteferrika, a converted Hungarian who was the first to start automated publishing in Ottoman Turkish in the 18th century, and served as the translator of Hungarian revolutionaries who sought asylum in Türkiye, such as Kossuth, who stayed for a year in Kütahya, or Ferenc Rakoczi, who lived his last years in Tekirdağ.

• Crimean Memorial Church - Kırım Kilisesi, Christ Church - A neo-gothic Anglican cathedral which would not be out of place in northwestern Europe, Crimean Memorial Church was built for the protestant community of the city by United Kingdom|Britain in late 1800s. It was named in honour of the soldiers died in Crimean War of 1856, which was fought against Russia by the allied Ottoman and British Empires. Still open for religious purposes, its congregation today mostly consists of Anglican East Asians and Sri Lankans residing in Istanbul.

• Arap Camii - Galata Camii, San Paolo, San Domenico | The building was erected as a Roman Catholic church in 1325 by the friars of the Dominican Order, near or above an earlier chapel dedicated to Saint Paul (Italian: San Paolo) in 1233. In 1299 and the Dominican Friar Guillaume Bernard de Sévérac bought a house near the church, where he established a monastery with 12 friars. A new, much larger church was built near or above the chapel of San Paolo in 1325. Thereafter the church was officially dedicated to San Domenico. After the Fall of Constantinople, according to the Capitulations of the Islamic Ottoman Empire with the Republic of Genoa and the church, which by that time was known by the Turks under the name of Mesa Domenico, remained in Genoese hands, but between 1475 and 1478 it was transformed, with minor modifications, into a mosque by the Islamic Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and became known as Galata Camii ("Galata Mosque") or Cami-i Kebir ("Great Mosque"). Towards the end of the century Sultan Bayezid II assigned the building to those Muslims visitors of Spain (Andalusia) who had fled the Spanish Inquisition and migrated to Istanbul; hence the present name Arap Camii (Arab Mosque). Today, Arap Camii is the largest mosque on the Galata side of the Golden Horn. It is one of the most interesting masjids in the city due to its early Italian Gothic architecture|Gothic architectural style and church belfry, which has practically remained unaltered even after being converted into a minaret.

Along İstiklal Caddesi

TaksimMonument - Monument at Taksim Plaza

• Pera Museum - Pera Müzesi - A private museum with a large painting collection and archaeological collections of measurement units and tools used in Asia Minor since antiquity and faiences of Kütahya.

• Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church - Aya Triada Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi | Finding a quite large and still operating church on the edge of the main square of the largest city of a predominantly Muslim country may not be expected by everyone, but this is exactly the definition of the quite elaborate Hagia Triada.

S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church - View of S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church.

• S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church - Sent Antuan | Although not at the size of Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City#See|Hagia Sophia, this is the largest church (still used for religious activities) in Türkiye. It’s directly on Istiklal St, but somewhat hidden from view by its yard portal. Catholic Masses in Italian, (Turkish), and English (in different days of the week).

• Cezayir Street - Cezayir Sokağı | Better known as Fransız Sokağı or La Rue Française, i.e. "French Street", is an alley of statues and geraniums hanging from windows, featuring France -themed restaurants, cafes, and pubs housed in renovated and brightly-painted neo-classical buildings. Upon its inauguration in its present form in 2005 and there was a brief debate on how political correct it is to rename the street from Cezayir (Algeria) to Fransız, who fought a bitter war against Algerian independence in 1960s, which led the city council to abandon the idea of renaming the street.

• İstanbul Modern - İstanbul Museum of Modern Art | A nice, organized museum with contemporary installations. It may be seen as overpriced given its small size. It also has a simple cafe.

• Museum of Innocence - Masumiyet Müzesi - Opened in 2012, this museum is unique and a must-see when you are in the Beyoğlu area. It was created by Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk alongside a novel of the same name. It tells the love story of the two main characters from the novel, and represents life in Istanbul during the late 1970s to early 1980s, as it exhibits thousands of objects from that era.

Elsewhere

• Orhan Kemal Museum - Tiny house museum on the life of the writer Orhan Kemal.

• Adam Mickiewicz Museum | A historic house museum dedicated to the life of Adam Mickiewicz, renowned Polish poet, where he lived, since he came to Türkiye in September 1855 and died from illness on 26 November 1855.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Istanbul/Galata

Galatasaray SK, one of the most successful and well-known Turkish soccer teams in Europe, has its roots in this neighborhood. Don't get your eyes weary by looking for a stadium, though—after their original home stadium in Taksim Plaza was demolished and the games have been relocated to Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul/New City|Mecidiyeköy, about 5 kilometers north of this neighborhood, from the 1960s until 2011; and after that, to Türk Telekom Arena, further north in Maslak. However, after a game in which Galatasaray beats one of the big teams, it is almost certain that you will see bands of rowdy fans marching up and down Istiklal Street, celebrating their team's victory (overly) enthusiastically, and chanting rather loudly—and you will be glad to have had Istanbul#Stay_safe|left your favourite t-shirt with the colours of the away team at home.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Istanbul/Galata

• Paristexas Concept Store Sertaç Haznedaroğlu and the fashion-forward owner, stocks quirky Japanese labels and rare collections created for an Eastern market by designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Chloé. Also check out custom-made leather bags & shoes by Turkish designer Ahmet Baytar.

• Seyahan Jewelry Camekan Sokak GPS 41.02516, 28.97438

Halal Food & Restaurants

• Bereket Halal döner - A quite good value restaurant featuring döner (also on the plate as opposed to the usual wrap/sandwich variety; dipped in tomato Sauce to the point of swimming) and traditional Turkish Halal cousine. The restaurant is a self-service one, i.e., you take a tray, and order your food by pointing at the entrance, and pay at the cash register right next to the food display (take your tableware and bread at this point as you won't be served any at the table), and then take your food to a table—there are two more floors upstairs. No alcohol is served.

• A series of stalls right at the junction of Taksim Plaza and Istiklal Avenue are renowned for their burgers, much smaller than the American variety. While Kızılkayalar Burger is the oldest one, all stalls, which are open 24-hr and serve as a sit-in and take-out, offer basically the same stuff—döner, french fries, toasts, various cold and hot Snacks, freshly squeezed juices, as well as canned soft drinks, and ayran.
• On the Balıkpazarı Alley (literally Fish Market, next to Çiçek Pasajı and opposite Galatasaray Lisesi) and there is a number of small eateries side by side, offering delicious fried mussels (midye tava, 3.190 TL per sandwich) with a yogurt Sauces.
• Tadinda Kokorec - A special restaurant mostly focused in kokorec which is a special form of lamb intestines. It tastes great and is very budget-friendly: only 400 TL/wrap. Try stuffed mussels as well.

• Degustasyon Restaurant - The restaurant is meyhane style, where lively conversation is the main dish on every table, next to fish and Rakı. A lot of negative reviews.

• Ficcin - The restaurant offers an exceptional value lunch, but is also pleasantly busy at night. Several of the staff speak English and foreign Muslims are welcome alongside the many local residents who eat there regularly. Fıccın is unusual in being a Circassian restaurant, which also serves Turkish Halal Food. Seats are available on the street and in several rooms inside. Alcohol is also served.

• Nevizade Street | One of the most famous streets in Istiklal boulevard. It's narrow, and is mostly known for its meyhane style restaurants, where lively conversation is the main dish on every table, next to fish and Rakı that is.

• Haci Abdullah Lokantası - One of the best Ottoman restaurants in the nation. You can find very traditional foods there.

• Leb-i Derya - A nice cafe-restaurant with a splendid view of the Bosphorus and the Topkapi Palace in Tunel, Beyoglu.

• The House Café - They serve giant salads, main dishes and Pizzas pleasing even to the gourmets. The menu is seasonal which allows them to use only the freshest ingredients.

• Zencefil | A Vegetarian cafe serving healthy and home-style dishes in Beyoglu. Also has a backyard.

• Miss Pizzas Sishane - Very cozy Italian restaurant run by three women serving Pizzas, Pasta and salads.

Privato Traditional Turkish Halal Food with a focus on Vegetarian dishes. Great for breakfast. Has a small patio in the back with a view of the Galata tower.

• 360 Istanbul - This gem is in the Beyoglu neighborhood on a 360 degrees rooftop, has awesome views of the city.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Istanbul/Galata

Istanbul/Galata - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Istanbul/Galata, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Istanbul/Galata. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Istanbul/Galata and its surrounding regions.

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Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIstanbul/Galata: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Istanbul/Galata.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Istanbul/Galata: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Istanbul/Galata, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Istanbul/Galata.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Istanbul/Galata, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Istanbul/Galata, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

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The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Istanbul/Galata is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Istanbul/Galata.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Istanbul/Galata is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Istanbul/Galata, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Istanbul/Galata Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Much lodging is business-oriented, for people on expenses. There's a dearth of mid-range hotels, and many hostels and other budget places have perished in the downturn. Nevertheless it's still feasible to stay for budget to mid-range prices in this part of the city.

• Midtown Hotel Istanbul - Modern business hotel.

• Pera Rose Hotel - Nice little hotel about a ten minutes walk from Taksim square, near Modern Art museum & national stadium. Free Wifi.

• Intercontinental Istanbul - formerly Ceylan - 5-star ambiance with the best address in the city. The bar has stunning views in the evening. The three restaurants are mediocre.

• Grand Hyatt Istanbul - formerly Hyatt Regency - 5-star with 360 rooms and suites overlooking the city and the Bosphorus. Hotel has formal dining, outdoor pool, Turkish bath, fitness center and business center.

• Misafir Suites - Boutique hotel with huge modern/chic rooms in a very central location. Friendly knowledgeable owner.

• Pera Palace - Opened in 1892, last renovated in 2006, sits on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn. They make much of their history - Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express in room 411. More relevant, it's next to the national football stadium.

• Marmara Taksim - 4 star hotel that offers chic, contemporary design and modern facilities. With the Tepe Lounge, which is intimate and relaxing, as well as a spa.

• Witt Istanbul Hotel - Modern boutique hotel with 17 designer suites. All include a kitchenette, Minibar with alcohol removed, flat screen TV, iPod dock, and free wireless internet.

• Tomtom Suites - Boutique hotel with spacious luxury suites in the 1850s home of the Soeurs Gardes Malades. Tomtom was a captain in the Islamic Ottoman navy.

• House Hotel Karaköy - Formerly Vault Karakoy | This old bank building has been transformed into a modern elegant hotel.

Stay Safe

Generally, it is safe to walk around in this neighborhood, even by night, though crossing the Tarlabaşı Boulevard (Tarlabaşı Bulvarı) towards the dilapidated quarter of Tarlabaşı to the West of Beyoğlu/Istiklal Avenue wouldn't certainly be wise after the night falls. Some other parts of this neighborhood also have some crime issues. A rule of thumb to follow would be to look for young people around having fun, which suggests that you are more likely in an OK zone.

Taksim Plaza and Istiklal Street there are always (7/24) police officers and security cameras. Do not be afraid. This is a safe area.

Telecommunications in Istanbul/Galata

There are some internet cafes on the side alleys of Istiklal Avenue, especially on the ones nearer Taksim Plaza. Look for the signs when passing by, especially for those hanging from the second or third floors of the buildings. Most cost around 7 TL/hour. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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