Istanbul/Golden Horn

[[file:Istanbul Golden Horn banner Sunset - A winter sunset over the Golden Horn|Halal Explorer to Golden Horn, Istanbul}} The Golden Horn ( Turkish: Haliç) is the neighborhood of Istanbul surrounding the banks of the body of water of the same name, which is a bay of the Bosphorus along its western, European coast.

eHalal Travel Guide focuses on the areas around the Golden Horn banks west of the city walls. For the southeastern and the northeastern banks, see the articles for the Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old City|Old City and Istanbul/Galata|Galata neighborhoods, respectively.

Istanbul/Golden Horn Halal Travel Guide

Goldenhorn - Golden Horn as seen from Pierre Loti Cafe The Golden Horn, Istanbul, July 2018 - 3 - The Golden Horn from Galata bridge

The English name of the bay comes from its Greek counterpart, Hrison Keras (Χρυσόν Κέρας), which literally translates the "Golden Horn". The "horn" part perhaps comes from the deep curve the bay has towards its end in the northwest. The "golden" part is more obscure, but possibly it's a poetic referral to the reflections on the Horn's water during the beautiful sunsets.

The Ottomans named the Horn as Haliç, which in modern Turkish is a geographical term for an "estuary", although in its original Arabic, it simply means a "gulf".

History

The Golden Horn is the estuary of the Alibeyköy and Kağıthane Rivers (known collectively as the Sweet Waters of Europe by the early Muslim travellers of the centuries past; joining each other northeast of Eyüp near Silahtar), formed when the waters of the Bosphorus flooded their common riverbed in prehistory. Always been the primary harbour of Istanbul, it can even be argued that Istanbul would never have existed in such a grand way if it weren't for this well sheltered, superb haven (and also the superb trading route through and across Bosphorus, by the way).

In the 18th century and the banks of the Horn and the rivers that form it were adorned with palaces and mansions that were surrounded by large tulip gardens (most of which are now lost without a trace), where the Islamic Ottoman high society were enjoying themselves in ostentatious parties. The banks of the Kağıthane River was especially favoured, where the partying suburb of Sadabad, "the happy city" was founded (the "sweet waters" simply wasn't a metaphor for the then-azure rivers, but it more was a referral to all the dolce vita going on). This was the Tulip Era (Lale Devri, 1718-1730), or as some call it and the "Debauch Era" (Sefahat Devri), which was later accused as one of the reasons for the economical weakening, and the eventual dissolution of the empire.

All this festive lifestyle abruptly came to an end with the Janisarry-led Patrona Halil Revolt of 1730, when some of the buildings in Sadabad was arsoned, and much later in the 19th century, with the inevitable arrival of the industrial revolution in Türkiye, when the banks of the Golden Horn became one of the industrial powerhouses of the Turkish economy and remained as such until up to the 1980s. This had its heavy toll on what was once the "golden" Horn: the industrial effluents in addition to the untreated wastewater from the rapidly expanding city's sewers caused the Horn stinking to the high heaven, as much as that people were actually trying to avoid the avenues along its banks even if those routes meant a shortcut to where they are heading. Then in the late 1980s and the first attempts to bring the Horn to its former glory began. Today its water is much cleaner (although local residents will surely advise against, it's borderline clean enough for a swim—the Epiphany celebrations of the local Greek community, in which several swimmers strive to grab the wooden cross thrown into the water by the Patriarch, have recently returned to the Horn after being relocated to the Bosphorus for decades), and its banks are surrounded by pleasant parks giving the city a new fresh breath, rising on what was once the lots of factories. Some of the neighbourhoods along its banks, Eyüp in special, put a special emphasis on celebrating the Islamic Ottoman roots of the area.

Orientation

According to the local convention and the Golden Horn has a southern coast, and a northern one, which are also the designations used in this guide. However, due to the almost meandering shape of the Horn and the "south" is sometimes more like west, and the "north" looks as if it's in the east. Simple rule of thumb: if you are standing on a contiguous piece of land with the Süleymaniye Mosque and the red brick & domed Phanar Greek College, or the Eyüp Mosque and then you are on the southern bank. Conversely, if you are seeing these monuments on the opposite shore and are on the same land that the Galata Tower or the Kasımpaşa Shipyards stand and then you are on the northern coast.

Travel to Istanbul/Golden Horn

• The M2 line of the Istanbul Metro crosses the Golden Horn on a bridge (the only above ground section of that line). Haliç station in mid-channel is connected to both sides with pedestrian bridges. However Şişhane and the next station north, is better placed for north bank locations.
• Buses run from Eminönü and Taksim up the length of the Horn and beyond. Eminönü is better linked to the southern coast and Taksim is better linked to the northern.
• Ferries across the Bosphorus from Üsküdar to Eminönü also zigzag between quays either side of the Horn and go as far west as Eyüp. Smaller ferries also shuttle across the Horn.
• On foot the main consideration is where to cross the Horn. The main crossing is Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), opened in 1994. It's a bascule bridge, which is sometimes opened so you'll need a work-around when it does. (The famous old pontoon bridge was badly damaged by fire in 1992.)

What to see in Istanbul/Golden Horn

• Eyüp Mosque Complex - Eyüp Camii | This is the main attraction around this part of the city. The holiest Islamic shrine in the city and the complex includes, right next to the mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Ensari Türbesi) and the standard bearer of Prophet Mohammad, died and buried here during the first Muslim siege of Constantinople (674-678 AD). The neighbourhood was named after him. Muslims flock—in such huge numbers that sometimes you have to queue for a few minutes before entering the tomb—here also to see a rather uninteresting plaque made of plastic, which is purported to be Mohammad's footprint. The interior of the tomb, covered with fine tiles/faience, is nonetheless well worth a look, however. It is also interesting to see the devout Muslims leaving the place by walking backwards through its exit hallway, as not to turn their backs to al-Ansari's catafalque, though obviously no one expects everyone to quit the place in the same manner.

• Around the mosque complex is cemeteries and tombs all of which date back to Ottoman period, with their distinctively decorated marble headstones. Besides and there are a number of other masjids, streets, and stores surrounding the Eyüp Complex, all pleasantly preserved, and give the visitors an idea of how Ottoman Istanbul should be looking like. Here is where all of those "boys-to-be-circumsized photos" are taken, as it’s a tradition to take the boys in their special Ottoman prince clothes to this particular mosque before the event. In the adjoining streets, you can find shops offering interesting Ottoman-style stuff like wooden toys or traditional salty cookies shaped like a ring (halka) which you cannot easily find elsewhere.

• Feshane - Originally a factory producing fezzes (fes), Ottoman red hats made of felt, adopted in Ottoman Empire in early 1800s as a part of westernizing efforts in lieu of much more traditional turbans. However, as an irony of fate, fez itself was scrapped away in favour of outright western garments during Atatürk's reforms of 1920s and '30s as it was thought to symbolize the old, decidedly oriental regime. Today, Feshane serves as a cultural and exhibition centre, which hosts celebrations on local days, and some temporary art exhibitions. During Turkey#Religious_holidays|Ramadan, it becomes some sort of playground showcasing how Ramadan was celebrated during Ottoman era, with traditional sweets and all.

• Aynalıkavak Pavilion - Aynalıkavak Kasrı - Started in 1613 by the Islamic Ottoman sultan Ahmet I (r. 1603–1617, who also had the Blue Mosque in the Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old City|Old City built), and extensively renovated by the art-loving Selim III (r. 1789–1807), this sole building, which itself has the distinction of being the only intact structure that dates back to the rule of Ahmet III (r. 1703–1730), set inside a beautiful garden of pools and mature cedar and magnolia trees is the only remaining part of what was once the fourth largest palatial complex in Istanbul, extending all the way to the banks of the Golden Horn (which is now occupied by the derelict buildings of the closed shipyard, which also block part of the view towards the shore). According to the local rumour, its name (which in Turkish means "mirrored poplar") derives from the now absent mirrors gifted by Venice to the palace that were presumably "as tall as the poplars" (aynalar kavak). The highly decorative and colourful interior includes several rooms of original furnitures fit for a sultan, some of which are covered with nacre, and walls embellished with Ottoman poems praising the palace and Selim III. Downstairs is a small museum dedicated to music, which exhibit some of the instruments (violins, ouds, and kamanchehs) and gramophone records owned by Fatma Gevheri Sultana (1904–1980) and the granddaughter of Abdülaziz I (r. 1861–1876). While you are outside, also check out the old main entrance (now closed) towards the Golden Horn, topped by a dome. Worth the half hour spent there.

• Miniaturk - At Sütlüce (on northern shore of the Horn). Monday to Friday 09:00-19:00 and Saturday to Sunday 09:00-21:00. It was built in 2001 and is the first miniature park in Istanbul (the world's largest miniature park in respect to its model area). The park hosts icons of many cultures and civilizations. Models vary from the Hagia Sophia to Galata Tower, from Safranbolu Houses to the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, from Qubbat As-Sakhrah to the ruins of Mount Nemrut. In addition, some works that have not survived into the present, such as the Temple of Artemis and the Halicarnassus Mausoleum and Ajyad Castle, were recreated. All former Ottoman Empire in one place.

• Rahmi M. Koç Industrial Museum - Sanayi Müzesi - This is a typical industry museum which showcases evolution of machines. Many transport related items including a submarine, classic cars, railway carriages, an out-of-service Bosphorus ferry and a Douglas DC-3 aircraft (feasible to go inside) is, among others, in the display. Also houses a typical Istanbul streetscape with its shops and all as how it would look like in the past.

• Santral İstanbul - A contemporary art museum located in a building converted from an old power plant (first such plant in Istanbul and the Islamic Ottoman Empire). Part of the plant was kept in almost exact original condition and now serves as the "Energy Museum".

• Kemerburgaz A village (and nowadays a commuter suburb) at the edge of the forest, 5 kilometers west of Bahçeköy. Several ancient aqueducts stand nearby, notably Kurt Kemeri ("Wolf's Aqueduct") and Uzun Kemer ("Long Aqueduct"). The oldest were Byzantine, but rebuilt, and others added, in the 16th C to boost the water supply to the city. The residents were Greek until the 1920s population exchange, when Turks from Thessaloniki were re-settled here. Several small eating places in town, but it lacks visitor lodging. Bus 48 runs here from the city.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Istanbul/Golden Horn

• Gondola Lifts Offers a very short ride up the nearby hill. And it can get very crowded during summer.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Istanbul/Golden Horn

Tons of souvenir shops around Eyüp Mosque Complex.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• Akmanoğlu Fırını - This is the bakery where halkas mentioned in Istanbul/Golden_Horn#See|see section, as well as a number of other traditional cookies, both sweet and salty alike, are produced and sold.

• Lale Lokantasi - Traditional Turkish/Ottoman cuisine.

• Pierre Loti - An open air café on a hill overlooking Golden Horn in Eyüp. It’s rumored that a famous French writer used to love to visit this café during his residence in Istanbul. There is a cable (enclosed chairlift) line (which lasts about 3 minutes; departs every 5 min 09:00-24:00), which offers some nice views, between the shore of Golden Horn and the hill on which café is situated. It’s also feasible to walk uphill or to take a taxi.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Istanbul/Golden Horn

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

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About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Istanbul/Golden Horn 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/Golden Horn, please contact:

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

There's not much lodging in Golden Horn, most visitors just walk here from nearby Sultanahmet Old City or from Galata.

• alal.io//2023-09-08&checkOut=2023-06-09&2764&&Turquhouse+Hotel&hotelId=731217&&.Zz7656e6 b8a6324e28aec946e-206204 Turquhouse Boutique Hotel - Boutique hotel housed in 7 separate buildings in the same yard. Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air-con, satellite TV, and wireless internet access.

Stay Safe

Because of the effects of the Syrian refugee crisis due to the ongoing civil war in the neighbouring Syria, and while many refugees are just shy and/or friendly, it's nevertheless best to steer clear of the parks on the banks of the Golden Horn, especially those located near its northwestern end, in lonely times.

Travel Next

A trip to Eyüp can easily be combined with some more sightseeing in areas of old city of Istanbul that are Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old City#Elsewhere|close to the banks of Golden Horn, such as the former Greek neighbourhood of Fener/Phanar, which houses Patriarchate of Constantinople and Bulgarian church of St. Stephen, one of few prefabricated cast iron churches in the world. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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