TRAVEL
EXPLORE
STAY IN
HISTORY OF
ISTANBUL
THE SECRET OF KARAKOY
Karaköy is a historical district located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. The history of the district dates back to ancient times. It was used as an important port and trade center between the Byzantines and Ottomans in ancient times.
Karaköy has been the center of commercial and maritime activities throughout its history. The district's port served as one of the most important ports of Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire. Karaköy has become a region where trade life is lively as well as port activities. Drawing attention with its historical buildings, narrow streets and characteristic architecture, Karaköy has modernized over time but preserved its historical texture.
Today, Karaköy is one of the important touristic areas of Istanbul and attracts the attention of visitors with its restaurants, cafes, art galleries and boutique shops. The district also hosts the historical Galata Tower.
Karaköy is a district that contributes to the historical and cultural importance of Istanbul and attracts the attention of both local and foreign visitors.
WHERE DOES THE NAME
KARAKOY COME FROM?
It is thought that the name Karaköy comes from the Turks who were affiliated with the Karaite sect of Judaism. Judaism spread among the Crimean Turks through the Jews who migrated from the Caspian to Crimea. Due to their close relations with Byzantium, the Karaites lived in different communities in this geography. The relations that continued during the Ottoman period made Istanbul the center of the congregation.
Karaköy is home to churches, synagogues and schools used by different sects and religions. The district, which embraces different cultures, has maintained its cosmopolitan structure throughout its history.
SOME PLACES YOU SHOULD VISIT IN KARAKOY
1. Galata Tower
Although the exact date of construction of the Galata Tower, once called the Tower of Jesus, is not known, it is estimated to have been built in the early 500s AD. The tower, which is the oldest and most important structure in the historical Galata region, was used for different purposes by the Romans, Venetians, Genoese and Ottomans.
2. SOKULLU MEHMET
PASHA MOSQUE
Places to visit in Karakoy
Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, one of the places to visit in Karaköy, is one of the works of Mimar Sinan.
3. KARAKOY ARAB
MOSQUE
Arap Mosque does not catch your attention at first glance, with its location squeezed between buildings in Karaköy Thursday Market.
When you enter the mosque from the side street where it is located, you come across its bell tower-like minaret and interesting architecture.
4.SALT GALATA
Salt Galata, one of the places to visit in Karaköy, is the old Ottoman Bank building. Located on Bankalar Street, it is the most famous of the buildings, most of which were built in the 19th century. Today, the building, which has been converted into a museum under the name Salt Galata, contains a library, a cafe and a stylish restaurant.
KARAKOY IN ANCIENT TIMES
Karaköy has had a port since Byzantine times. Genoese merchants, who were the main rulers of the region, settled in the Galata region and began to actively use the Karaköy port in 1000 AD. Pera was founded under the leadership of the Genoese who settled in Galata with special permission. One of the most interesting features of this region is that it is outside the settlement area. The Genoese lost their dominance in the region during the Latin occupation and re-established their dominance in the region in the 12th century. During this period, they surrounded Galata with walls without obtaining the permission of the empire. Historically, this region has had a structure that has brought different cultures together, fostered differences and had privileges which were granted by dominant authority.
MOUNT ATHOS & THE ROOF CHURCHES
The Galata district and Karaköy Port, which are outside the city's settlement boundaries, have been a frequent destination for "outsiders" since the Byzantine period. Guesthouses were built in Karaköy by the Russians in the 19th century for pilgrims travelling from Russia to Jerusalem and Mount Athos. Mount Athos was founded in the 10th century and has maintained its independence to this day. The religious civilization located on the peninsula consists of a community which has 20 monasteries. It is affiliated with Greece and its population is made up of only men. Women are prohibited from entering the region.
ADDRESS
Mueyyetzade Mahallesi Yüksek Kaldırım Caddesi
No: 47 Karaköy, Beyoğlu, İstanbul