Galata Tours & Travel Guide

GALATA: JEWISH QUARTER OF ISTANBUL

Istanbul has been the host of a vibrant Jewish community for over 1,000 years. After the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II conquered Istanbul, he encouraged immigration to repopulate the city. Over half a million Jews persecuted in Spain and Portugal were settled in here and named Istanbul as their home. The immigrated population mostly settled in Galata – a quarter on the northern bank of the Golden Horn – where has been preferred residence of the Jewish community since the early days of the Ottoman Era in Istanbul.

ın Galata we can wander around the neighborhood, exploring its lively streets that brings joy and peace to our souls. We can stop by at synagogues, the Jewish Museum, Jewish Apartments, historical sites that provides us more insight about the Jewish legacy in the area. We can also have chance to learn the inspiring story of Abraham Kamondo.

We can discover Galata Mevlevi House and learn about Rumi and the culture of whirling dervishes.

Last but not least, we can enjoy the mesmerizing panoramic view of the city from the top of Galata Tower.

What else would one expect from an excursion, right?

Things to Do near Galata

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul is the home of many significant landmarks. Hagia Sophia is definitely one of the most important ones; as it is not only a very valuable legacy for Turkish citizens and Muslims, but also a sacred place of pilgrimage for Christians.

Topkapi Palace

It is said that 4000 people were living in Ottoman sultans’ houses. How? How big can a house be?

Sultanahmet Square

Can you imagine horses occupying the heart of the city? In the heart of Istanbul, there is Sultanahmet Square that is also known as the Horse Square. The neighborhood earned this title because of the fact that in Byzantian times, the square was used for chariot races.

Hippodrome Istanbul

Imagine yourself time-travelled, you are watching a chariot race in the heart of Istanbul old city. This may seem unlikely; but you can still discover the historical arena, Hippodrome, and learn about its mysteries.

Dolmabahce Palace

Istanbul is a city with great history coming from many dynasties reigned on its lands. There it is no surprise it hosts some of the most glorious landmarks. Dolmabahce Palace is one of them, standing on the Bosphorus strait with all its elegance.

Blue Mosque ( Sultan Ahmed Mosque )

Istanbul has a great reputation of historical landmarks, especially the ones that gracefully garnish old city area. The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is of course no exception.

Beyoglu District

Istanbul is known as a city that never sleeps. great city with never-ending fun and hustle. And Beyoglu District is one of the places that makes this great city own this title. Istanbul’s liveliest neighborhood Beyoglu offers you a lot to discover.

Taksim Square

Istanbul is great city with never-ending fun and hustle. And one of the liveliest place in Istanbul is definitely the Taksim Square.

Bosporus

We all can agree one thing: Istanbul is special city. If anyone here to agree, just answer this: Is there another city in the world that connects two continents? No! Case closed then.

Camlica Hill

Istanbul is the city with seven hills, such a convenience to enjoy the city's amazing silhoutte! Camlica Hill is one of the best places to admire Istanbul's amazing scenes from Bosphorus to old city. Therefore it is called ``the balcony of Istanbul`` and the hill earns the title so graciously.

Galata Tower

Galata is a small, lovely neighborhood that has hosted a vibrant Jewish community for over 1,000 years. This quarter of Istanbul has a peaceful vibe to it that makes you feel like you are in another world.

Golden Horn ( Halic )

Istanbul has no shortage of natural wonders and historical landmarks. Golden Horn is definitely one of them, with its amazing views and relaxing atmosphere.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

You may already know that Istanbul is a very dynamic city full of hustle and crowd. But did you know that one of Istanbul’s liveliest places is the Grand Bazaar where you can find all kind of products imaginable from the local artisans and shopkeepers.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The greatest Ottoman sultan and the greatest Ottoman architect coming together, what could possibly go wrong? Built by Sinan the architect with the order of Suleiman the Magnificent, Suleymaniye Mosque displays the magnificence of the most glorious period of the Ottoman Empire.

Istanbul Airport

Istanbul’s is one of the most important cities of the world, bringing the continents of Asia and Europe together. The gate to enter the city from the European side, is the Istanbul International Airport known with the code IST.

Kadikoy

Istanbul is great city with never-ending fun and hustle. And one of the liveliest place in Istanbul is definitely the Kadikoy, reclined along the Bosphorus shore and bragging with its amazing views.

Miniaturk

Visiting a historical landmark is great, visiting two is even better. But what if you have the chance to see them see them all in one place? That would be literally bomb!

Pierre Loti Hill

Istanbul is a great city in every way, that is for sure. But the city from the top of a hill, that is priceless. One of the best location to experience this pleasure is the Pierre Loti Hill.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Istanbul’s is one of the most important cities of the world, bringing the continents of Asia and Europe together. The gate to enter the city from the Asian side, is the Sabiha Gokcen Airport known with the code SAW.

Sile

Would you like to get some Black Sea air nearby Istanbul? Are you looking for a break from Istanbul’s crowd but you cannot leave for long? Sile is definitely your savior then with its great nature, its relaxing atmosphere and its cool waters of the Black Sea.

Agva

Are you looking for a break from Istanbul’s crowd and rush? We know just the place for you. Agva is welcoming you with open arms; offering the peaceful harmony of green and blue, lots of fresh air and many different activities to have fun. Do not miss your chance to see the Louisiana of Istanbul, sitting on the shores of the Black Sea and displaying the most exquisite views of Goksu River.

Istanbul

Isn't it everybody's dream to be two different places at the same time? Istanbul is the metropol city of Turkey that can grant this wish. The city connects the continents of Europe and Asia with the amazing Bosphorus, while offering some of the most exquisite city views of the world.