Byzantine Era (527-1204)
The first version of Galata Tower was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 527 AD. Known as 'Christea Turris' (Tower of Christ) or 'Megalos Pyrgos' (Great Tower), it served as a strategic watchtower protecting the northern entrance of Constantinople. The tower was used to monitor threats from across the Golden Horn and was a critical part of the city's defense system.
Christea Turris
The Latin name meaning 'Tower of Christ' reflects the tower's significance in Christian Byzantium.
Strategic Position
Controlling the entrance to the Golden Horn, the tower monitored sea traffic and potential attacks.
Chain System
The tower was part of the famous chain system that blocked the Golden Horn, preventing enemy ships from passing.
Genoese Era (1348-1453)
Destroyed during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the tower was rebuilt by Genoese merchants in 1348. The Genoese governed Galata as an autonomous trading colony, and the tower served both as a watchtower and a symbol of prestige as the colony's tallest structure. The foundations of the structure we see today were laid during this period.
Trading Colony
Genoese Galata was a wealthy colony at the center of Black Sea trade. The tower symbolized the colony's power.
Architectural Innovation
The Genoese raised the tower to 66.9 meters and added its characteristic conical roof.
Defense Walls
The tower was the highest point of the Galata walls and could oversee the entire colony.
Ottoman Era (1453-1923)
After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the tower came under Ottoman rule. It was used as a prison, naval observation station, and fire watchtower during different periods. In the 17th century, it was the scene of Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi's legendary flight. After several fires in the 19th century, the tower took its current form in 1875.
Hezarfen's Flight (1638)
According to Evliya Celebi, Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi jumped from the tower with artificial wings, crossed the Bosphorus, and landed in Üsküdar.
Fire Tower
During the Ottoman period, the tower was used to detect fires early in the city of wooden houses. Guards kept watch day and night.
Restoration (1875)
Damaged by fires, the tower was restored and its wooden interior was renewed.
Republic Era (1923-Present)
After the founding of the Republic of Turkey, the tower was protected as cultural heritage. It underwent extensive restoration in the 1960s and was opened to the public. Today, the tower hosts millions of visitors annually and is one of Istanbul's most important tourist landmarks, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
1967 Restoration
The tower underwent comprehensive restoration, an elevator was added, and the observation deck was opened to the public.
UNESCO Nomination
Galata Tower has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Istanbul's historic areas.
Modern Era
Today, the tower welcomes over 2 million visitors annually with its 360-degree panoramic view.