The Galata Tower The Galata Tower—whose exact construction date is not definitively known—is believed to have been built around 507 AD during the Byzantine period. Initially called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and Megalos Pyrgos (The Great Tower) by the Byzantines, it acquired its current form in the 14th century under Genoese rule. The tower sustained significant damage in the 1509 earthquake but was subsequently restored by the renowned architect Hayrettin. In the era of Süleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566), the tower served as a prison for inmates assigned to labor at the Kasımpaşa Naval Dockyard. Later, in the late 16th century, Takıyeddin Efendi built an observatory atop the tower and carried out astronomical observations until it was shut down by decree of Murat III (1546-1595). Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, one of the earliest aviators, famously flew with artificial wings from the tower, crossing the Bosphorus to land on the hills of Üsküdar on the Anatolian side during the rule of Murad V. In its early days, the tower was used by the Mehter Band, but after 1717, it was transformed into a fire observation tower. Sadly, the tower was destroyed by fire in 1794. The Galata Tower has its origins in the Byzantine era, although the precise date of its construction remains unclear. It was initially called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and Megalos Pyrgos (The Great Tower) by the Byzantines. The tower took its current shape during the Genoese period in the 14th century, but suffered major damage from the 1509 earthquake. It was later restored by the notable architect Hayrettin. During the reign of Sultan Süleiman, prisoners sentenced to labor at the Kasımpaşa Naval Dockyard were confined here. In the late 16th century, Takıyeddin Efendi established an observatory atop the tower, which was later closed by decree of Sultan Murat III. During the reign of Sultan Murad V, the pioneering aviator Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi flew from this tower across the Bosphorus to the hills of Üsküdar on the Anatolian side. Initially used by the Mehter Band, the tower was converted into a fire observation tower from 1717 until it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1794. Following its reconstruction, Sultan Selim III added a cumba (a projecting bay window) at the top, which was lost in another fire in 1831. Later, Sultan Mahmut II enhanced the tower by adding two additional floors and a conical-shaped roof ornament. Today, the tower functions as a popular tourist attraction and elegant event space, featuring an elevator that reaches the 7th floor, with the final two floors accessible by stairs. Visitors can admire breathtaking views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the open-air balcony at the summit. The tower stands at a height of 66.90 meters, with an outer diameter of 16.45 meters and an inner diameter of 8.95 meters. For any questions or further information about The Galata Tower, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will reply promptly.