Where is the Golden Horn of Istanbul? And why is it known by this name!
The Golden Horn of Istanbul is a horn-shaped fjord that divides the European part of the city into two parts. This fjord is filled by two rivers and is the main way to access the Bosphorus Strait. The name Golden Horn was chosen because of its shape and color at sunset. In Ottoman and Byzantine history, this area was the anchorage of commercial and military ships and has many tourist and cultural attractions. A large bridge designed by Leonardo da Vinci was supposed to be built in this area, but the project was left unfinished. Join us to introduce the Golden Horn of Istanbul, one of the main attractions of this city, in this article from Manolya Tour.
The best time to visit the Golden Horn of Istanbul
At sunset, the view around the fjord and the Golden Horn of Istanbul is very spectacular. The existence of several tulip gardens around the Golden Horn of Istanbul has made it more beautiful, and many rich people come to this lake to have fun with their ships. At the end of the 18th century, the construction of a cigarette factory around this waterway caused this area to become an industrial area, and the dumping of waste and sewage from the factories into the clean water of this river caused the destruction of this area. At the end of the 20th century, due to the deterioration of this area, it was decided to clean up the Golden Horn of Istanbul, and promenades were gradually built around this fjord.
Why is the Golden Horn of Istanbul known by this name?
The Golden Horn of Istanbul is a horn-shaped waterway that bisects the European part of the city. This waterway starts from the Bosphorus Strait and ends at the Sea of Marmara. The name of this waterway was chosen because of its golden color at sunset and its horn-like shape. There are two legends about the reason for the name of this waterway. One of the legends says that during the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the people of Byzantium threw all their wealth into this bay, causing the water to turn golden. Another legend says that the reflection of the sunlight on the surface of the water gave it a golden color, and that is why the name of the Golden Horn was chosen for it.
The Golden Horn of Istanbul and its famous bridges
The Golden Horn of Istanbul is a historic waterway that divides the European part of the city into two parts. This waterway starts from the Bosphorus Strait and ends at the Sea of Marmara. To connect the two banks of this waterway, several bridges have been built, each of which has its own characteristics. Galata Bridge is the oldest and most nostalgic bridge in Istanbul that connects Eminunu district to Karakoy.
This bridge was first built in the 15th century and has been rebuilt several times throughout history. The Bosphorus Bridge is the first bridge between Europe and Asia in Istanbul, which was opened in 1973 with the presence of Sultan Abdul Majid. This bridge connects Ortakoy region to Uskudar and has 8 car lanes and 2 metrobus lines. After the 2016 coup, the name of this bridge was changed to Martyrs of March. Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge is the second bridge in Istanbul that was opened in 1988 with the presence of the President of Turkey at that time.
Sightseeing places around the Golden Horn of Istanbul
The Golden Horn of Istanbul is a beautiful and historical waterway that divides the European part of the city into two halves. The waterway is named for its golden color at sunset and its horn-like shape.
Some of the famous attractions of Istanbul are located on the coast of this waterway. Ayasofiya Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniya Mosque and Rustam Pasha Mosque are on the south side of the bay. Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street and Dolmabahce Palace are on the north side of the bay. Around Golden Horn Bay there are old wooden houses and several ancient churches dating back to the Byzantine era. To see the wonderful views of the Golden Horn Bay, you should go to the Hill of Love (Camlica Tepesi) and enjoy the view in front of you by drinking tea or Turkish coffee.
Neighborhoods around the Golden Horn of Istanbul
When you visit the Golden Horn of Istanbul, you will have the opportunity to visit the neighborhoods around this area and explore them. Join us to visit some of the neighborhoods of Istanbul that are located around the Golden Horn.
Eminonu neighborhood
Eminonu is one of the historical and attractive neighborhoods of Istanbul, which is located in the European part of the city. This neighborhood is located next to the Golden Horn Bay of Istanbul and forms the point of connection between the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara.
This neighborhood also has several beautiful and magnificent mosques that represent Ottoman culture and art. New Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Suleymaniya Mosque and Rustam Pasa Mosque are among these mosques. The neighborhood is also known for its umbrella market, spice market, Galata Bridge and marina. In this neighborhood, life is going on day and night, and cafes, restaurants, shops and families welcome tourists. To see the stunning view of Golden Horn Bay, Bosphorus Strait and cruise ships, it is better to go to the second floor of Galata Bridge and experience unforgettable moments.
Unkapani neighborhood
Unkapani is one of the historical neighborhoods of Istanbul, which is located on the shores of the Golden Horn Bay of Istanbul and near the Bosphorus Strait. This neighborhood was the center of Istanbul’s industry and trade in the past and has old and magnificent buildings. This neighborhood also has several tourist attractions, including Galata Tower, Unkapani Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Galata Bridge, and Marina. There are many cafes and restaurants in this area that you can visit and enjoy different foods and drinks. To see the stunning view of Golden Horn Bay, Bosphorus Strait and cruise ships, it is better to go to the second floor of Galata Bridge and experience unforgettable moments.
Zeyrek neighborhood
Zeyrek is one of the historical neighborhoods of Istanbul, which is located in the European part of the city and in the Fatih area. This neighborhood is known for having the Zeyrek Mosque, which is one of the most prominent examples of Byzantine architecture. In the past, this mosque was called Pantocrator Monastery and was built by Irene, the wife of John Kammenos, and himself in the 12th century. After the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Muhammad Fateh, the monastery was converted into a mosque and school and named after Mulla Zeyrek Muhammad Effendi, the scholar of the first school. In addition to the Zeyrek Mosque, there are other attractions in this neighborhood such as the umbrella market, the spice market, the Galata Bridge, and the Panagia Pantocrator church.
Cibali neighborhood
Cibali is one of the historical neighborhoods of Istanbul, which is located in the European part of the city and near the Golden Horn Bay of Istanbul. This neighborhood is known for having Kadir Has University, one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey. This neighborhood is also the starting point of the walking tour of Fener and Balat, two neighborhoods with unique architecture and culture in Istanbul. On this tour, you can visit historical monuments such as Fener Greek Orthodox Church, Valence Aqueduct, Old Market and Sultan Mosque.
Fener neighborhood of Istanbul
Fener is one of the historical neighborhoods of Istanbul, which is located in the European part of the city and near the Golden Horn Bay. This neighborhood is known for having a Greek Orthodox community. This neighborhood also has many historical and cultural monuments that increase its tourist attractions. In this neighborhood, you can visit the Church of St. George, which is the official seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. You can also see the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen, built with prefabricated iron elements.
Balat neighborhood
Balat is one of the old neighborhoods of Istanbul, which is located in the European part of the city and on the coast of the Golden Horn of Istanbul. This neighborhood is known for having a Jewish community. This neighborhood also has colorful houses and painted walls that increase its tourist attractions. In this neighborhood, you can visit cafes, restaurants, shops and historic churches. Some of the historical attractions of this neighborhood are: Saint Stephen’s Bulghar Church, Panar Greek Orthodox College, Yavuz Salim Mosque and Blasharneh Palace.
Eyup neighborhood of Istanbul
Eyup is one of the old districts of Istanbul, located on the Golden Horn coast and in the European part of the city. This region was created in 1936 from the division of Fatih and Beyoglu regions. This area is of interest to Muslims because of the presence of the Sultan Ayub Mosque, which houses the grave of Hazrat Ayub Ansari. In this area, you can visit Pir Luti Hill, which offers a beautiful view of Istanbul’s Golden Horn. Also, in this area, there are museums, cemeteries, parks and historical markets that increase its tourist attractions.
Summary of the Golden Horn of Istanbul
The Golden Horn of Istanbul is one of the main attractions of Istanbul. Many tourists and travelers, when they travel to Istanbul, make their travel plans in such a way that they must visit this tourist attraction. You can experience great moments by visiting the neighborhoods around the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Many cafes and restaurants in these neighborhoods have a good view of the Golden Horn, and you can enjoy your position twice by drinking a cup of Turkish coffee at sunset. Some of these neighborhoods are: Eyup,Galata, Karakoy, Balat, Fener, Cibali, Zeyrek, Unkapani and Eminonu.
As a Manolya Tour company, we would love to help you enjoy your trip while you are in Istanbul. We also have tours like Bosphorus tours by Boat, Bosphorus Lunch Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace Morning Tour, Canoeing in Istanbul, Istanbul Private Tour, Private Yacht Tour in İstanbul, Istanbul Old City Tour, Turkish Dinner Cruise, Cappadocia Horse Riding Tour, Hot Air Balloon Tour, Airport Transfer , Istanbul Tours, Cappadocia Tours, Bursa Tours, Pamukkale Tours, and more.
