A trip to the historic Galata District of Istanbul was organized by our University’s History Student Club on October 21, 2022, under the guidance of our Department of History faculty member, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Elif BAYRAKTAR TELLAN.
The Galata District, which dates back to pre-Byzantine times and houses structures from every era in Istanbul’s history, holds significant importance in the realm of historiography. Throughout history, it has served as both a major trade center and a cosmopolitan space where people of various religions and ethnicities coexisted. Visiting the Galata District is crucial for enhancing the quality of historical education, as it allows for the physical examination of mosques, churches, and inns belonging to various religious and sectarian groups.
During the excursion, attended exclusively by our university students, participants had the opportunity to witness the breathtaking views of the Istanbul Bosphorus from the high points of the Galata Tower, which is included in the UNESCO Temporary World Heritage List. They also seized the chance to observe the historical fabric of the city from a bird’s-eye perspective. Additionally, through the historical artifacts and information panels exhibited within the tower, they gained further insights into the history of Istanbul.
Following the Galata Tower visit, the group explored the buildings of powerful institutions belonging to the Ottoman Empire, such as Tophane-i Amire, and observed the spatial manifestations of modernization. Subsequently, they visited Mary Mother of God Church, Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque, Tophane-i Amire, the First Armenian Catholic Church of Yüksek Kaldırım, Arap Mosque, and Terziciler Synagogue in succession.
At the end of the trip, discussions centered around how cosmopolitan cities like Istanbul have managed to coexist throughout history and the cultural and institutional infrastructure that supported this coexistence.