Nestled between the Ataturk and Galata bridges lay the Galata Bridge Waterfront - Istanbul Turkey. A lively recreation and merchant area, one can walk, fish, picnic, eat, or people-watch to their heart's content.
Festooned with flags, fishing poles, and flying seagulls, this bustling area of the city stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
A wide, paved walkway runs the entire distance between the bridges. With permenent shops, and a host of mobile carts, visitors can purchase all kinds of Turkish foods or souvenirs. Access is a little tricky given the busy Ragip Gumuspala Street running along the Bosphorus. However, there is some safety in numbers given the throngs that gather here. ProTip: Use the crosswalks!
The historic Galata Bridge, linking Eminönü and Beyoğlu districts across the Golden Horn, was first constructed in the sixth century. This, the fifth bridge erected on this site, boasts three lanes of traffic, a pedestrian walkway, and a tramway for mass transit. It is jammed with fishermen, sightseers, runners, walkers, and merchants of every kind.
Turkey has no fear of flying flags. The Turkish flag waves crisply in the steady wind along the waterfront. A series of permanent shops line the edge of the walkway offering food, drink, and trinkets to all who pass by.
The Galata Tower, a short ten minute walk from the waterfront rises up over the Karakoy district across the Golden Horn. Both the Tower and the orginal Galata Bridge were established in the sixth century.
Roasted corn on the cob, chestnuts, and steamed muscles are street food favorites given the sheer number of merchants offering them. At just 5 Turkish Lira for an ear, one can eat cheaply and well along the Galata Bridge Waterfront - Istanbul, Turkey.
I loved seeing people gathering here at the waterfront. They enjoy a wide seating area overlooking the river to converse and picnic. Whike I cannot speak to its comfort, suffice it to say that there was no shortage of folks lingering here.
Towering over this section of town is the New Mosque, Yeni Cami. Formerly known as the Valide Sultan Mosque, it was built around 1600 by Regent Mother Safiye Sultan who exercised vast influence of the Ottoman Empire both before and during her son, Mehmet III's, reign.
The Galata Bridge Waterfront - Istanbul, Turkey is visually stimulating given the mass of activity here. Safe, relativey clean, and full of locals, the waterfrot offers an inside look at the life of average Turks eager to enjoy the great outdoors.
Cheers!
