There is no precise information about the date of construction of the Galata Tower, but it is claimed that it was built in 507 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian. According to historians, there was a tower in these neighbourhoods as early as the 5th century AD. However, the tower that has survived to our time dates from 1348 to 1349. At that time these lands were dominated by the Genoese. The Genoese took over the Byzantine areas and then built a tower here for defensive purposes and called it the "Jesus Tower", and under this name it became one of the most important components of the 14th century fortification system that surrounded Galata. The Byzantines called it the Great Tower. The defences of the Genoese fortress, apart from towers and walls, also included fortress moats, which is still mentioned in the names of the old streets near the tower: Büyük Handek, which means Big Moat, and Küçük Handek - Small Moat.
The tower stands on the hillside, on the so-called Galata peak, located in the European part of the city. The tower is built in such a place that it is perfectly visible from almost all points of the city. It offers a magnificent panorama that attracts the attention of tourists and visitors.
As a result of an earthquake that occurred in 1509, the tower was severely damaged, and then it was rebuilt and superstructured under the direction of the famous Turkish Ottoman architect Hayreddin. The height of the Galata Tower today is 66.90 metres and its outer and inner diameters are 16.45 metres and 8.95 metres respectively. The wall is 3.75 m thick and the height above sea level is 140 m.
In the 16th century, prisoners of war were held in the tower. The prisoners were then usually sent on galleys as slaves for the Ottoman arsenal, which was located in the Golden Horn Bay in Kasimpass.
During the reign of Suleiman II in 1566-1574, the tower was used as an observation post by the famous Turkish astronomer Takiuddin. His main observatory was located in Pera. During the reign of Mustafa II from 1695 to 1703 Feyzullah-Efendi attempted to set up an astronomical observatory here with the help of a Jesuit priest, but all his efforts came to naught. He was assassinated in 1703 and the tower, which served as an observatory, was closed by Sultan Murad III and again turned into a prison for convict prisoners who worked at the Kasımpaşa shipyard.
The Galata Tower was given a new name in the 17th century, during the Ottoman period - Hezarfen Kulesi, meaning Hezarfen Tower. This name was established under Sultan Murad IV after Hezarfen inventor Ahmet Çelebi made wings for himself in 1638 and successfully flew from Galata to Usküdar. The daring craftsman used the top floor of the tower as a launching pad. He became the first balloonist in Turkey.
The tower, closer to the 17th century, housed a brigade of firemen, called mechteras in those days. After 1717, the Galata Tower became the main observation point of the city and from its upper platform special observers were constantly watching the neighbourhood day and night, and at the first sign of smoke or fire in one of the districts, they beat a large drum, alerting the firefighters and citizens to the danger. However, in an ironic coincidence, it was during a fire that broke out in 1794 that the tower burned down. It was rebuilt during the reign of Sultan Suleiman III. A jumba, a so-called ledge with a railing, was added to the top floor. In 1831, a second fire broke out in the tower. After that, the tower was repaired by order of Sultan Mahmud II and two more levels and the famous conical roof were erected, as well as a stele with the inscription about the restoration of the tower, which belonged to the pen of Pertev Pasha. During a violent storm that occurred in 1875, the conical roof was demolished.
The Galata Tower was restored in 1967 by the Istanbul Municipality. The conical roof was placed again on top of the tower. The steep spiral stone staircase was also reconstructed. Two lifts were installed inside the tower so that tired tourists could find an alternative to the steep ascent. And for those who like to view the scenery of Istanbul, there is a balcony on the top floor. There is also a restaurant, cafeteria and nightclub. Galata Tower is loved in Turkey as a symbol that reminds them of the past. If you want to watch a colourful show, a "belly dance" performed by local beauties or taste the local cuisine, you just have to visit the Galata Tower in the evening.
