About this experience
The bustling Istiklal Street is not only a favorite meeting place for Istanbulites, but also a place where different cultures intertwine. In this fusion, we will delve: I will guide you through the traces of the White Russians, show you how a church, mosque, cathedral, and synagogue coexist. With my assistance, Istanbul will unfold to you as a mosaic, each piece of which hides the stories of whole nations.
What to Expect
Our exploration of the cultural mosaic of Istanbul will begin at Taksim Square: here I will briefly talk about the emergence of Turkey, and then lead you through Istiklal Street, where architectural masterpieces of different cultures are lined up like beads on a string. And of course, we will also take a look at the legendary red tram! The program includes:
"Flower Passage", where we will stop to talk about the arrival of the White Russians who sought refuge here in the 1920s. You will see where Russian emigrants settled, learn about how they lived, and what contribution they made to Istanbul's culture.
Catholic Church: in the splendid San Antonio Basilica, we will discuss the existence and history of Istanbul's Catholic community. And of course, we will appreciate the architecture of the Italian Gothic style, and inside we will examine mosaics and images of scenes from the Bible.
Galata Tower: on the way to this symbol of Istanbul, we will pass by the world's second oldest metro station. And when we reach the tower, we will uncover the legends of this place and admire the city from above.
Synagogue (Art Center): here we will talk about the Jewish community - I will share stories of the wealthiest families of the late Ottoman period and show you the houses where they lived.
Galataport - the promenade boulevard that has become the face of modern Istanbul. You will be amazed by the cultural mix here: we will see the Orthodox church, nightclubs, and hangout spots. And we will end the walk at the port with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus - the strait that united not only 2 parts of the world, but also dozens of different cultures!
Main Route Highlights
- Istiklal Street and its red tram
- "Flower Passage"
- Catholic Church
- Galata Tower
- Historical Synagogue building
- World's second oldest metro station
- Orthodox Church
- Galataport
- Galata Bridge
Organizational Details
- Visit to the Galata Tower requires additional payment (optional): 650 lira. The top floor is temporarily closed for restoration.
- Due to events in Israel, the visit to the synagogue will be replaced with a visit to an Orthodox church (Armenian, Russian, or Turkish) for your safety.
