Explore The Golden Horn (Halic) of Istanbul, Turkey

 

Istanbul's natural harbour during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods was Halic. Halic, also called the Golden Horn, was situated at the convergence of significant trade routes. From the harbour on the Golden Horn, items carried by caravans from the Silk Road were transported to Europe.

 

Apply for a Turkish visa online and plan your tour to explore the Golden Horn of Istanbul Halic!

 

Today, the Historical Peninsula and Beyoglu are separated by the Golden Horn, a famous river. While the Historical Peninsula to the south of the Golden Horn has historic districts like Sultanahmet and Eminönü, there are also relatively more modern districts like Karaköy, Galata, and Cihangir in Beyoglu to the north.

 

The Golden Horn has a long history that goes back to Istanbul's days as an Ancient Greek colony. Istanbul was established as a city-state named Byzantion in the 7th century BC. The Topkapi Palace is currently located around where the first settlement in Istanbul was. The Golden Horn, which divides Fatih and Beyoglu, are two significant stretches of land in Istanbul, like a horn. Ancient Greek colonists of this city observed the Golden Horn while standing on the hill where the palace is now and gave it the name "Golden Horn" because they thought the water was sparkling from the sun.

 

Because it is surrounded by land on three sides, the Golden Horn has historically been used as a natural harbour. From the port of Galata, goods from the historic Silk Road and Spice Road trade routes were exported to Europe. This action was carried out by the maritime tribes of Genoese and Venetians.

 

Due to their betrayal towards the Byzantine Empire during the Latin Invasion of 1204, the Venetians lost their rights. All commercial privileges were granted to the Genoese after Constantinople was retaken from the Crusaders in 1261. To protect the port near the mouth of the Golden Horn, they also constructed the Galata Tower. Fatih Sultan Mehmet did not want to disturb the established order after capturing Istanbul. Due to this, the Republic of Genoa and the Republic of Venice both received similar privileges. Therefore, the famous Silk Road trade continued.

 

The areas surrounding the Golden Horn have a significant Byzantine history. In particular, most churches from the late Byzantine era can be seen here. On the other hand, the Ottoman Empire left behind the highest number of historical artefacts on both sides of the Golden Horn.

 

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