Golden Horn of Istanbul (Halic)

The Golden Horn is called Halic in Turkish its a horn-shaped inlet on Bosphorus where Byzantine and Ottoman commercial ships and fleet used to anchor.

Updated Date : 17.03.2022

 

Golden Horn Istanbul also separates the European side of Istanbul to old city and new city. Its name comes as the sun's golden light reflects on the water, and it is called a Golden Horn, and ancient sides and parks surround it nowadays.

Location of Golden Horn

It is situated near the Galata Bridge and Spice Market where you will see the ferries which lead you to the princes' islands and the Asian side of Istanbul. The spot on the riverside would be a perfect point for you to experience the beautiful sunset.

Protection of Golden Horn

The Golden Horn has impersonated an essential role in the evolution of Istanbul as a natural and remarkably guarded harbor, and often it faced attacks as it had no tides. Hence, the Byzantine Empire made its headquarters at its long inlet.

To protect the city from lethal naval attacks, a couple of security measures put in place first is building the wall along the shoreline. Putting an enormous iron chain from Constantinople to Galata Bridge was the second security measure. Till now, the chain has been either broken or disturbed on only three occasions. The first time happened in the 10th century, the second time it happened in 1204, and the third time in 1453.

After the Constantinople Conquest in 1453, a massive movement of Jews, Greeks, Armenians, Italian merchants, and other non-Muslims was witnessed. As a result, the Golden Horn played a vital role in the development of the city. During the trade, the ships used to offload the goods at the Golden Horn for centuries. Then steadily the factories and industrial sector arouse and unfortunately that industrial production also had a role in polluting the Golden Horn water.

Nowadays, the pollution problem has been addressed as the ships offload on the Sea of Marmara.

Southern Shore of Golden Horn

There are a lot of things to do while on the visit to the Golden Horn. But, first, you can see the Eminonu area, where you can visit the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Mosque. Then, you will not want to miss visiting Fener and Balat area as it contains ancient history. Fener and Balat are some of the famous touristic places there nowadays it is popular with both tourists and locals. Eyup and Sutluce area can also appease you there on the southern shore of Istanbul's Golden Horn.

Northern Shore of Golden Horn

Haskoy neighborhood is the area to visit which has ancient heritage and history. You can also see the transport museum there. Kasimpasa area comes through the Galata region, and it is popular with Ayanlikavak Pavilion. This is known as the rest area for the emperors during Byzantine Period. The northern shore of the golden horn starts with Karakoy and Galata area.

Construction of Bridges

Golden Horn Istanbul was without any single bridge up until the 19th century. Instead, small boats were used to help for transportation between two shores. Galata Bridge was the first one to be built, and it connects presently Karakoy to Eminonu. Galata Bridge was constructed thrice, once in 1845 and then in 1912 and at last in 1993. After that, the second Unkapani Bridge was built to control the flow of massive traffic between Beyoglu and Sarachane. The third bridge is called a Halic Bridge from which the highway passes through.

The Final Word

Golden Horn used to be a trading hub for old Istanbul, and many tourists visit Golden Horn in Istanbul. It remained the main harbor for the city for centuries. So do visit Golden Horn and also get a chance to experience the beautiful sunset at the riverside.

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