Karaköy, Harbor district in Beyoğlu, Turkey.
Karaköy extends along the northern bank of the Golden Horn, with narrow streets filled with coffee shops, galleries, and traditional hardware stores. The area blends older stone buildings with modern refurbishments, creating a neighborhood in constant flux.
The district gained importance in 1261 when Byzantine rulers allowed Genoese traders to establish a settlement and build defensive structures. This foreign settlement shaped its role as an international trading hub for centuries to come.
The neighborhood holds several houses of worship including synagogues and churches, reflecting the long history of Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities sharing this space. This diversity continues to shape the character and rhythm of daily life here.
The district connects to other parts of Istanbul via the Galata Bridge, tram lines, and regular ferry services from the waterfront terminal. Most places are walkable, though the narrow streets can get crowded, especially on weekends.
In the 19th century, Voyvoda Street was the financial heart of the Ottoman Empire, where banking institutions managed the empire's economy. Today, the elegantly designed buildings of this street still echo that important financial past.
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