Haliç, the neighbourhood surrounding the ‘Golden Horn’, an inlet of the mighty Bosporus and a part of the Historical Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful routes of İstanbul. The Golden Horn, which forms the entry point to the Bosporus, is named for the horn-shaped course and is said to have been given this name because the waters turn golden, especially with the sunset. With its natural harbour, the Golden Horn was once an important port where the trading fleets of the Ottoman and Eastern Roman Empires were anchored. The district has a multicultural structure today, with mosques, churches, synagogues, and historical schools carrying the traces of İstanbul’s more than a thousand-year history. Today, the region has also become İstanbul’s new charm as the city’s latest attractions are scattered around it.
The transformed historical industrial areas and the international events these spaces host infuse the region’s historical significance with a modern and artistic spirit. With the transformation of the 600-year-old shipyard buildings along the shores of the Golden Horn, the area has become a new cultural magnet in the city. After all, İstanbul’s popular autumn event, Contemporary İstanbul, is taking place in this area. Contemporary İstanbul, showcasing some of the finest examples of world contemporary art, brings together local and international galleries, art institutions, initiatives, and artists. The event, which meets art enthusiasts from 28 September to 1 October, offers many opportunities to see coveted works from the art scene, witness the transformation of a historic industrial area, and enjoy the beautiful coastline of the Golden Horn.
For all these reasons, exploring this picturesque region is like taking a journey back to the ancient times of İstanbul. Let’s take a tour on three different routes through the narrow and colourful streets on the waterfront of the Golden Horn, one of İstanbul’s most beautiful districts.