A brief peaceful moment from Istanbul,Galata Tower.

The Galata Tower, also known as the Christ Tower, has a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. Built by the Genoese in the late 1300s, it served as a strategic watchtower to protect the city from potential invaders. Its location in the Galata district, then a separate city from Constantinople, allowed the Genoese to dominate the trade routes and maintain their economic dominance in the region.

Over the centuries, the tower has witnessed many important events in the history of Istanbul. During the Ottoman Empire, the tower was used as a prison and fire watch station. It was also used by astronomers as an observation point to study the stars and planets and served as a center for scientists.

One of the most memorable stories about the Galata Tower is the flight of the Turkish aviator Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, who tried to fly from the tower in the early 17th century. According to legend, Çelebi, wearing wings on his arms, flew about 3 kilometers and landed safely in the vicinity of Üsküdar, on the Asian side of the city. In the 19th century, a symbolic roof was added to the Galata Tower, giving it the distinctive appearance it is known for today.