Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Arap Camıı; Galata Mahkemesi Sokak, Galata; Karaköy)
Built by the Genoese in 1337, this
mosque was the largest of İstanbul's Latin churches. It was converted to a mosque after
the Conquest and given to the recently arrived community of Spanish Muslims after their
expulsion from Spain and arrival in İstanbul in the late 15th century. Notable features in-
clude the impressive stone exterior and a magnificent wooden ceiling.
SALT GALATA
OFFLINE MAP
| CULTURAL CENTRE
GOOGLE MAP
Karaköy)
The descriptor 'cultural centre' is used a lot in İstanbul, but is often a misnomer.
Here at SALT Galata it really does apply. Housed in a magnificent 1892 bank building de-
signed by Alexandre Vallaury and cleverly adapted by local architectural firm Mimarlar
Tasarım, this cutting-edge institution offers an exhibition space, auditorium, arts research
library, cafe and glamorous rooftop restaurant.
Funded by the Garanti Bank, SALT aims to be a centre of learning and debate in the
city and hosts regular conferences, lectures and workshops. The building also houses a
small Ottoman Bank Museum.
KASA GALERİ
OFFLINE MAP
| GALLERY
Kasa Galeri is located in the basement vault of the Minerva Han, a splendid Islamic
Revival-style building that was built as the Greek-owned Bank of Athens in the early
20th century. Funded by Sabaci University, it supports and exhibits collaborative interna-
tional art projects that are experimental in nature. It also offers residencies and shows to
emerging Turkish artists.
SCHNEİDERTEMPEL ART CENTER
OFFLINE MAP
| GALLERY
Mon-Fri, noon-4pm Sun; Karaköy)
Housed in an old synagogue, the Schneidertempel exhib-
its work by local Jewish artists, as well as frequent exhibitions from abroad. Quality var-
ies, but we've seen some excellent photographic exhibitions here.
GALATA TOWER
OFFLINE MAP
| LANDMARK
Karaköy)
The cylindrical Galata Tower stands sentry over the approach to 'new' İstanbul.
