Karaköy (Galata), Istanbul, Turkey

At the northern end of the Galata Bridge across Istanbul's Golden Horn lies the district called Karaköy (Galata).

It's among the city's oldest and most historic districts, and is today an important transportation point, similar to Eminönü, at the opposite (southern) end of Galata Bridge.

Although you'll probably get to know Karaköy as a place to board a ferry, ship, tram or the Tünel (underground train to Istiklal Caddesi), it's also a good place to buy hardware, fish, insurance and baklava, of all things.

Around the year 1000, the emperor of Byzantium granted to the merchants of Genoa the right to settle and do business on the northern shore of the Golden Horn his capital, Constantinople.

This district—Galata—developed rapidly, and the Genoese built sturdy fortifications to protect themselves and their warehouses. Fragments of the Genoese walls are still visible, but most visible of all is the highest and strongest point in the walls, the Galata Tower.

Wander through the old streets and up the steep hillside toward Galata Tower to see some of the city's fine old Frankish (European) houses, several of the city's most historic synagogues, and of course the Galata Tower itself.

Ferries depart Karaköy for the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, going to both Haydarpasa Station and Kadiköy.

Traditional ferryboats depart from the dock east of the Galata Bridge. TurYol cooperative boats depart from west of the bridge (the Golden Horn side).

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Karaköy (Galata): bustling with traffic. Note the pointed turret of the Galata Tower at center-top.