Istanbul Galataport Opens

By. Justin Mays

After four years of construction, the 29.000 sqm Istanbul Galataport in Karakoy district, Istanbul is ready to open its doors, for the first time to the public. The €1,5 billion project is expected to boost the country’s tourism industry. 

Istanbul went through three empires, the Roman Empire, the Byzantium Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, and these, among other factors, contribute to its present-day culture. Its rich historical and cultural institutions which are in the vicinity of the port will be visited by tourists who come through the Port. The Renzo Piano, the contemporary and modern Arts Museum, which was found in 2004, and Mimar Sinan fine arts University Istanbul, Painting and Sculpture Museum are going to create the first-ever Turkish Museum square. These two museums are adjacent to the Tophane Clock Tower, which predates to 1848. 

Galataport Istanbul has already established markets with other countries and is expecting big shipping companies such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Vikings Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise. 1 billion dollars annually is expected from this new port. Tourism is also expected to boost as this Istanbul seaport anticipates welcoming 25 million visitors annually, inclusive of 7 million tourists and 1.5 million cruise passengers and crew.

Those who reside in the Galata neighborhood who want to visit the port can reach the location by private boats, metro, bus, tram, or Marmaray. The Galataport Office has parking for 2,300 vehicles underground for private vehicle owners. 

The port has the first in the cruise industry, an underground terminal for both domestic and international tourists. Galataport Chief Port Officer (CPO), Figen Ayan highlighted that Turkish Engineers worked with international consultants to make this project come to life.

The port brings a new destination focused on culture, art, shopping, and food. Galataport is capable of accommodating 3 ships and 15 000 passengers per day. Figen Ayan also indicated that Galataport Istanbul is an inspiration for ports of the future around the world. With all these factors at play, investments in Istanbul are inevitable.