All answers to the usual quetions can be found here: https://www.galata-tower.com/faqs
And here: https://galatakulesi.gov.tr/
And here: https://istanbul.com/blog/galata-tower
I've been many times, but I went for the first time during the winter on a cold day. There were plenty of visitors from all over the world.
There's also a lift for those who can't climb the steps inside, all 146 of them, a total of 11 floors.
This artist's rendition of the tower -- rendered, I believe, in brass -- hangs inside the tower and can be viewed there. A restaurant and cafe are in the tower, as well.
There are many useful websites and blogs to consult before you visit: https://galatatower.gen.tr/inside/
Learn more here: https://www.safaraq.com/en/turkey/blog/galata-tower-istanbul
The tower stands at 66.90 meters, or nearly 220 feet. Thoughout the era of Emperor Constantine, it was the tallest structure in the city's skyline. Learn more here: https://istanbultravelblog.com/
Built in 1348 by Genoese, it served as a lookout for protecting the city from invasions. It also served as a way to monitor ships and collect duries from them as they passed through the Bosphorous Strait.
I'm taking you around the tower in a circle from the viewing deck.
Above, the Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
If it's tidbits of history on back streets you're after, willing to stumble across them, you needn't look far. This is the case in Istanbul's old neighborhoods, and just about everywhere else in Turkey.
There are many nice modern touches, as well.
Tamam = Okay.
Hadi gidelim = Let's go.
I'm on foot checking out the graffiti.
There are lots of examples. To call this something of a bohemain quarter is an understatement.
But there are shops too, many of them selling bespoke handmade goods.
And some selling the usual stuff.
And some expressing in English their attitude toward the daily grind.
Residents going about their business.
A note about public shoeshine men or boys (they are never women). If you're wearing leather shoes, whether you're a man or woman. and the shoeshine man is seated and spots you, be prepared to converse. He will ask and he'll be assertive. This is the old-fashioned way. Turkish men are not shy about trying to earn their living from tourists.
If the shoeshine man is walking, since many of them carry their kit and stool from street to street, and he drops his brush, again be prepared. This means he's targeted you and he'll put on a charm offensive to land you as his customer.
He won't relent easily. Some of these gents can be very persuasive and assertive.
So, if you don't want to be confronted in this way, just ignore any shoeshine man who drops a brush or one of his tools. Don't be naive. These gents are street-smart and can spot a tourist a mile away.
They're also generally decent. So, if you're polite to them, and insistent, you'll likely work out an arrangement that suits you both. Otherwise, be prepared to pay the tourist price and get yourself a first-class shoe shine. It's a hard living for these gents. It's also a chance for you to practice your Turkish.
For what it's worth, Kamayor is the 5,057,639th most common surname in the world. The name is above the doorway to an old house that once was home to a family that was most likely quite wealthy.
Portakal (Orange) Street.
These street corner fountains are seen commonly in both cities and towns. A place to drink, to rest, to chat, to bathe one's hands or feet.
Ev Yemekleri = home-cooked food.
A tea house.
