From here in the 17th century Hezarfen Ahmet Celevi achieved his dream of manned flight.  He invented the wings with which  he 'flew' from the top of the tower to Uskudar on the Asian shore.

It remained a watchtower albeit for fire observation until the 1960's.  Now it serves as an observation deck for tourists who either walk or take an elevator to the top.  The 360' degree view is worth the effort.

Pera (Beyoglu), was given to the Genoese in the 13th century in gratitude for military support . They were joined by Jews from Spain, Armenians, Greeks and Arabs all setting up their own communities.   Centuries later the European powers built their embassies here,  downgraded to Consulates when Ankara became the Capital City.

The bridge is only 10 years old.  The original was on pontoons which prevented the free flow of water from clearing the Golden Horn of pollutants. With its demolition went the seedy restaurants, teahouses and hookah parlours which occupied the space under the road.  

An underground railway built to take  European merchants from their offices in Galata to their homes in Pera.  It is still a great way to avoid climbing the hill.