Galatasaray
It's not a coincidence. Galatasaray SK (http://galatasaray.org), one of the most successful and well-known Turkish soccer teams in Europe, has its roots in this district. Don't get your eyes weary by looking for a stadium, thoughâthey have been playing in Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Mecidiyeköy about 5 km north of this district since 1960s after their original home stadium in Taksim Square was demolished and scheduled to relocate to Türk Telekom Arena further north in Maslak in 2011. However, after a game in which Galatasaray beats one of the big teams, it is almost certain that you will see bands of rowdy fans marching up and down Istiklal Street, celebrating their team's victory overly enthusiastically, and chanting rather loudlyâand you will be glad to have had left your favourite t-shirt with the colours of the away team at home.
jewish heritage
Since 1492 the prosperity and creativity of the Ottoman Jews rivaled that of the Golden Age of Spain. Today the Jewish community in Turkey is about 26,000 and most of them live in Istanbul.
The bankersâ town of Galata and the Tower: A cosmopolis and a finance center with bankers and stock exchange crowned by the Tower which was built by the Genoese in the 14th century, offering a great birds-eye view of the old city.
Neve Shalom Synagogue: The most beautiful and the largest in the city where most of the religious ceremonies like bar-mitzvahs, weddings and funerals are held.
The Ashkenazi Synagogue: The only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers.                           Â
Jewish Museum of Turkey: Witness the past 700 years how the mixed cultures influenced each other.