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When it comes to İstanbul, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is of course Beyoğlu with its nostalgic tram and the Galata Tower that has become a symbol. Beyoğlu, one of the liveliest centers of İstanbul, has managed to be a popular destination for both İstanbulites and tourists for centuries. This area, which has witnessed the history of different cultures, is like a mirror reflecting the identity of İstanbul. Let's take a closer look at the unknown information about the history of Beyoğlu, the heart of İstanbul.

When Did Beyoğlu Become Beyoğlu?

When looking at the history of Beyoğlu, we need to go back to the times when İstanbul was just being conquered. After İstanbul was conquered, Sultan Mehmed II wanted to revive İstanbul and make this city worthy of a capital. İstanbul was rapidly developed and people living in Anatolia were brought to this city to live. Because during the Byzantine Period, there were no residential areas in Beyoğlu, only vineyards and gardens.

The interest of the Ottoman Palace had shifted to the Bosphorus region from the 18th century onwards. With the renewal of Beşiktaş and its surroundings, Beyoğlu became more attractive in the 18th century. It is even known that the first municipality works were carried out in the Beyoğlu region.

Beyoğlu, founded by the Levantines, was created by taking European cities as an example. Embassies were also opened in the region, which hosted non-Muslims until the mid-19th century. In this way, the population settled in the region gradually increased. Life in the region became even more lively with the Tanzimat. Many entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, luxury stores and commercial establishments were established in the region.

Why Was Beyoğlu Called Pera?

The word "Pera" is Greek and means "the other side". Especially foreigners call Beyoğlu Pera and this habit can be seen even today. The reason for this is that the Byzantines living on the İstanbul side saw Beyoğlu as the opposite side. It is even known that the vegetable and fruit gardens in this region were called Peran Vineyards.

Later, the region took the name Beyoğlu. There are various rumors about why it took this name. According to one of these rumors, during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the son of the Venetian ambassador had a mansion that was built in this region. The Turks called the ambassador's son “Bey Oğlu" ("The Son of Bey"). Another rumor is that the city took the name Beyoğlu because the sultan addressed the Venetian ambassador as "Bey Oğlu" ("The Son of Bey") in his letters. According to the last rumor, during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the Pontus prince accepted Islam and started living in this region and then the city started to be called Beyoğlu. 

The Story of the Nostalgic Tram in Beyoğlu

In the 1800s, horse-drawn trams carried passengers without any stops. Passengers could stop the tram whenever they wanted but this caused a loss of speed. Finally, in 1880, the stop application was implemented and 3 years later, a tram line began to be laid on İstiklal Street, known as Cadde-i Kebir.

With the start of World War I, horse-drawn trams, which had been in power for 45 years, were also shelved. In 1913, the first electricity factory in our country was opened and electric trams were introduced. The first services also started on the Karaköy-Ortaköy line. However, after a while, the trams were not enough, and they were terminated by making their last trips in Europe in 1961 and in Anatolia in 1966.

In 1989, the restoration of the old trams in the museum came to the agenda. The trams, which were thought to add color to the nostalgic and symbolic atmosphere of Beyoğlu, have been operating on the Taksim-Tünel line since that period and have been written in history as the "Nostalgic Tram" of İstanbulites. The tram, which allows tourists to have a nostalgic journey in Beyoğlu, also manages to attract attention every season.

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No matter what your reason for coming to İstanbul is, you can both feel the spirit of the city and find the chance to easily explore many places with Elite World Comfy İstanbul Taksim. If you would like to receive superior service and pamper yourself in the most central location of İstanbul, you can book your place at Elite World Comfy İstanbul Taksim right away.