Big Life by the Little Bosphorus Istanbul

As I arrived at Pierre Loti, a hilltop cafe overlooking the Golden Horn, I couldn't help but feel a sense of palpable excitement. Today, I am doing due diligence on a new residential development project on the banks of the Golden Horn, or the Little Bosphorus as it is known for it’s similarities to its larger neighbour. The neighbourhood surrounding Pierre Loti is rich with history, and the cafe itself is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. After a scrumptious helping of kebap for lunch, I sipped my amber cay tea and looked out over the sparkling blue waters. In this moment I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the centuries of history and culture that the Golden Horn exudes. It's no wonder that this area has captured the hearts of so many over the years.

The Golden Horn has been a strategic waterway for centuries, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Bosphorus Strait. During the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, the Little Bosphorus was home to several iconic landmarks that still stand today. The most famous of these is the Galata Tower, which was built in 1348 during the Byzantine Empire. The tower was initially constructed as a watchtower to monitor the harbour and the Genoese colony across the way. See the view from the above, below.

Another iconic landmark is the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The cistern was used to provide water to the city's palaces and buildings, and it is now a popular tourist attraction with its eerie atmosphere and stunning columns. The outer city wall of Byzantium Constantinople still stretches the original length proudly today and can be seen from various points along the Golden Horn.

At the furthest point on the peninsula, is the Topkapi Palace, which was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Built in the 15th century, the palace is a testament to the grandeur and opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Visitors to the palace can explore its many halls and courtyards, as well as its impressive collections of artefacts and treasures. The Hagia Sophia was also built in the 6th century and served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further up the Golden Horn inlet, there are several points of interest that are worth exploring. One such point is Eyup Sultan Mosque, one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Istanbul. According to tradition, this is the site where the Prophet Mohammed's standard-bearer, Eyup Sultan, was buried after his death in the 7th century. Another point of interest is the Fener and Balat neighbourhoods, which are known for their colourful houses, historic churches, and charming cobblestone streets.

Each of these landmarks and points of interest serve as reminders of Istanbul's rich and multi-faceted history. They represent different eras of the city's past and offer visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and cultural richness of Istanbul's past.  

Being an extremely important water inlet, the Little Bosphorus has always played a central role in the development of Istanbul. However, from the second half of the 20th century onwards the area’s importance declined due to the unorganised urbanisation, Industrial pollution and negligence. In the wake of the 21st century the authorities recognised the need for revitalisation and preservation of the historic artefacts to restore the former glory of the Golden Horn. 

TRANSFORMATION OF THE LITTLE BOSPHORUS

Within this context a two-legged transformation plan was put in place. The first leg, being the transformation of the banks of the Golden Horn, is almost completed. Now, it’s time for the transformation to take place in the urban areas. 

Today, Istanbulites are very concerned at the preservation of the grand history, but even more concerned at the future safety of the areas residents. In this episode of Straight Talk, we hinted a project that is about to be launched, that’ll contribute significantly to the urban regeneration.

THE LITTLE BOSPHORUS, RAGS TO RICHES

The revitalisation of the Little Bosphorus, and Istanbul as a whole, is particularly significant now when you view them through the lens of preparation for a large, imminent earthquake. Istanbul is located in an earthquake-prone region, and the Turkish government has been investing in seismic retrofitting projects and upgrading infrastructure in the city to make it more resilient to natural disasters. The revitalisation of the area is just one example of this effort to make Istanbul a safer place to live.

However, urban regeneration is not only significant in terms of the city's efforts to make the area more resilient to natural disasters, but it also has a range of other benefits. For one, urban regeneration initiatives can lead to an increase in property values and an improvement in the quality of life for residents. As areas are revitalised and infrastructure is upgraded, residents may have access to better transportation options, public spaces, and other amenities. Urban regeneration has the potential for economic growth, job creation. IT has the potential to attract investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Urban regeneration can also have social benefits. As areas are revitalised and communities are strengthened, residents may feel a greater sense of pride and connection to their neighbourhood. This can lead to increased social cohesion, community engagement, and a sense of belonging.

Overall, the revitalisation of the Golden Horn area of Istanbul is a complex and multifaceted undertaking. While safety is certainly an important aspect of this effort, it is only one part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life for residents, attract investment and economic growth, and strengthen the social fabric of Istanbul's neighbourhoods. 

As I look over the almost, mythical water from my seat in the cafe today, I can see the amount of progress that has been made. Cranes dot the skyline signifying intense transformation. Landmarks are covered in scaffolding, reinforcement that has been desperately needed for years. On the banks of the Little Bosphorus projects are now being unveiled. There is visible excitement in the crowds that walk up to the Grand Bazaar, and from the people filling brand new, world class restaurants up and down the waterway. The mega tourist cruise vessels line up at Galataport with eager passengers. From an investor point of view, the revitalisation of the Little Bosphorus has been a smashing success and can essentially be viewed as “Mission Accomplished.”

Most every developer that had been on the banks of the water has moved on to the urban centres further inland. All except one. There is a plot of land in the shadow of the Old City Wall and stone’s throw away from Golden Horn water. The Little Bosphorus residential project. 

Being developed by Rams Global, Little Bosphorus is an excellent investment opportunity in the revitalised Golden Horn area because it represents the final flourishes of Central Golden Horn regeneration. The development offers luxury apartments with stunning views of the Golden Horn and easy access to transportation links. Furthermore, Rams Global is a reputable developer known for its high-quality projects and commitment to customer satisfaction. Investing in Rams City Halic is not only a wise financial decision but also a chance to be part of the exciting transformation of Istanbul's historic Golden Horn area. With its rich history, cultural significance, and urban regeneration initiatives, the Golden Horn is truly one of Istanbul's most dynamic areas.

Once the project is finished, Istanbulites will be able to take new photos of the panoramic views. There will be new postcards to be sold in local gift shops. New stories to be written from these ancient walkways. New peoples brimming with excitement to leave their mark on the Ancient Capitol of the World.