Today we will tell you about an interesting and historical building in Istanbul. It’s like it came off the screens of a movie. SALT Galata is a unique historical complex of modern art, which is located in the old headquarters of the Ottoman Bank (the central bank of the Ottoman Empire). This is a really impressive old building of the Ottoman Bank, which was built by the famous architect of Istanbul Alexander Vallori and it is considered one of his best creations. It was built back in 1890 and opened in 1892. At that time it was used as the main office of the Ottoman Bank. The building is stunning in its architecture and the sight alone is breathtaking. High ceilings, marble stairs, interesting ornaments, all this you will find here.
In 2009, the building was closed, but in 2011 it opened its doors again under the name SALT Galata. The complex now is the museum of the Ottoman Bank, where you can learn the history of the first Turkish financial institution, as well as about the financial life of Turkey. Here you will find a lot of interesting things: safes, photos and documents of that period, personal files of bank clients, bills of exchange and accessories used by bank employees.
You will also be told about the most famous bank seizure in 1896, when 28 people took 150 employees and visitors of the bank hostage. Their goal was not money at all, they wanted to draw attention to the problem of mass killings of Armenians. However, all this only complicated the situation and after that another 6,000 Armenians were killed.
The popular complex accommodates not only a museum, but also another interesting part of SALT Research – this is the very place where youth researchers, scientists and ordinary visitors gather. The complex includes a gallery, an archive, a library, a research complex, an office of Useful art, workshops, noisy cafes and nooks, as well as the most famous Istanbul bookstore “Robinson Crusoe 389”. Here you will definitely find a place according to your interests. There is everything for relaxation and workflow. Finding a free place here is a great success.
SALT Galata can be found three minutes from the Galata Tower at Azapkapı, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/Istanbul. Be sure to take a look at this place, it will not leave you indifferent.
You can read this article Russian language: SALT Galata – нетипичный Стамбул
