As Before Turkey, we have prepared this guide on the Galata Tower marriage legend for you. Is it true that you will marry the first person you climb the tower with? This story is one of Istanbul’s most famous pieces of folklore, and many travelers wonder if there is magic in the air at the top.
The Galata Tower marriage legend states that if a couple climbs to the top of the tower together for the first time, they are destined to get married. However, if either person has climbed the tower before (alone or with someone else), the “magic” is broken, and the legend will not work.
What is the Galata Tower Marriage Legend Exactly?
This charming Istanbul belief is a cornerstone of local folklore. The legend is very specific: the charm only works if it is the very first time both people have ascended the tower. According to the story, the tower itself acts as a witness and blesses the couple’s union, ensuring they will end up together. Locals in Istanbul often share this story with a smile. It is a popular tale young couples hear, and many travelers find the romantic notion irresistible. The belief adds a layer of magic to the already breathtaking experience of seeing Istanbul from above.
The “Rules” and Origins of the Love Story
Unlike the tower’s ancient walls, this legend is not a Byzantine or Ottoman-era myth. It is more of a 20th-century urban legend, a piece of modern folklore that has grown stronger with time. It perfectly captures the romantic, and sometimes superstitious, soul of Istanbul.
The “rules” are the most important part:
- The First Time: It must be the very first time for both people.
- The “Curse”: If one person has already been to the top, the legend says the magic is broken. Some even say it brings bad luck to the relationship.
- Together: You must climb together.
These “rules” make the legend a fun, high-stakes game for couples visiting the city. Many travelers and locals often joke about “testing” the legend with a new partner or feeling a moment of panic if one of them has already been up.
A Local’s View: Should You Believe It?
As someone who has lived in Istanbul and heard this story countless times, I can tell you this: the legend is less about fact and more about feeling.
I have seen friends nervously ask their partners, “You haven’t been up the Galata Tower before, have you?” This question is always asked half-jokingly, but half-seriously.
Does it “work”? I cannot promise you a wedding certificate. But I can promise that climbing that tower with someone you care about is a special moment. When you step out onto the narrow balcony and see the entire city—the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the mosques, and the palaces—spread out below you, it feels magical.
If one had but a single glance to gaze upon the world, one should gaze upon Istanbul. — Alphonse de Lamartine
Sharing that incredible view, with the wind blowing and the sounds of the city rising from below, is a powerful experience. Whether the tower ‘blesses’ you or not, you are creating a beautiful memory together. That, in itself, is a kind of magic.
More Than Marriage: The Other Great Galata Legend
While the romance is charming, the Galata Tower has another, older legend that speaks to ambition and dreams. This is the story of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi.
Hezarfen was a legendary 17th-century Ottoman scientist and inventor. According to the story told by the traveler Evliya Çelebi, Hezarfen designed and built a set of artificial wings. He studied the wind and the flight of birds for years.
In 1638, he climbed to the very top of the Galata Tower. He strapped on his wings and, in front of a watching crowd (including the Sultan), he leaped into the air. The legend says he successfully flew across the Bosphorus, gliding over the water for nearly 3.5 kilometers (over 2 miles) and landing safely in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side.
This story of human flight, centuries before the Wright brothers, is a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s spirit of innovation and history. While the marriage legend captures the tower’s heart, Hezarfen’s flight captures its soul. Today, the tower stands as a monument to both love and ambition. You can learn more about its official history on Turkey’s official tourism portal, GoTürkiye.
Before you make your own climb, whether for love or for history, here are a few practical tips.
- Go Early or Late: The line for the Galata Tower can be extremely long, especially in high season. Try to go first thing in the morning or later in the evening.
- The Balcony is Narrow: The 360-degree viewing platform at the top is very narrow. Be patient and polite as you move around it.
- Explore the Area: The streets around the Galata Tower (like Galata Kuledibi and Serdar-ı Ekrem Street) are full of charming cafes, small boutiques, and art galleries. Save time to explore them.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of standing in line and walking on cobblestone streets.
Whether you are testing a legend, chasing history, or just looking for the best view in Istanbul, the Galata Tower is an essential experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main legend of the Galata Tower?
The most famous legend is the “marriage legend.” It states that if you climb the Galata Tower with someone for the very first time, you are destined to marry that person.
Who flew from the Galata Tower?
According to 17th-century Ottoman records, a man named Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi flew from the top of the Galata Tower using artificial wings he designed. He allegedly flew across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul.
Is the Galata Tower marriage legend true?
The legend is considered local folklore and a romantic urban myth rather than a historical fact. However, it is a beloved and popular story among locals and travelers that adds a magical quality to visiting the tower.
If you have any important questions about this topic, you can reach us at ask@beforeturkey.com or through the contact form on our Contact page.