Conclusion: Galata Tower as a Lieu de Mémoire

Because the Galata Tower was deconstructed and rebuilt by different people over time, its purpose has been fluid. The tower contains a great amount of historical and cultural significance through its different roles and associations. It may be thought that the function of the site now, as a tourist attraction, may compromise the significance the tower has in Istanbul’s history; however, the preserved appreciation for the view of the city reminds us of the tower’s original uses. It has no more practical use as a watchtower, so the tower’s tourism doesn’t take away from its past purpose; instead, its conversion is reflective of the city’s globalization and development. Even though tourists now in the restaurant will see a very different city than the one where the first tower was originally built, all of those who’ve experienced the tower will share the ability to have seen the city from a distinct location. The Galata Tower has allowed people to view the city at different points in time from the same location, in turn forming the Galata Tower into not only a tourist site, but a lieu de mémoire that contains traditional and modern significance. 

A visual timeline of the events covered in this exhibit.