{"id":22625,"date":"2026-04-02T14:32:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8000\/bonnes-pratiques\/istanbul-turkey-cruise-activity-heads-downstairs\/"},"modified":"2026-09-12T13:45:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T11:45:21","slug":"istanbul-turkey-cruise-activity-heads-downstairs","status":"publish","type":"bonnes-pratiques","link":"https:\/\/aivp.org\/en\/best-practices\/istanbul-turkey-cruise-activity-heads-downstairs\/","title":{"rendered":"Istanbul (Turkey): cruise activity heads downstairs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The master plan of Galataport, which affects an 11 hectare site on the border of the old city, is completed as of 2024. The leading architectural office is Gensler with the support of Dror as the designer studio. Galataport Istanbul, which required a significant investment of USD 1.7 billion, is recognized as a major global destination project that includes a cruise liner port spanning a 1.2 kilometer coastline. Positioned at the heart of the city, Galataport Istanbul forms an ecosystem that incorporates essential digital features and cutting-edge technologies to enhance everyday life quality. The port can now be visited by the public while the underground terminal is reserved for cruise terminal operations. <\/span><\/p>\n

The project aims to transform the historical harbour of Istanbul into a world-class cruise liner port and a captivating tourist destination. Additionally, it opens up the promenade for public use after nearly two centuries. With its accessible low-rise buildings, architectural design that harmonizes with the area’s historical fabric, extensive transportation options, and more Galataport Istanbul provides a vibrant, healthy, and secure environment for culture, arts, work, shopping, and dining experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

One notable aspect of Galataport Istanbul is the introduction of an underground terminal that utilizes a hatch system, a concept first seen here. This underground terminal preserves the harbour’s historical significance as Istanbul’s gateway to the world. Furthermore, the project features a spacious underground parking facility capable of accommodating 2,400 vehicles, effectively addressing the city’s parking challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

As ships dock, sections of the sidewalk elevate at a 90-degree angle, revealing ramps that lead down to customs and passport control. These raised sidewalks also serve as security barriers. Figen Ayan, the Chief Port Officer of Galataport, explained the innovative design, stating that they aimed to create unobstructed views. Rather than constructing an extravagant terminal building for luggage handling, buses, and customs, they opted for an underground solution. She emphasized that the project represented not only an expansion of the city but also an expansion of knowledge. Overcoming numerous engineering challenges, Erdem Tavas, an Executive Board Member of Galataport, highlighted their innovative approach of building in the sea, which circumvented archaeological concerns in the historic port town. Despite Istanbul’s rich history, Galataport is designed to endure for centuries. The assistant general manager overseeing construction, Ali Pusat, pointed out that the development is prepared to withstand a three-meter rise in sea levels, far exceeding the past century’s 30 to 35 centimetres of sea level rise. Additionally, all buildings utilize seawater for cooling, promoting sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Galataport Istanbul anticipates approximately 25 million visitors annually, including 7 million international tourists. The project is projected to attract around 1.5 million cruise line passengers to Istanbul each year. It stands as an exemplary undertaking on a global scale, blending historical heritage with modern amenities and contributing to the city’s tourism and economic growth.<\/p>\n

Lastly, the design of the port aims to highlight the Tophane heritage structures, such as the 19th-century <\/span>clock tower<\/span><\/a><\/span> or the <\/span>Museum of Modern Art<\/span><\/a><\/span>, both located next to the port.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional informations :<\/span><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>Galataport<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Dror for <\/span>Galataport project<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal Operation in a Nutshell – Short Version<\/span><\/a><\/span> (video)<\/span><\/p>\n

Architect Digest article: <\/span>A New Megaproject in Istanbul Features an Underground Cruise Ship Port<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The master plan of Galataport, which affects an 11 hectare site on the border of the old city, is completed as of 2024. The leading architectural office is Gensler with the support of Dror as the designer studio. 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