The Golden Horn is a peninsula in European Istanbul where the Topkapi Palace, Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Hagia Sophia are located. Divided into two parts in the shape of the European horn of Istanbul, this estuary is one of the best natural ports in the world, and was once the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman naval forces and merchant shipping interests.

This Gulf derives its name, the Golden Horn, a symbol of blessing and fertility, from the fertile lands that surround it on its edges, and from the abundance of fish in its waters, and the abundance of fresh water streams around it. According to the Greek version, the Megarians named the place the Golden Horn for the mother of their king, Byzas, whose name was Kerusa.

The Gulf was the center of the navy at the time of the Byzantine Empire. Walls were erected along the Gulf Coast to protect the city from naval fleets. There was a huge track at the entrance to the bay to prevent unwanted ships from entering from the city to the opposite bank to the north of the Galatasaray tower. This tower was extensively vandalized during the Fourth Crusades in 1204. But the Genoese built a new tower next to the old tower and named it Galata Christia Torres 1348 (Isa Tower).

The Gulf is crossed by 3 main bridges:

• Galata Bridge: It was built over the bay to connect Karakoy and Eminono, so that pedestrians and cars can cross over it, and from above it can see the beautiful views of the charming city of Istanbul.
• Atatürk Bridge: It connects the historical peninsula of Istanbul with the Beyoglu district and is known to the public as “Oncpani Bridge”. Its plans were completed in 1930, and on April 24 of the same year, it was officially named by the Turkish Parliament as “Mustafa Kemal Bridge”. The bridge was opened in 1940.
• The Gulf Metro Bridge: Its construction began in early 2009 and was opened in 2014. It is an arch tower supported by cables, and the M2 metro line passes through it.

The Gulf port has contributed to the geographical development of the city of Istanbul as it is a natural and safe port. This port has divided the European side of Istanbul into two parts. Its length is approximately 8 km, and the widest place is the entrance to the strait and pours into the deep side and two valleys.