John Freely, noted Istanbul authority, referred to Galata Bridge as the true heart of the city. It makes a certain sense. As you look out on the Golden Horn passing beneath your feet, the intersection of the great estuary with the Bosphorus Strait and the Asian shore beyond, it becomes clear that Istanbul's greatness lies in its role as a confluence of land and water.The Galata Bridge connects Eminonu with the port of Karakoy and the Beyoglu district. It's most famous for the hundreds of fishermen who daily line the span, casting lines and hoping to bring up mackeral or sardines. The lower level is something of a floating shopping mall with fish restaurants and nargiles everywhere. The touts can be a little aggressive but that's part of the city too. The south end of the bridge faces the New Mosque and Egyptian Bazaar while the mosque of Sulyman the Magnificent and Beyazit tower loom in the distance.