Istanbul, Turkey – Philips Lighting (Euronext Amsterdam ticker: LIGHT), a global leader in lighting, has illuminated the top from the iconic Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey with its architectural LED lighting. 

A towering icon for Istanbul’s citizens and visitors

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most well-known landmarks and is popular among citizens and tourists alike due to its commanding view over the city and its place in history. Recently, the top of the famous tower was transformed by Philips Color Kinetics lighting. 

Lighting designers Nergiz Arifoğlu Lightstyle aimed to create an impressive design to emphasize the tower’s architectural features. The new colorful LED lighting also enables the tower to project itself as an urban icon in the heart of Istanbul’s cultural and artistic Beyoğlu district, further enhancing the image of the city.

Standing strong for over 1,500 years 

The nine-story Galata Tower is 66.90 meters high and was originally built as a lighthouse by the Byzantines in the fifth century. It was destroyed in 1204, rebuilt by the Genoese in the 13th century and later modified during the Ottoman empire. Over the years, the tower has been renovated and after more than 15 centuries it still stands strong. Keeping in mind its use as a visitor attraction, the renovation of the lighting was undertaken without affecting access to public areas inside and around the tower.

“We at Philips Lighting are quite delighted to be involved in renewing the lighting of such an iconic building of Istanbul. The Galata Tower has an enduring social texture reflecting Istanbul’s identity as the cradle of civilization. We are proud to bring the magic of the tower to life at night with 21st century lighting that highlights the architectural features of the tower and at the same time is cost effective and energy efficient,” says Eran Görgen, General Manager of Philips Lighting Turkey.

Istanbul’s skyline

The lighting design supports the building’s place in the urban environment without altering or damaging the tower. The tower’s upper section and spire were equipped with Philips Color Kinetics PowerCore fixtures which present the opportunity to apply millions of colors and stunning light effects. The designers succeeded in creating a design that suits and respects both the tower and Istanbul’s night skyline, and is a source of pride for its citizens.

Project details:

About: The client for the new illumination of the Galata Tower is the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Istanbul Enerji A.Ş.

Lighting Design & consultancy: The lighting design was by Nergiz Arifoğlu Lightstyle Architectural Lighting Design. The consultant for the project was Prof. Dr. Rengin Ünver

Technology used: The top of the tower and the spire has been installed with Philips Color Kinetics ColorGraze Powercore, Philips Color Kinetics eW Graze Powercore, Philips Color Kinetics ArchiPoint iColor Powercore, Philips Color Kinetics eW Blast Powercore and Philips Color Kinetics eW Burst Powercore

Philips Lighting team: Sevim Kösem, İzlen Yaylalı for the installation the LightApp Lighting has been used.