Hafiz Mustafa 1864 Opens New Branch Beside Istanbul’s Historic Galata Tower
Istanbul, Türkiye — Hafız Mustafa 1864 has opened its newest branch in Galata Kuledibi, immediately beside the historic Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most visited cultural landmarks.
Founded in Istanbul in 1864, Hafız Mustafa continues to expand its presence in its home city with a new location in the historic Galata neighborhood. The branch welcomes Istanbul residents and international visitors with traditional Turkish baklava, Turkish delight, kadayif, milk desserts, and a selection of Ottoman confectionery specialties.
Yalova Governor Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Usta and Istanbul Deputy Governor Okan Leblebicier attended the official opening ceremony. Hafız Mustafa 1864 expressed its sincere appreciation to the two officials for honoring the company with their attendance.
The opening also has particular historical significance for Hafız Mustafa. Established 162 years ago during the Ottoman era, the company now welcomes guests beside a landmark whose history dates back to the medieval period.
A New Hafız Mustafa Branch in Galata Kuledibi
Galata is among Istanbul’s best-known historic neighborhoods and remains an important destination for international tourism, architecture, gastronomy, and cultural activities.
Located in the Beyoğlu district, Kuledibi welcomes visitors year-round to see Galata Tower and explore the surrounding streets, historic buildings, restaurants, and traditional shops.
The new Hafız Mustafa branch adds another Turkish confectionery address to this popular part of the city.
Visitors can enjoy the company's traditional desserts in a neighborhood closely associated with Istanbul’s commercial and cultural history.
The Galata opening also supports Hafız Mustafa’s long-term vision of introducing Istanbul’s historic dessert traditions to guests from around the world.
Galata Tower: A Historic Landmark Dating Back to 1348
The new branch is located beside Galata Tower, originally built by the Genoese in 1348.
The tower has played several roles throughout its history. Originally part of the Genoese fortifications, it later became associated with the Ottoman period and was used for observation and fire detection.
Galata’s location near the Golden Horn and the historic commercial districts made the neighborhood an important center for merchants, sailors, and traders.
Genoese merchants, Ottoman communities, and European traders contributed to the district’s commercial and cultural development across different centuries.
Today, Galata Tower remains one of Istanbul’s principal tourist attractions, while its surrounding streets retain architectural and cultural features from different periods in the city’s history.
For Hafız Mustafa 1864, opening a branch beside the tower offers an opportunity to introduce traditional Turkish confectionery to visitors exploring one of Istanbul’s most historically significant districts.
Avni Ongurlar: Istanbul’s History and Culinary Heritage Are Part of Everyday Life
Hafız Mustafa, 1864 Honorary Chairman, Avni Ongurlar, spoke about Istanbul’s distinctive cultural identity and the historical importance of its culinary traditions.
Ongurlar emphasized the centuries of cultural exchange behind Istanbul’s architecture, neighborhoods, markets, cafés, and traditional flavors.
“Here, history, culture, and gastronomy become part of everyday life,” Ongurlar said.
He explained that Istanbul’s historic streets, traditional bazaars, Ottoman palaces, Roman monuments, and centuries-old neighborhoods provide valuable insight into the civilizations that once lived in the city.
According to Ongurlar, the relationship between architecture, daily customs, and culinary traditions remains an important part of Istanbul’s identity.
The new Galata Kuledibi branch forms part of Hafız Mustafa’s continued investment in its home city and its efforts to introduce Turkish confectionery traditions to international visitors.
Eren Ongurlar: Galata Has a Distinctive Cultural and Culinary Identity
Hafız Mustafa 1864 Board Member Eren Ongurlar also commented on Galata’s historical character and its significance within Istanbul’s cultural and culinary life.
“Once home to Genoese merchants, Ottoman communities, and European traders, its narrow streets became a meeting place for different languages, traditions, and flavors,” Ongurlar said.
He explained that historic bakeries, Turkish coffeehouses, neighborhood taverns, and contemporary cafés offer visitors insight into Galata’s multicultural past.
Ongurlar also emphasized the importance of the district’s architectural heritage and everyday culinary customs, which remain closely associated with the neighborhood.
The opening places Hafız Mustafa within a historic area whose commercial activities and food traditions have developed through centuries of cultural exchange.
Traditional Turkish Desserts at the New Galata Branch
Hafız Mustafa’s Galata Kuledibi branch offers guests a selection of desserts associated with the company since its establishment in 1864.
Turkish baklava remains one of its principal specialties, prepared with handcrafted phyllo, pistachios or walnuts, and traditional preparation methods.
Turkish delight is another important part of the collection, alongside kadayıf, milk-based desserts, and traditional confectionery.
The company continues to follow its established production principles, with an emphasis on ingredient quality, traditional recipes, and daily freshness.
Visitors to Galata can now enjoy these specialties while exploring the neighborhood and its historical attractions.
The new location is also expected to appeal to international travelers interested in traditional Turkish food and Istanbul’s culinary history.
Hafız Mustafa Continues Its 162-Year History in Istanbul.
Founded in 1864, Hafız Mustafa has maintained a continuous connection with Istanbul’s confectionery culture through the late Ottoman period, the establishment of the Turkish Republic, and the development of modern Istanbul.
The company has expanded internationally while continuing its operations in Türkiye.
Its Galata Kuledibi opening adds another location in Istanbul and reinforces the company’s association with historic districts and destinations visited by travelers from around the world.
The branch also connects two important periods in Istanbul’s history: the medieval Galata district, represented by the 1348 tower, and the nineteenth-century confectionery tradition associated with Hafız Mustafa.
An Opening Ceremony With Distinguished Guests
The official opening ceremony was attended by Yalova Governor Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Usta and Istanbul Deputy Governor Okan Leblebicier.
Hafız Mustafa 1864 thanked both officials for their participation and for sharing an important day in the company’s continued development.
The inauguration represented the launch of services at the new premises and the inclusion of Galata Kuledibi within Hafız Mustafa’s network in Istanbul.
Hafız Mustafa 1864 is now welcoming guests beside Galata Tower, offering Istanbul’s traditional desserts in one of the city’s most historic and internationally recognized neighborhoods.