Back	GALATA: From the "Fig Trees" of Antiquity, to the Pera Colony of the Genoese. From the international trade center of the new Ottoman capital, to the symbol of modernity of the 19th century. From the cosmopolitan city of a declining empire, to the present day's marginalized district... GALATA through the Ages at the Ottoman Bank Museum The Ottoman Bank Museum, operating under the auspices of the Garanti Bank, will be hosting the special exhibition, GALATA through the Ages, from April 26 through August 26, 2005. The exhibition offers a historical account of Galata, focusing on the crucial role played by the district in the transformation Istanbul began to experience in the 19th century. The exhibition aims to draw the attention of the public to this historic district of Istanbul, which was for many decades a symbol of commercial and cultural life but is, today, on the verge of being forgotten. The exhibition is curated by Prof. Edhem Eldem from the History Department at Boğaziçi University and designed by Bülent Erkmen. In a speech given at the opening of the exhibition, Garanti Bank's CEO, Ergün Özen said: "As the founder of 3 cultural institutions, the Ottoman Bank Museum, Garanti Gallery and Platform, Garanti Bank attaches great value to Beyoğlu and Pera. This project evolved from the idea of drawing up a cultural map of Galata. This map was completed in recent days and serves to guide both local and foreign visitors by providing detailed information on the cultural spots of the region. The Ottoman Bank Museum team and Edhem Eldem collaborated to expand the scope of this project and crown it with an exhibition. We hope that this initiative will contribute to the cultural revival of the district." Using projection surfaces, 360 degree panoramic photographs, animation and display panels, the exhibition, GALATA through the Ages, offers visitors a vivid narrative of the transformation Galata has undergone over the years. Although most of the objects on display consist of books and original maps, two gravestones from the Genoese period are also included. GALATA through the Ages will remain on view through August 26, 2005. GALATA THROUGH THE AGES April 26 - August 26, 2005 THE OTTOMAN BANK MUSEUM 35/37 Banks (Voyvoda) Street Karaköy obmuze@ottomanbank.com Visual material from the exhibition may be accessed at: http://www.ab-pr.com