Tunel -the ancient metro of Istanbul

The oldest metro-line in Istanbul was opened in 1875.

From the history of Tunel

Tunel is called a “tiny metro-line” its length is just 573 meters, or two stations. Every 3-5 minutes two cars run along the railing, carrying 15 000 people daily.
Mini-metro of Istanbul was projected by French engineer Gavane and built within the period from 1871 to 1875. The opening took place in 1875 on January, 17. For that period the appearance of metro-line was a great burst and innovation, especially for Orient.
At the beginning people treated the novelty with distrust – they were afraid of using a subway, the cars of which were moved by horse traction. To solve the problem there was introduced one more car for carrying animals. The population made sure in the new transport’s safety and Tunel was accepted.
In 1910 the metro was electrified, and in 1939 in was considered a part of Istanbul’s high-speed transport system. In 1971 Tunel was repaired and modernized.

Tunel nowadays

In Istanbul, known for its contrasts, there always is a place for a beautiful echo of olden times. This is why the tiny metro-line serves here not only as a means of transport, but dilutes the atmosphere of a big city, prevailing, basically, in its European part, where the metro-line leads. The ride in Tunel costs 1 Lira, but for this price you will get plenty of impressions – everything here is soaked with the real flavor of Turkish life. Just in five minutes of your ride you will get from the Golden Horn to Taksim square, and if you walk, this way will take you about thirty minutes. Moreover, the trip abound the ancient metro of Istanbul will give you an incomparable feeling of touching the history, because in Istanbul even metro deserves to be named a sight.