The Turkish quarter
The rich history of the area dates back from the Venetian era. It was named Ponte Dei Viari. This name refers to a bridge connecting the eastern gate of the Kasteli settlement with modern Daskalogianni St. and Splantzia Square. The bridge took the name of an affluent Venetian family who were benefactors of the city in difficult times. The area had a lot of underground waters. That is why there are findings of underground Venetian water tanks. These tanks could supply the city for 6 whole months. Current St. Nickolas church was originally the temple of the adjacent Monastery. The Order of the Dominican monks occupied the monastery. It was built in 1320. After the invasion of the Turks in 1645, the church was converted into a Mosque. It was named Houghiar Tzamissi – Hünkâr Camisi. A minaret was added on the south side of the temple.
Modern Chania
In the late 19th century, near the end of the Ottoman era, the city’s population was rising. It began to feel confined within the limits of the Venetian Walls. Therefore the city began stretching out to the West, the East and mostly to the South. In 1870, the Turkish Chief Commander of Crete, Reouf Pasha, envisioned a city master plan. This plan included a Grand Walk for leisure and outdoor activities beyond the Venetian Walls. His daily routine involved walking towards a sandy area with a shady fig tree. This habit inspired him to construct a City Garden (bahce). It was meant for everybody to enjoy some public, open, green space. Cultural events could take place there according to the European standards of the time.
