Galleria Ataköy reflected the changing face of Turkey in the late 1980s and became a symbol of modern life with the stores selling a wide range of goods, most of them imported, cafés and restaurants, which made going there a popular day out.

Due to its close distance to Ataköy Yacht Marina and Atatürk International Airport, Galleria was also very popular for tourists.

For several years, Galleria was without any competitor, but it blazed a trail down as other shopping malls were opened in Istanbul.

It hosts upscale Turkish stores, features fast food restaurants and cafeterias, entertainment centers, movie theaters, a bowling alley, and an ice skating rink.

In 1990, Galleria was judged the world's most outstanding mall by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for sophisticated blueprint design, rapid construction, and unique structural features.