(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JUNE 8 - The Galata Tower, one of Istanbul's most popular monuments, will be officially transformed into a museum with all offices and restaurants current inside of it removed. Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy made the announcement, noting that bidding for the project will be held by the end of the month and that works will begin in the next few weeks to eliminate ''activities incompatible with the essence of the tower''. The ministry gained control of the monument, which was built in the 14th century for defensive purposes by the Genoese, who controlled this area of the city at the time, last month from the town council. The changes will also affect the square surrounding it and a connection is expected to be built as part of the large Galataport project, which foresees the renovation of the front of the Karakoy port. The Galata Tower museum will open to the public on September 15.(ANSAmed).