Balat and Fener in Istanbul are the ancient districts which offer the traveller a unique experience on the European side of the Golden Horn to savor the Christian quarter of Constantinople. Fener, an old Greek district, and Balat, an old Jewish quarter right next to it, are among the districts that are located on the south side of the Golden Horn of the Historical Peninsula, have a rich historical heritage, attract a lot of attention from both local and foreign visitors, and are among the places to visit in Istanbul. is coming. Below you can find information about Fener and Balata popular places, places to visit, activities and transportation.
These districts are organized as small villages in their own right, which has earned them the status of UNESCO World Heritage. Inside, you will find small artisans, traders, religious buildings for a timeless experience. Fener and Balat have become a touristic destination with the recent contributions in the field of tourism. You can see local and foreign tourists on its colorfully painted streets. Tourist cafes and restaurants in the main squares are quite colorful. At the same time, the region is flooded with visitors of the antique shops. In Fener, you can also find the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, housing the Church of St. George, spiritual authority of the Orthodox. In Balat, the bobo district, modern and intellectual families rub shoulders with more modest families who have managed to keep their way of life.
These neighborhoods will confuse you!
Ideas for activities in Fener and Balat:
- Participate in an auction in a second-hand dealer
- Discover the 3 synagogues of the district (former largest Sephardic Jewish quarter)
- Visit the Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgarians (not to be missed under any circumstances)
- Take a photo of the red brick Greek high school seen in the distance
- Have a good time at the trendy restaurants in the area
If you are interested in visiting mosques in Istanbul, here are some of the most beautiful ones.