Exploring the Enchanting Neighborhoods Balat & Fener

Istanbul-Goldenhorn, where the magical neighborhoods of Balat and Fener beckon with their irresistible allure. These districts are not to be missed on any visit to this vibrant city.

Balat, in particular, has gained popularity among both locals and tourists alike. Its narrow streets are adorned with a mesmerizing display of colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for your explorations. As you wander through the labyrinthine alleys, you'll encounter historical houses, deserted streets, and charming cafes that exude an old-world charm. Balat has become a favorite spot for social media enthusiasts, who can't resist capturing its beauty in photos, reels, and stories. It's no wonder that it has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and visually stunning experience.

But Balat is more than just a pretty facade. Its historical significance is woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. You'll find churches, mosques, and synagogues, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious heritage of Istanbul. The district's fairy-tale-like ambiance keeps the traces of the Greek and Ottoman Empire alive, creating a captivating blend of past and present.

As you venture further, don't miss the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, a majestic symbol of Istanbul's multicultural identity. The Patriarchate is an awe-inspiring sight, with its grand architecture and historical significance. It serves as the spiritual center for the Greek Orthodox community and stands as a testament to the city's rich history.

Exploring Balat and Fener is like stepping into a different world, where time slows down, and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you're captivated by the vibrant colors of Balat's houses or drawn to the profound spirituality of the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, these neighborhoods offer an unforgettable journey through Istanbul's past and present. So, come along and immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Balat and Fener. Unlock the hidden gems, experience the unique blend of cultures, and witness the stunning landmarks that make these neighborhoods among the best places to visit in Istanbul. Get ready to create lasting memories in this enchanting corner of the city.

Balat: A Journey Through Time in Istanbul's Nostalgic District of Colorful History

Balat, surrounded by walls on the shores of the Golden Horn in the historical part of Istanbul, is one of the nostalgic districts of the city where you can experience the past and presents together. Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Sancaktar Hill, Kiremit Street, Yıldırım Street, Private Fener Greek High School and Secondary School, Merdivenli Hill, Vodina Street, Leblebiciler Street, Aya Yorgi Church 

Stylish Balat Streets

When the old streets of Balat were preserved and no change other than restoration was allowed, everything from the apple candy we ate in our childhood to the rag doll toy is interesting. If you haven't had a lover hanging from the balcony adorned with colorful flowers, it may be your fantasy in the past, unaware of its existence, walking on a slope with stairs, and holding hands between houses with bay windows gives you the feeling that you were hit by the arrow of love coming from "Eros". The influence of Greek architecture can be seen due to the once predominantly Greek population, and most of the cafe and restaurant names are in Greek. It is possible to feel the atmosphere of tolerance arising from the coexistence of three different religions in the streets of Balat.

 Antique Shops-Balat

You can find many antique, nostalgic, or second-hand shops in Balat. Even looking through the windows of antique shops filled with items that make you feel like a piece of yourself is quite enjoyable. If you have a structure that believes in the spirit of old things, you are lucky to be in Balat. You can also witness one of the antique auctions held in Balat. Maison Balat on Vodina Street, Porto Fenari on Yıldırım Street, and Terekeci on Lavanta Street are a few examples of these tiny but cute shops. Magical Fener Antique Shop is a place on Hızır Çavuş Köprübaşı Street where both antique and nostalgia-style old items are sold. Old technologies such as nostalgic radios and televisions and gramophones are only found in antique shops.

Antique Auctions

It is unthinkable that there is no antique auction place in the region, which is famous for its antique shops. Located on Vodina Street, the Fener Antique Auction is a venue that attracts the attention of visitors with its auctions that start after 3 pm and continue until 8 pm. Here you can find a wide variety of antiques at affordable prices and gift them to your loved ones.

When the old streets of Balat were preserved and no change other than restoration was allowed, everything from the apple candy we ate in our childhood to the rag doll toy is interesting. If you haven't had a lover hanging from the balcony adorned with colorful flowers, it may be your fantasy in the past, unaware of its existence, walking on a slope with stairs, and holding hands between houses with bay windows gives you the feeling that you were hit by the arrow of love coming from "Eros". The influence of Greek architecture can be seen due to the once predominantly Greek population, and most of the cafe and restaurant names are in Greek. It is possible to feel the atmosphere of tolerance arising from the coexistence of three different religions in the streets of Balat.

Fener Greek Boys High School/Phanar Greek Orthodox College

Fener Greek Boys' High School (Phanar Greek Orthodox College) was built in 1881 with red fire bricks, a high and wide facade, and a thick domed tower in the middle. Fener Greek Boys' High School is often confused with Fener Greek Patriarchate. Located in the historical Balat/Fener district on the ridges of the Golden Horn, the school is among the most magnificent structures of Istanbul with its architecture and its place in the city's memory.

After the conquest of Istanbul, in 1454, with the agreement of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Patriarch Gennadios, an edict was issued for the Orthodox Greeks who settled in Italy, the Aegean Islands, and France to return to the city. or as the Greek School. It is known that most of the materials used in the construction of the school were brought from Marseille, France.

Fener Greek Patriarchate

Hagia Yorgi Church/St. Georgios Monastery

Known as the Aya Yorgi Patriarchate Church, St. Georgios Monastery Church was rebuilt in 1614 after being used as the Patriarchate and transformed into a slightly larger structure. After a fire in the early 1700s, the church was restored in the 1720s. In the second quarter of the 1800s, the roof and appearance of the church building were changed and restored. This place has a different mass from the Byzantine church structures.

In the Republican era, in 1941, another fire broke out in the church building. However, due to political reasons, it could not be restored until 1989. With the completion of the restoration work carried out in 1991, the building was completely restored and took its present form.

After the restoration work in 1991, the appearance of the church largely corresponds to the situation at the end of the restoration carried out in the 18th century. In the western part, which is the entrance side of the church, there is a narthex from one end to the other. There are two wall paintings on the outside and one on the inside at the entrances of the narthex. On the opposite side, which is the eastern façade, there are three semicircular apses. However, today there is no great iconostasis in front of the apses. The church was planned as a three-aisled basilica. The interior is three aisles with ebony wood pillars along long rows and rows of columns.

Stairs Hill (Merdivenli Yokuş)

Stairway Hill is a must-see slope in Balat that provides a great background for your photos, it's one of the must-visit places where travelers don't leave without taking a few pictures. This slope, where colorful houses with bay windows rise like stairs towards the sky. On weekends, if the weather is nice, photographing the people sitting on the side of the slope is at least as interesting as the street. It will also be good for you to sit on the stairs and take a few photos of Merdivenli Yokuş Caddesi, which is the most sought-after street in Balat.

Tile Street (Kiremit Sokak)

Kiremit Sokağı is one of the most sought-after streets in Balat. This street, lined with colorful houses, is a very popular place to visit in Balat. When you follow this street where you can capture the most beautiful photo frames of the region, you can also discover the hidden places of Balat. There are many side streets leading to this street. If you have time, enter these side streets one by one while you are on the street. One of the slopes most photographed and posted on social media accounts such as Instagram in Fener and Balat is Sancaktar Hill, where the Greek High School (Red Brick School) rises. The place where this slope is located can be preferred as the starting point for the Balat tour. Since both the heart of Balat and the historical and touristic places of Fener are very close to here, you can draw a much easier itinerary.

Fener & Balat Cafes And Restaurants

The area between Yıldırım Street and Vodina Street in Balat is full of authentic and colorful cafes and restaurants lined up left and right. Among the popular venues of Fener and Balat are Perispri, which offers a very nice atmosphere in a nostalgic environment, Forno meatballs famous for its open buffet breakfast, and the famous Balat Turşucussu.

Agora Meyhanesi, located in the Balat bazaar, is also one of the most famous and historical taverns in Istanbul. We recommend you, to have a pleasant dinner here. Located around the neighboring districts of Cibali and Ayvansaray from Balat to Eyüp and Kadir Has University, the Historical Golden Horn Iskembecisi, as its name suggests, is one of the most famous places in the region.

Agora Tavern 1890

Agora tavern (meyhane), one of the most famous venues in Balat, is one of the most well-known entertainment venues in Istanbul that has survived for years. It is the only place that has survived the taverns established in 1890 and established at that time, where all the streets facing the Golden Horn come out.

Greek Captain Asteri, a member of the "Dulidis" family, who has been engaged in seafaring for many years, decides to leave the captain's position and open a shop where he can sell wine and cider because of his love for the Greek girl Eleni. He opened the Agora, meaning "Square" in Greek, in 1890. After Asteri Dulidis, his son Stelyo Dulidis succeeded him. The tavern, which was taken over by Stelyo's son Hristo and finally Ersin Kalkan, who worked as a journeyman in Agora for 4 years, is now run by the Kalkan family.

Çıfıt Bazaar

Çıfıt (chifit) is a name given to the Jews during the Ottoman period. This bazaar, which was opened by the Jews who settled in the region in 1492, has been known as the Çıfıt Çarşısı since then. This bazaar, also known as Leblebiciler Caddesi or Balat Bazaar today, is among the places where you can experience Balat moment by moment and witness history. Likewise, in and around Balat bazaar, Leblebiciler Sk. At No:4 Sevda Gazozcu (Elvan Gazoz), you can hang out in the queue of those who want to drink soda for old times' sake.

Although the Çıfıt Bazaar currently hosts only Turkish tradesmen, you can find many traces of the old bazaar culture. Antique shops are especially popular with tourists. Agora Tavern and Yangol Synagogue, which is estimated to have been built in the 15th century, are also located here.

This area, which was used as the stables of Tekfur Palace in ancient times, now hosts a wide variety of colorful shops. Balat tour would not be complete without going to Balat and seeing one of Istanbul's most famous bazaars, Çift.

Tekfur Palace Museum and Chora Museum, which are among the most popular museums in Istanbul, can be said to be among the places to visit in Balat. Technically, it is a 20-25 minute walk from Balat. However, you can go to Fener from Balat, and after a short walk from here, you can reach these two museums on a nice journey.