Balat District

Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of İstanbul. As you stroll along the side streets and historic buildings, you will experience an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in İstanbul and possibly in the whole world.

The Balat district is not as crowded as other central parts of the city, located across the Eminönü coast, near the metro stop along the Golden Horn (called Haliç in Turkish. Extremely pleasant with large parks, it is the perfect place to stroll up Pierre Loti hill at the end of the Golden Horn.

Perhaps the most iconic part of Balat are the colorful houses lining the steep cobbled streets. Most of these houses are more than 50 years old, and in some of them up to 200 years old. These historic wooden houses are among the most photographed buildings in the city due to their popularity, many of the streets now lined with cafes and restaurants for visitors to stop by and admire. scene.

Balat is a fairly traditional district inhabited by the city's ethnic minorities, with many Jewish and Greek Orthodox families. The beautiful massive Fener Greek High School is located in this area, and visitors can still admire and photograph it from many different angles. Along the coast is a Bulgarian church, with cast iron icons brought from Vienna and a bell tower that is a gift from Russia.

The area is also home to numerous churches and even a synagogue in the vicinity. Yanbol Synagogue was built by Bulgarian immigrants. It is home to many famous Turks such as Moldavia and Wallachian princes and other dignitaries. Vaftizci Yahya Church is one of the most unique churches in the world, built in Ottoman times on the site of a monastery that Sultan Selim saw during his conquest of Egypt.

All of these structures make up one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods. The ethnic diversity of this area has resulted in a wide variety of food options and ideal cafes and restaurants. Just turning a corner, visitors can pass one of the oldest cafes in the city, turn another street are traditional pubs and restaurants with other delicious dishes.

The markets along the winding cobbled streets that sell traditional goods and fresh produce are also popular. You won't find any big brand names in Balat, but you will find things that can't be found anywhere else in the world.

If you want to learn about the cultural and ethnic diversity in Istanbul, Balat is a must-visit address for every visitor.