Another Istanbul: Balat, Fener and Beyond

What to Expect

Ottoman slums, Syrian market, and ancient mosques
We will visit the 15th-century Fathi Mosque: enter the mausoleum of the conqueror of Constantinople and stroll through the ancient cemetery. We will also discuss the mosque's architecture, combining Baroque and Ottoman styles. After that, we will head to the Arabian market founded by Syrian refugees. You will enter a parallel universe where there is not a single Turk and they sell Syrian street food. I will tell you how the Syrians massively moved to Istanbul in 2011 and what they have achieved here. Step by step, delving into the depths of the Old City, surrounded by 19th-century wooden houses, we will reach the Selim Yavuz Mosque on the hilltop. We will admire the Golden Horn Bay from above and see the ruins of the underground cistern.

Balat and Fener Districts: Bright and Unique
You will stroll through the labyrinth of narrow steep streets leading down to the waterfront. People come here to see the 'real' Istanbul. I will show you a Greek Orthodox school resembling a castle and the city's only Christian church that has never stopped services and has not been converted into a mosque. You will also see the Iron Church and the Cathedral of St. George the Victorious. Externally, it is quite modest, but the interiors will impress you with luxury. Balat and Fener are famous not only for their temples but also for their colorful everyday life. You will admire the multi-colored houses with laundry stretched between them and, if desired, try sweets in cozy establishments.