One of Istanbul’s oldest and most beautiful districts in Balat. You feel a unique mood that is unmatched anyplace else in Istanbul, if not the entire world, the minute you set foot along its winding streets of cobblestones and ancient structures.
Set past the Eminönü coasts along the Golden Horn; the area is quite hidden. The metro stop along the Golden Horn, Haliç in Turkish, is pretty close by and may be reached on foot. Families can walk along the beach up to Pierre Loti at the end of the Golden Horn on the lovely coastal road that runs the length of the peninsula. But as soon as you enter Balat, all of it vanishes since you have entered a past Istanbul. Let’s go exploring now! But first, apply for a turkey visa online.
Balat’s Colorful Homes
Balat’s colourful buildings along the district’s steep cobblestone walkways are probably its most recognizable feature. Most of these houses date back more than 50 years and, in some cases, even 200 years. These old wooden houses are some of the city’s most famous photo backgrounds, and as a result, many of these streets now include cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy the scenery.
You can also rest by sitting on the steps of these houses, as people have been doing so for literally centuries (keep in mind that most of these streets are pretty steep)!
The area is very friendly, and many families have lived there for years. As we’ll see, many locals have quite a varied past. You’ll encounter residents who are glad to talk to you and ask about your background.
The Diverse History of Balat
Minorities in the city have historically made Balat their home, with many Jewish and Greek Orthodox families calling it home. You may view the magnificent, enormous Fener Greek High School, which is still in use here, from many different points of view. A Bulgarian church along the seaside features a belfry tower gift from Russia and iron castings made in Vienna. Numerous churches can be found in the area, as well as the Yanbol Synagogue, built by Bulgarian immigrants. Famous Turks have also resided in the area, along with a prince from Moldavia, Wallachia, and other dignitaries. The Vaftizci Yahya Church, constructed during the Ottoman era and inspired by a monastery Sultan Selim I observed during his capture of Egypt, is one of the most unusual churches on the entire planet.
In short, you can tell the moment you walk through this area that it is one of the most diversified parts of the city thanks to its old structures and people.
Food and Shopping
Finally, the district’s diversity has impacted the types of meals offered. And the restaurants and cafes are genuinely unique. One of the city’s oldest cafés can be found around one corner, and the oldest meyhane, or traditional dinner restaurant, can be located around another. It’s the kind of area where you really can’t go wrong.
Just the atmosphere of the area makes a tour through the market’s worth. The needs along the meandering cobbled streets are famous across the city for offering traditional items and fresh produce. Balat necessities to have well-known brand names, although it includes items that can be found anywhere else in the world.
If you are looking for the best escape, apply for a turkey visa online and visit Balat once in a lifetime.