Balat:
In the Heart of the Historic Peninsula

H Balat, which reflects a rich cultural mosaic from the north of the Golden Horn, reflects the cultural heritage of Istanbul as a historical neighbourhood where different religions and minorities live together.
The historical neighbourhood

which was a hidden neighbourhood in the Historic Peninsula in the past, has become a centre of attraction with the transformation it has undergone over time, is now a production house for artists and craftsmen... In addition to being remembered with its colourful bay window houses; it draws attention with its glass and ceramic workshops, coffee shops, vintage & retro souvenir shops and auctions that appeal to collectors.

The cosmopolitan neighbourhood

which hides the key to a historical journey in time with its mystical atmosphere, still preserves its originality with the habitat it has created. Balat, where cultural diversity is experienced at its peak, is the new centre of art and production on one side and a ghetto neighbourhood on the other

The main protagonist of the Golden Horn, which has a precious place in the history of Istanbul, also harbours holy relics.

Balat, which is the centre of attention with its religious buildings, takes its visitors on a historical journey in time with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Aya Yorgi Patriarchate Church, Sveti Stefan Church, Ahrida Synagogue and Fener Greek High School, also known as the Red School.

Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

Which is one of the structures that come to mind when both local and foreign visitors say 'Balat', is one of the must-visit places. The Patriarchate has a special place in orthodoxy due to its location in the former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and being the mother church of most orthodox churches.

Aya Yorgi Patriarchate Church
The spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox world

which became the main church of the patriarchate after the conquest of Istanbul, was dedicated to the Christian martyr Aya Yorgi. One of the points that make this church important is that the stone, which is believed to be the stone where Jesus was chained and scourged in Jerusalem, is located as a sacred relic.

Located in the historic district of Balat in Istanbul, is a sacred place where the Jewish community has worshipped for centuries.
The Citadel of Jewish Culture

Built in the early 15th century, the Ahrida Synagogue, named after the city of Ohrid in North Macedonia where its founders emigrated, is the synagogue with the largest capacity in Istanbul. Constructed of brick and masonry stone, the prayer pulpit of the synagogue resembles the bow of a ship. According to one belief, this form is reminiscent of Noah's Ark, and according to another claim, it symbolises the Ottoman galleys that brought the Sephardim from Spain to the Ottoman Empire.

Fener Greek High School Stood the test of time with all its majesty seen from the Golden Horn shores of Istanbul... Fener Greek High School, offering a visual feast with its unique architecture, red brick used in its construction and neo-gothic style decorations, is also called "Red School" because of the colour of the brick.
Sveti Stefan Church Located on the seafront, bearing the signature of Armenian architect Hovsep Aznavuryan and attracting attention with its feature of being the only iron church in the world, is one of the important cultural heritage of the city.

Balat

where the sound of "Simitçiiiiiii!" echoes in the streets, gives a taste of old Istanbul with its nostalgic places; taverns and historical places that resist time.
Offering panoramic view of Istanbul
with its terrace cafes overlooking the sea
Balat

famous for its coffee shops!