Journey through History – Fatih, Fener, Balat, Beyoglu
Historically Byzantium, Constantinople, and finally Istanbul has been a bridge for the people between Europe and Asia, which has made it an extremely cosmopolitan city. Whether it is the Greeks, the Italians, the Jews, the Kurds or the Armenians, all these communities have lived next to each other for centuries and have left an indelible heritage on the city, still visible by its architecture and religious edifices.
With the fall of the empire in 1923, these communities gradually left the city and have been replaced by rural Turks from the four corners of the country. These new Istanbulites transformed these neighborhoods by importing their lifestyle, they are now pieces of Turkey in Istanbul and contribute fully to the megalopolis diversity that will fascinate you.
During this day we will make you discover the history, the cultural and religious heritage of these great communities through the visit of several fundamental districts of our city. We will also explain to you the transformation of these neighborhoods that contribute to the many facets of our city, where history and modernity coexist without always being close to each other.
THE DAY
The first part of the day: discovery of the districts of Fatih, Fener, and Balat
Fatih is one of the most conservative and loaded with history neighborhoods of the city. It is here that the first Sultan who conquered Istanbul in 1453 (Mehmet II, called Mehmet the Conqueror) erected the magisterial complex of the Mosque of Fatih, where he is also buried. Now populated by Turks from regions where religion is important, you will be intrigued by the devotion and the very pious way of life of the inhabitants of the neighborhood.
We will then head to the districts of Fener and Balat, descending to the Golden Horn. Populated since the Byzantine Empire mainly by the Greek and Jewish communities, these districts are among the most fascinating of the city. In the alleyways of the narrow streets, we will see many beautiful typically Ottoman wooden houses, as well as religious buildings with churches and synagogues.
Inhabited by a population less conservative than that of Fatih, these districts give the impression of being in a village. Life takes place outside, the children play football on the street, the merchants chat in front of their shops with tea in their hands, the men play cards in the cafes, it is very lively and at the same time relaxing.
We will also visit during this morning the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the church of St.George, which is one of the supreme custodians of the religious authority for hundreds of millions of Orthodox throughout the world.
After this morning between religions and traditions, we will embark on the Golden Horn and navigate to Beyoğlu to discover another Istanbul.
The second part of the day: discovery of the districts of Karaköy, Galata,
The district of Karaköy was historically the port and commercial center of Constantinople. Founded by the Genoese it developed on the model of an Italian city with beautiful stone buildings and churches. From the 19th century, the district became the financial center of the Ottoman Empire, as witnessed by the magnificent buildings built by the wealthy families of Armenian, Jewish and Levantine bankers. We will also visit the ancient coffers of the Ottoman Central Bank.
After a long period of abandonment, it has imposed itself for several years the new cultural center of the city under the impulse of the Museum of Modern Art which opened right next door. The galleries and cafes flourish next to the more traditional stalls and give this area a new vitality. It is also an increasingly known neighborhood for its street-art that is displayed on the walls and storefronts of shops.
We will continue by discovering the Galata district known mainly for its tower. It was a residential area, housing the rich families of bankers and mainly Greek and Jewish merchants who worked in Karaköy. It is now one of the most charming districts of Istanbul and it enjoys a village atmosphere that we will discover together in the narrow streets of the neighborhood. Like Karaköy, Galata has been growing in recent years and a real artistic community is emerging.
Between history and modernity, this day is a journey through time that will allow you to discover and understand a part of the many contrasts of our city, discovering completely different and fundamental districts in the history and current events of Istanbul.
MORE INFORMATION:
The walk starts at 10:00 am and finishes around 5:00 pm. We will send you the place of appointment after confirmation.
We welcome a maximum of 8 participants per visit. It is also possible to privatize the day if you wish.
The price is 55 € per person and includes all transport used during the day. It is possible to pay in cash once on site.
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