Fener-Balat: The Quartiers Of Colourful Houses

Fener and Balat are two of the most interesting and colourful quartiers of Istanbul. As well as they have been the cosmopolite zones over the years, they are also full of colourful and cute houses that could be amazing for photography lovers. For me, I would put them to the top of the list of the places that should be really seen in Istanbul, after Sultanahmet of course :). Now, let’s have more information about these unique quartiers. 😉

The History Of Fener-Balat

The name Balat comes from the Greek word palation. (means palace in Greek) Because Blakhernai Palace, which is the imperial palace of Byzantine, was located here. In the Ottoman period, it was called Balatkapı ( kapı means gate in Turkish) When Byzantine emperors used seaway to enter the city, they would use this gate.

The name of Fener comes also from the Greek word Fanari (which means lantern in Greek). After the conquest of Istanbul, the noblemen of the city came back here after Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate was established in this zone. Both Fener and Balat were the quartiers where the Jewish who moved from Spain and the Greek population would live.

The Places To See

The Church Of Mary Of Mongols

The church was built in 1261. It was the only church that was left as a church after the conquest of Istanbul by the edict of Sultan Mehmet The Conqueror. This edict is saved in Fener Greek Patriarchate today.

It has an interesting story. There was a Byzantine princess whose name is Mary. She was sent to Mongolia to marry with Hulagu Khan. When she arrived in Mongolia, she found out that the khan was dead. And then she was married to his son Abagu Khan. She stayed married to him for 15 years. When the khan was dead, she was asked to be married to another khan. But she didn’t accept this situation. She came back to her country and lived in this church until the end of her life.

Fener Greek High School

Fener Greek High School is the most charming building in Fener-Balat District. It is called red school. Because it was made of red bricks that were brought from Marseille/France. The building was built-in 1881 by architect Dimadis. In the school philology, literature, philosophy and theology lessons were taught. The Greek population, who live here, go to this school.

Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

Hagia Yorgi Church, Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is a church that was dedicated to Saint Yorgi who lived in Cappadocia. İt was built-in 1601. After the conquest of Istanbul, Orthodox Patriarchate was moved here from Havariyum Church. Today it is the religious centre of Orthodox Christians who live in Istanbul.

Ahrida Synagogue

Ahrida Synagogue is the biggest and the most brilliant synagogue in Istanbul. It was built in the first of 15th century. Generally, it is closed to visitors. But, if you are lucky enough to see it, you will be charmed by its decoration.

Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Church

Until the 19th century, Bulgarians would pray under the roof of Fener Orthodox Patriarchate. In 1850, with the permission of Sultan Abdülmecid, they built their own church. This one was made of wood and burned in a fire. After that, an iron one was made in Austria. It was brought and assembled here in 1898. It is one of the three iron-made churches in the world.

The Colourful Houses

As ı said in the beginning, Fener-Balat districts are full of colourful houses. They allow visitors to take wonderful photos for social media. I reckon you should go to Kermit and Merdivenli Yokuş Streets for the best ones 😉

Well, I tried to represent Fener-Balat, two of my favourite districts in Istanbul, in brief. Who knows, maybe we discover them altogether one day 😉 Our Istanbul and Turkey discoveries will continue. See you at the next one 🙂

In order to discover the secrets of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, click the link and let’s take a mysterious journey together. https://newloggers.com/2020/02/24/the-secret-symbols-of-hagia-sophia/