Istanbul is a city that holds a unique history and culture in every corner. One month wouldn’t be enough to explore Istanbul. Every neighborhood, every street, is a unique beauty and history. Considering the crowds of Istanbul, plus the summer tourists, sometimes even walking outdoors can be quite challenging. My best advice for an Istanbuler is to start your day early and enjoy history without the crowds. Istanbul is a true historical treasure. At the heart of this richness lies a multicultural and colorful neighborhood that blends old and new: Balat! I felt like I was in a time machine in Balat; it’s a charming neighborhood with its historical texture and unique atmosphere. Walking through Balat is a delight. There are quite steep hills, and colorful houses . While the houses were once wooden, they’ve been renovated  , and they still retain their original wooden feel. There are still wooden houses among them, all of them like works of art.

In ancient times, this area was home to mostly Christians and Jews. Therefore, its historic churches, synagogues, and mosques make it a meeting point for people of all faiths.   These houses, each in a different color, are found on Balat streets like Kiremit Street, Sancaktar Hill, and Merdivenli Hill. As you walk along the streets of Balat, you’ll encounter the colorful Balat stairs, one of the most striking spots on the Fener Balat route. These stairs are not only striking for their vibrant colors but also for the unique views they offer and the surrounding cafes. The Fig Tree Coffeehouse, right next to these stairs, is an ideal stop. The cafes are nice for a break, but I think too many cafes and restaurants in a historic location somewhat disrupts the historic atmosphere. There’s a lot of music in the surroundings. It would be better if the noise from the cafes and houses everywhere was removed.

These beautiful places, once neglected, have been restored to their original state as part of a UNESCO Cultural Heritage project. As I mentioned earlier, arriving early on weekends is ideal for exploring the street in a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.

At the top of the hill stands a charming red brick building resembling a castle. The Fener Greek High School. Everbody knows this building as Red School. Red bricks brought from France. The structure as we know it was built in 1881.  Konstantinos Dimadis was the architecture, who attended high school there and studied architecture in Italy. This school is easily visible even from the shores of the Golden Horn. It is among Balat’s most magnificent structures.

Fener Greek Boys’ High School still open for Greek students.  A must-see stop on any Balat tour.  While it once boasted a large student population, it’s not very busy these days. Unfortunately, the building can only be seen from the outside. Only on New Year’s Eve does the school hold a charity bazaar, and visitors are allowed inside. I unfortunately couldn’t go inside, but I will definitely go on New Year’s Eve.
 

St. Stephen Church is a structure that looks like something out of a fairy tale. A white beauty that catches your eye as you cruise along the Bosphorus. It’s one of Istanbul’s most beautiful and unique structures.

It’s truly a beautiful and magnificent place; I was amazed. Upon entering, the details, the carvings, and the stained glass windows are truly impressive. It has a quiet, peaceful, and captivating atmosphere. It’s definitely a must-see. It’s known as the Iron Church. The formerly wooden church was destroyed by fire. The church was rebuilt from iron in Viena and transported to Istanbul by ship, replacing the old church. Its construction from iron is a feat of engineering in itself. It’s a truly valuable work of art and faith. It reminds you once again how beautiful it is to respect and understand different religions and cultures. It’s a truly impressive structure, a must-see.