Walking Istanbul 101: Cibali, Fener, Balat
Location:Fatih, Istanbul
Facilitator: Sakis Leonidis
Organizer: İstanbul Tükenmeden
Language: English
Date / Time: October 6, 14:00-18:00
Rows of traditional houses, painted in a dazzling array of bright colors, portray a life that has continued for hundreds of years without significant change. In addition, there are lesser-known churches, Byzantine architecture, and some of the best views of Istanbul. Every local is aware of the charm and uniqueness of the historically cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Balat and Fener. This tour offers the participants the opportunity to discover this charm as well. Situated along the shores of the Golden Horn waterway, these areas were home to some of Istanbul's oldest settlements. Today, it is still possible to witness traces of both Byzantine and Ottoman history in this ethnically diverse part of the city.
During this walking route, participants will embark on a journey along the shores of the Golden Horn, from Unkapanı to Ayvansaray, tracing the footsteps of the cosmopolitan culture of Istanbul, where ancient cultures coexisted until the 1960s. They will explore the historical neighborhoods and wander through the spaces that embody coexistence culture, allowing them to experience the neighborhood culture of the past while discovering the new colors of today's Fener and Balat. By following the traces in the backstreets of Cibali, Fener, and Balat, participants will immerse themselves in the local culture and discover the vibrant spirit of these neighborhoods.
Notes:
The tour will commence in front of the Istanbul Congress Center.
All participants are required to be present in the area by 13:30 with their tour tickets.
Shuttles will be available to transport participants to the starting point of the route.