Hi everyone! I hope everything’s going well today. I’m architect Banu Altay from
Sia Moore. And I’m inviting you, to join me, to discover all the beauties of life.
Don’t forget to subscribe to siamoore. We’re excited to see in the comments
below which places, you’d like us for to visit, next!
Okay, today we’re at an old Greek neighborhood of İstanbul, Fener-Balat.
Surrounded by churches, temples and colorful homes, it’s impossible not to
fall in love with such a place!
one of the most photographed corners of the Balat streets is here, the Stair
Hill. With its historic Bay like wooden houses, the dreamy pastel colored pastries,
streets of Stair Hill have been restored recently as part of the UNESCO
cultural heritage project. Another perfect spot for selfie lovers!
These restored colorful balat houses are located at the intersection of
Usturumca Street and Kiremit Street, which is when you walk down the Fener Greek
Orthodox College.
This is the Rose Mosque. It's predicted to be a 9th and 10th century structure
that was actually built as an Eastern Orthodox Church during Byzantine Empire.
however in 1499, following the Ottoman conquest it was transferred into a
mosque.
As much as this enchanting red brick building seems like a castle from the
Middle Ages, don't be fooled by its cover this is actually a school building which
by the way is still open today.
Saint Mary of the Mongols is an Eastern Orthodox Church certainly a rare one.
It's the only Byzantine church of Istanbul that has never been converted to a mosque.
old Istanbul neighborhood once have host to many Greek Orthodox residents and
together with the urban gentrification and UNESCO project support, the
neighborhood is renewed in accordance with the old Greek neighborhood.
Balat was the busiest Jewish statement in İstanbul in 17th century and the Balat
Jews lived in peace with their Greek neighbors and their Muslim neighbors
from Ayvansaray for centuries.
Let me know in the comments below what do you think about our Fener Balat tour? If you are interested in
architecture and interior design make sure to come back and don't forget to subscribe to Sia Moore!
One more thing: remember to keep your circle positive because what comes
around goes around bye