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a colorful Istanbul district
**Embark on a Journey Through Balat: A Kaleidoscope of Culture and History**
**Discovering the Heart of Balat: A Weekend Retreat**
Unveil the enchanting allure of Balat, a district that has risen to prominence as one of Istanbul's favorite weekend destinations, capturing the attention of locals and TV series enthusiasts alike. Balat's vibrant streets, once hidden gems for photographers, have found their way into the spotlight through popular TV series such as "Cukur," "Sevkat Yerimdar," and "Hakan Protector," enticing Istanbulites to include a Balat Trip in their weekend plans.
### Balat's Rich Historical Tapestry
Delve into the history of Balat, a district that has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, tracing its roots back to the Ottoman era. Despite the common aversion to history lessons, the narrative of Balat is a captivating journey that adds depth to your exploration of its colorful streets.
### Where to Find Balat
Situated on the European lands of Istanbul, separated by the iconic Golden Horn, Balat stands as a testament to the city's historical significance and diverse cultural heritage.
### Navigating Balat: Transportation Insights
For those venturing on a Balat tour, arranging your own means of transportation is recommended. Access Balat via the Haliç Ferry line from City Lines or the soon-to-be-completed Eminönü Alibeyköy tram. Eyüp Sultan Municipality buses from Eminönü and Taksim offer another convenient option. Travelers with personal vehicles can utilize the İşpark parking lot in front of Balat Jewish Hospital.
### Experiencing Balat: Things to Do
Though Balat's attractions are nestled within a small area, navigating its labyrinthine streets can be challenging for first-time visitors. Opting for a guided tour under the expertise of a professional guide ensures a seamless Balat experience, with opportunities to discover renowned photography spots.
**Notable Stops on Your Balat Itinerary:**
1. **Balat Jewish Hospital:**
- Commence your Balat exploration at the Jewish Hospital, known as Balat Or-ahayim (light of life) hospital. Built in 1898, it served as both a hospital and a retirement home, with a small synagogue inside.
2. **Çıfıt Bazaar:**
- Trace the historical journey of Sephardic Jews to Balat through Çıfıt Bazaar. The bustling market, with its intersecting paths resembling the letter Y, provides a picturesque setting and serves as a popular photography spot.
3. **Balat Yanbol Synagogue:**
- Explore the Yanbol Synagogue, built by Romaniote Jews from Bulgaria. Admire the rooftop ornament depicting the city of Yanbol (Niğbolu) and delve into its historical significance.
4. **Balat Ahrida Synagogue:**
- Witness the exterior of the Ahrida Synagogue, built by Romaniote Jews in 1430, offering insights into the cultural heritage of the region.
5. **Surp Hreshdagabet Church:**
- Visit the Surp Hreşdagabet Church, an intriguing site with foundations dating back to the Byzantine period. Discover the door gifted from Topkapi Palace, adding a unique touch to the church's history.
6. **Khorenyan Armenian Primary School Building:**
- Observe the Khoreyan Armenian Primary School building, constructed in 1821, awaiting restoration to transform into a hotel, showcasing the architectural heritage of Balat.
7. **Balat Colorful Houses:**
- Immerse yourself in the iconic Balat Colorful Houses, providing a visual feast akin to a rainbow. Capture the essence of Balat with unforgettable photographs.
8. **Balat Stairs Ramp:**
- Conclude your Balat journey with a visit to the Balat Stairs Ramp, where every step unravels a kaleidoscope of colors. This vibrant street stands out as the locomotive propelling the charm of Balat.
### Istanbul Guide Services: Elevating Your Exploration
For over two decades, Istanbul Guide Services has been at the forefront of providing enriching regular and private tours across Turkey, including Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Read testimonials, stay informed via [Facebook](#), [Instagram](#), and [Youtube](#), and feel free to engage with any inquiries. Let Istanbul Guide Services be your companion in unraveling the wonders of Balat and beyond!
A trip to Balat has become one of the most famous weekend activities in Istanbul, with its contributions in Turkish TV series lately. The colorful streets of Balat, previously known only as a place for photographers, helped the Turkish TV series industry to realize the pearl in front of their eyes, thanks to their use in the Istanbul filming of Skyfall. Balat streets, which are used in the shooting of TV series such as "Cukur ", "Sevkat Yerimdar" and "Hakan Protector", started to attract the attention of those living in Istanbul. Istanbulites started to write on their agendas to participate in the Balat Trip on weekends or to have breakfast in Balat.
We know that Turkish people do not like history and mathematics lessons. When someone starts telling history, we immediately start to get bored. But we still want to talk about the history of Balat, even if it's for a taste. In this way, we will have answered the question of who lived on the streets of Balat before you.
Napoleon said "Istanbul should be the capital of the world". In the City we live in, one involuntarily asks a question, "How could it have fascinated everyone?" The answer to this question should undoubtedly be "Golden Horn". Throughout human history, Istanbul has been able to generate income thanks to the Golden Horn. For this reason, Constantine made it the capital of Rome. Throughout the history of the world, the estuary has provided the connection between the east and the west. Therefore, the Golden Horn is important. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful place on the Golden Horn is the Balat district. Balat district is a wonderful district of Istanbul that hospitably to the citizens of all three religions.
As you know, the European lands of Istanbul are separated by the Golden Horn. Balat is a district located in the historical peninsula of the Golden Horn.
Guests who will participate in the Balat tour organized by Travel Agencies are requested to come to Balat by their own means. Therefore, transportation to Balat is the most asked question. You can use the Haliç Ferry line of the City Lines to reach Balat. The Eminönü Alibeyköy tram, which is currently under construction and is planned to be completed soon, will pass through Balat. In addition, Eyüp Sultan Municipality buses departing from Eminönü and Taksim pass through Balat.
Those who want to come to Balat with their own cars can park their cars in the parking lot (İşpark) located in front of the Balat Jewish hospital.
Although the places to be seen in Balat are in a very small area, it is a little difficult for a person who goes for the first time to find these places. Because the streets of Balat are very similar to each other. There is a risk of getting lost. In order to have a better Balat trip, we recommend you to visit under the coordination of a professional tourist guide. Thanks to the tourist guide, you can visit the streets of Balat in the most convenient way as soon as possible. And in Balat, you can easily find places that have become famous for photography.
First of all, we would like to tell you about the Jewish Hospital, as it is generally used as the starting point for the Balat excursion. This hospital, whose real name is Balat Or-ahayim (light of life) hospital, was built in 1898 with the edict of Sultan Abdülhamid II and donations of benefactors. Besides being a hospital, this second function was a retirement home for the Ages in Need to live. There was a small synagogue inside. Atatürk's doctor, Samuel Abravaya Marmara, worked in this hospital. It was used as a hospital during the Balkan Wars and World Wars.
Sephardic Jews, who forcibly left Spain, were looking for a new homeland. The Ottoman Sultan Beyazıt allowed these Jews to live in his own land. He allocated a few places in Istanbul for Jews to live. One of them is Balat District. The Turks gave the name "Çıfıt" to the Jews. Since the bazaars run by the Jews are an irregular place, "Çıfıt Çarşı" is used in many idioms in Turkish. For example, Turks use the phrase "My Bag is like Çıfıt Çarşısı" when there is nothing they are looking for in the Bag. A road that splits into two like the Çıfıt bazaar, the letter Y, unites again after a while. The junction point is the place where the most pictures were taken during the Balat trip.
It is a synagogue built by Romaniote Jews mentioned in Byzantine sources. Yanbol (Niğbolu) in Bulgaria is named after the city because they come from the city. The city of Yanbol was drawn on the roof ornament.
Built by Romaniote Jews in 1430, the Synagogue was later used by Jews from Macedonia Ohrid. The teva of the Synagogue is in the shape of the Ship, to remind the Jews who left the Spanish. During the Balat tour, we can only observe the synagogues from the outside.
One of the most interesting places of the Balat Tour is the Surp Hreşdagabet Church. In 1628, the Armenian church in Karagümrük was converted into a mosque due to the increase in the Muslim population. Within the Armenian community, the place of the Ayia Strati church, which was used in the Byzantine period, is allocated in Balat. For this reason, the foundations and holy spring of this building are from the Byzantine period church. An Armenian church was built on these foundations. This church is dedicated to the Great Angels. In this church, you can see the door that was gifted here from the Topkapi palace.
A ruined building near the Serbian church of Hreshdagabet will attract your attention. This ruined building is the Khoreyan Armenian primary school building built in 1821. It is said that this building, which was in ruins due to the fire in 1925, will be restored and converted into a hotel these days.
What makes Balat different from other Istanbul districts is undoubtedly the Balat Colored houses. The houses are as colorful as a rainbow. We know; Your purpose of participating in the Balat Trip is to leave a photo frame in your photo album with the famous Balat Color houses behind you. That's why How Headliner is the last to appear on the scene. We wanted to finish this article on the Balat Stairs slope, where you can see the Balat Colorful houses best.
Every street of Balat is very colorful. But one street is one step ahead of the others. Because a locomotive is needed to move the train. In our opinion, the locomotive of Balat streets is the slope with stairs.
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Thu, Feb 17, 2022 1:14 PM
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