The Famous Balat District … A Journey to the Heart of Old Istanbul and Its Colorful Spirit

Balat is considered one of the most charming and warm neighborhoods of Istanbul, where the ancient alleys merge with colorful wooden houses, giving visitors the feeling of walking inside a living historical painting.

In the heart of the Fatih area on the shores of the Golden Horn, Balat stands as an Ottoman gem still pulsing with the scent of the past, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and small cafes that tell unforgettable stories.

Address: Balat Mahallesi, Fatih, Istanbul – near the Fener area and along the inner coast of the Golden Horn.

Balat is known for its old-fashioned atmosphere that makes you feel as if time has stopped here. The slightly leaning wooden houses, stone stairs, windows with colored frames, and the smell of Turkish coffee drifting from quiet cafes make wandering through it a pure pleasure, as if you are moving from one scene to another in a beautiful historical movie.

Main Features of Balat District

• Colorful Ottoman Houses
  These houses on the hills are Balat's icons. Their blue, yellow, and pink colors attract visitors and turn the area into the perfect backdrop for photography.

• Narrow Streets and Alleys
  
  

• Alleys leading to the Red Greek School.
  
  

• The colorful stairs that became a famous photo spot.
  
  

• Small pathways housing little shops for photos and gifts.
  
  

• Old-Style Cafes
  Balat’s cafes are famous for their wooden decorations, old paintings, and artistic touches, making them ideal for those who enjoy peace, photography, and savoring Turkish coffee in a historical setting.
  
  

• Historic Churches and Temples
  It is surrounded by many churches, such as:
  
  

• St. George Church (St. George) of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
  
  

• Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, known as the “Iron Church.”
  
  

• The Byzantine St. Mary of the Mongols Church.
  
  

• Phanar Greek Orthodox College / Russian Red School, resembling a palace.
  
  

• The Red Greek School: a large building overlooking Balat, resembling a historical castle.
  
  

• Several other small temples reflecting the mixture of ancient cultures in the area.
  
  

• A Vibrant Artistic Spirit
  Small shops selling art paintings, wooden pieces, handmade photos, and unique gifts make the district part of an open-air artistic scene.
  

Fun Activities You Can Do in Balat

Strolling among the colorful houses and taking photos.

• Visiting the Patriarchal Church and the Red Greek School.
  
  

• Tasting Turkish coffee in a heritage cafe.
  
  

• Buying handmade antiques and gifts.
  
  

• Walking along the Golden Horn near the district.