FENER – THE GREEK ORTHODOX DISRICT & BALAT TO TEKFUR

Highlights: Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Red School, Byzantine Church of Muhliotissa, Old Houses, Bulgarian Church, Ayazma of Blacherna, Synagogues

In the morning, we start our program with Fener district.
Fener is derived from a Greek word 'Fanari' meaning 'lantern' or 'lighthouse' in Turkish. It was a district of prominent and predominantly Romaic (Greek Orthodox) families up to the beginning of the 20th century. It is the part of Istanbul where the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is situated. Did you know that Phanariotes dominated the administration of the Patriarchate. Listen to the story of Phanariotes who served as dragomans to the Ottoman government and to foreign embassies. If you are interested in visiting a Byzantine Church in use or in seeing the only church made of iron and steel in the world – do not miss this walk. Get ready to see houses, pavements, palaces, and other structures of the area, which are being protected by a UNESCO project successfully implemented over the last decade.


We have lunch in a local authentic restaurant.
We continue our day with Balat in the afternoon. Balat is located on the southern shores of the Golden Horn. It is one of the Jewish districts where Jews were re-settled during the time of the Ottoman Empire. We walk in Balat and find ourselves in intriguing streets with amazingly colorful life. Synagogues, Armenian churches, Romaic churches, Byzantine remnants and Ayazma's are part of today’s adventure. Although once it had seven synagogues, now it has only two in good condition: Ahrida and Yambol Synagogues. The cast-iron Bulgarian Orthodox church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars, the city walls and the ruins of the Byzantine palace known as Tekfur Saray, the Armenian Church of Surp Hreşdagabet are among many other places we visit during this tour.

 PRICE INCLUSIVE OF:

  • Transportation in suitable size vehicle with A/C
  • Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
  • English speaking licenced & professional guiding
  • Donations to churches & synagogues
  • Lunch

PRICE EXCLUSIVE OF:

  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages at lunch

Tours will be available soon on the congress online registration portal.