Where Religions Come Together: Fener, Balat and Eyup Districts

The three historic districts of Istanbul, located on the shores of the Golden Horn, are home to the three major religions. Fener, Balat and Eyüp contain significant heritage sites associated with Islam, Christianity and Judaism. These districts have much more to offer than just religious heritage, and we will explore them while enjoying some delicious local cuisine.

In Eyüp, for example, alongside the highly respected tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, there is a long-standing tradition of making wooden toys. Thanks to recent efforts, these handmade toys are once again rivalling their electronic counterparts. In Fener, the existence of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate makes the area one of the most important places of its kind for around 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. Fener is also a trendy district with speciality stores and interesting cafés. Historically a centre of the Jewish community, Balat houses not only synagogues, but also a 16th-century Turkish mosque, a 17th-century Armenian church, and a 19th-century Bulgarian church. Balat is also famous for its Instagram-worthy streets and its vintage, antique and handicraft stores.

Alternatively, we can visit the Zeyrek area, home to a magnificent Roman-era monastery church converted into a mosque in the 16th century. There is also a beautifully renovated Turkish bath from the 16th century that is open to visitors. As well as providing one of the best bathing experiences in the city, this bath aims to educate visitors about hammam culture through the museum it houses.

If you’re looking for a day full of interesting sights from different cultural backgrounds, this route will exceed your expectations.

Important Points Regarding This Route:

• This route requires a certain level of fitness. It is not suitable for visitors with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• This route is not wheelchair accessible.
• This route only includes the professional guidance service.
• There is no ticketed entry on this route.
• The public transportation costs will be less than 5 USD in total.
• Modest clothing is required for religious sites (such as mosques, churches or tombs). Headscarves are available at the entrances of mosques, but not in tombs. For men, it is not possible to visit Fener Orthodox Patriarchate with shorts, a long pants is required.
• Synagogues and certain churches in that area require additional documents from visitors. Getting approval takes time and it is completely up to the decision of these institutions’ officials. So, we will most likely explore them from outside. But still we will able to see interior of several buildings.
• A small bag (like a shopping bag) is recommended to keep your shoes with you while visiting the interior of mosques or tombs.

Meeting Point:

We can meet in your hotel’s lobby. If that is not convenient for any reason, we can discuss the most suitable alternative. During our meeting, you will see my official tourist guidance licence hanging around my neck. If you cannot find the meeting point, please don’t hesitate to call or WhatsApp me.

Duration:

This route will take 7-8 hours. However, as all routes can be customised, it is possible to shorten or lengthen this one.

Availability:

This route is available every day. However, access to certain buildings may be limited on days when religious ceremonies are taking place. Please email me to find out about availability.

Contact with me via WhatsApp, if you are interested in this route:

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