Immerse yourself in the contrasting quarters of Istanbul, where representatives of different faiths still live and continue to preserve their traditions. For those who want to feel the city creative, atmospheric, exciting, strong and unthinkably attractive... the tour will leave an unforgettable experience...
Program:
Vefa District
we will taste a unique gastronomic specialty - the drink boza, in an Istanbul cafe that has been operating continuously since the 19th century!
Suleymaniye Mosque
Fans of the series Magnificent Century, this location is for you!
After all, we will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque - the burial place of Sultan Suleiman and his beloved wife Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska Sultan, with their daughter Mihrimah ..
The mosque was built by the order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent by the architect Sinan in 1550-1557. With the buildings of baths, madrasahs, kitchens, libraries, hospitals and an observatory, the mosque forms a complex comparable in size to a city block. Part of the architectural complex is the Suleymaniye Library, one of the largest oriental libraries that provides access to manuscripts of the 8th-19th centuries.
An observation deck, a tea party on the roof with a beautiful view, a photo session in national costumes.
Balat
The name "Balat" is rooted in the Latin language - "palatium" and translated into Russian means "palace", and in Greek it sounds like "palation". This name, presumably, was given in honor of the Blachernae Palace of the Byzantine era, which was once located nearby. There is a known historical fact that at the end of the 15th century, padish Bayezid (Sultan II. Bayezid) sent many ships to Spanish lands to take Sephardic Jews out of them and settle them in Istanbul, which is more friendly to them. The Jews, of course, were not at a loss and thoroughly took up the improvement of their personal area in the city. So, in Balat, as many as 12 synagogues were built very quickly.
Fener and Balat, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul, are still considered non-tourist, which is why they are so attractive - with gingerbread, colorful houses, vintage shops, hipster cafes and cool coffee shops. You should definitely come to Balat at least to enjoy the fading antiquity and take amazing photographs, which will certainly reflect the spirit of the past.
St Stephen's Orthodox Church in Istanbul
named after the Great Martyr Stefan, who was once a member of the Bulgarian community of the city. This shrine is sometimes also called "iron" because the monastery is completely constructed of metal. The church has great historical significance. It is known that the Bulgarian Exarch Anfim held a divine service here in the spring of 1872. This happened on the day when the Orthodox honor the memory of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It is noteworthy that the Patriarchate forbade holding the liturgy, but the event took place anyway. The celebration was remembered for the fact that it was on it that the independence of the Bulgarian Church from the Greek was proclaimed.
Tour details
Duration: 5-6 hours
Included: Services of a licensed professional guide
For additional fee:
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Entry tickets
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Transportation costs (depending on your wishes)
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Personal expenses
With myself:
- hats
- sunglasses and cream
- comfortable shoes
- money for additional expenses
Departure: In the lobby of your hotel or at a convenient location for you