Balat is an old Jewish quarter located on the Golden Horn’s southern shores. This neighborhood boasts a very rich and interesting historical heritage, together with the neighboring Fener, a former Greek neighborhood.
Balat is popular for its colorful restaurants and cafes, vintage and antique shops, numerous churches and synagogues, and traces of Jewish heritage.
The Balat neighborhood in Istanbul boasts a very rich and interesting historical heritage
The neighborhood has been home to Greek-speaking Jews ever since the Byzantine era. But during the 15th century, Balat also became the settlement of the Sephardics who were banished from Spain.
You can find a huge Jewish population in this neighborhood. For this reason, it wouldn’t be a surprise that you can find a lot of Jewish establishments and synagogues here, as well as some mosques and churches.
There is also an EU/UNESCO project in the area to restore most of the buildings together with Balat.
Polonezkoy
Previously called Adampol, Polonezkoy can be found in the protected area and natural park on the Asian side. It is a beautiful Polish village you shouldn’t miss visiting during your stay in Istanbul. Polonezkoy boasts a very interesting history about the village being established after the neighboring Prussia, Austria, and Russia invaded Poland in 1775. The immigrants from Poland were able to settle in the area thanks to the assistance of the Ottoman Empire.
Have you seen this charming polish village in Istanbul?
The unique village earned its reputation for protecting the environment and green nature around the city. A lot of locals visit the village during the weekends to spend a nice day at quality hotels, restaurants, pensions, gardens, village breakfasts, barbecues, and more.
Sile
Sile is located by the Black Sea shores on the Asian side which is around 80km from the city center. It is another pretty town where people love spending their days in restaurants, beaches, and beautiful nature. Locals also flock to the town, especially in the summer, to enjoy the resort atmosphere.
Many also love staying at hotels near nature and the beach. The town is also popular for its historical lighthouse that dates back to the Ottoman era. You will also find a lot of holiday villages, summer homes, pensions, hotels, classy restaurants and bars with views of the sea, long sandy beaches, big forests, and a pretty harbor dotted with fishing boats.
Visit these hidden treasures to experience Istanbul differently!
