Balat is a neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Fatih, Istanbul Province, Turkey. Its population is 11,656 (2022). It is in the old city on the European side of Istanbul, on the western shore of the Golden Horn, sandwiched between Fener and Ayvansaray. Historically, it was the center of the Jewish community in Istanbul.
Balat – colourful houses in the historic center
Or-Ahayim Hospital in Balat
A historic street in Balat
Gate of Ahrida Synagogue
Fatih is a municipality and district of Istanbul Province, Turkey. Its area is 15 km2, and its population is 368,227 (2022). It is home to almost all of the provincial authorities but not the courthouse. It encompasses the historical peninsula, coinciding with old Constantinople. In 2009, the district of Eminönü, which had been a separate municipality located at the tip of the peninsula, was once again remerged into Fatih because of its small population. Fatih is bordered by the Golden Horn to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south, while the Western border is demarked by the Theodosian wall and the east by the Bosphorus Strait.
Hagia Sophia in Fatih
Panorama of Istanbul taken from Galata tower. Shown from left to right is the Asian side of the city, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Galata bridge and New Mosque.
panorama of Fatih
The Great Walls of Constantinople.