From Fatih to Balat

Description of the excursion: Walking, During this excursion you can discover the lesser-known districts and culinary specialties of Istanbul.

Our excursion begins at the Suleymaniye Mosque located in an old district called Süleymaniye, built by the order of the Great Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between the years 1550-1557. Its architect Sinan is considered the greatest architect in Ottoman history. The beauty of the work and all the details of this Great complex which also served as the Library, the Caravanserai, the refectory for the poor etc.. shows well the genius of the architect and the splendor of this period of Suleiman the Magnificent and his famous wife Roxelane…

From there we go to a Vefa district known for a famous fermented drink Boza made from millet. Tasting of Boza then continuing to the Fatih district passing near the Prince Mosque another work of the architect Sinan. Passing by the City Hall we arrive at the Women’s Market Square where all the food products from the eastern regions of Turkey; cheeses, honey, meat, dried fruits. Tasting of a specialty of lamb cooked in the underground oven.

Then along the aqueducts of Valens we arrive at the Mosque of Fatih (The Conqueror). Built by Mehmet II the Conqueror. This Mosque is undoubtedly the most popular among the believing Turkish Muslim community and Syrian refugees. We visit the mausoleum of Mehmet II then we enter the market of Malta where we will taste lots of Syrian and Lebanese specialties “Syrian Kenafeh, Felafel, small biscuits etc) a very lively district (Wednesday there is also the popular market of the district) Continuation by passing by the mosque of Yavuz Sultan Selim with a superb view of the Horn of ꓳr.

We go down to the Balat district which still preserves Jewish, Orthodox and Muslim multiculturalism. Stroll through the neighborhoods knowing the small traders, craftsmen and cafes (Candy, Gazeuse, stuffed mussels) We end the visit after visiting the Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.