History Through the Ages

Istanbul, Turkey

3 hours

1 - 6 People

Details

Focusing on the working class neighborhood of Balat with the majestic Chora church (Kariye) at its heart, we'll look at the progress of Istanbul history, through its highs and lows, from the late Roman to contemporary periods through the lens of a single city quarter and its evolution through time.

We begin with Kariye, which is one of Istanbul's most important monuments. Originally built in the 5th century but dramatically rebuilt in the 11th, the church is a palimpsest of the cultures, religions, and empires that have ruled Istanbul throughout history. We'll discuss its architecture and decoration, including the vibrant 14th century mosaics and frescos emblematic of the high Byzantine empire.

Itinerary

We will continue our walk along the city's 5th century walls, getting views where we can of the Roman and Byzantine ruins that lay near them, but also focusing on the vibrant, modern neighborhood that has grown up nearby. Home to the oldest synagogue in Istanbul and also the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Balat has traditionally been a melting pot of immigrants and "outsiders" in Istanbul, including Jews, Orthodox Christians, and others.

Today, it is populated by many migrants from Anatolia, giving it an authentic character emblematic of the changes taking place in Istanbul currently. We'll discuss the demography of the city, its myriad cultures and the urban tapestry that they weave. By the time we reach Fener pier on the Golden Horn, where one can grab a ferry to most anyplace in the city, we'll have immersed ourselves in the real Istanbul, a place where history and contemporary life jostled shoulder to shoulder.

Balat, Istanbul, Turkey