Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Neighbourhood · Turkey · Istanbul
Balat Neighbourhood
A hillside neighbourhood of brightly painted houses, cafes and old synagogues and churches.
Free to enter about 2 h
For storytellers
Why Balat Neighbourhood matters
Balat is one of the old quarters along the Golden Horn, once home to Greek, Jewish and Armenian communities. Today its steep streets are lined with colourful houses, small cafes, vintage shops and street art. It's a great area to wander.
Talking points
- Houses are painted in bright colours.
- It has a mixed religious history.
- Cafes and vintage shops abound.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
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Market
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A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.