Istiklal Avenue is the heart of Beyoglu, the more modern district of Istanbul built during the 19th century. The city's most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, is now reserved for pedestrians.
Fener was dominantly a Greek neighbourhood since the Byzantine period. In the 17th century, Fener became the residence of upper classes with its stone buildings and richly ornamented facades.
Today, the district faces a total ruin and collapse from neglect.
Sultanahmet Park, Istanbul
Istanbul Sirkeci Terminal
Istanbul, Turkey
Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
A delapidated wooden house in the Fener/Balat area.
This picturesque suburb, home to large Greek and Jewish populations for centuries, fell victim to disrepair for many years.
Some beautiful and some ugly, these old and delapidated houses are what defnies this district of Istanbul
A view from Hagia Sophia
Fener and Balat districts located on the historic peninsula are presently inhabited by a mostly Muslim population that immigrated from other cities and rural areas.
Today, some parts of the area is delapidated and face the danger of total ruin and neglect.
A woman passes by an old historical house, typical of this area. The government plans to demolish entire sections of this neighborhood and replace them with modern (and expensive) housing projects.
A view of Istiklal Ave from the 3rd floor. The six-story SALT building dates back to the 19th century and was originally known as the Siniossoglou Apartments.
A traditional snack: fish, onion and salt in bread, all freshly grilled on a boat anchored to the pier.
A traditional bird feeding place around the mosque.
The deep depressions in the well-trodden stone threshold indicate the true age of the building.
A man prepares a kebap on a roll. Sadly, I could not find too many places with kebabs on a flatbed and with a choice of hot sauses that are very popular in other parts of Europe.
Galip Dede Caddesi, known locally as “music street,” runs down the hill from Tünel to the Galata area and is lined with shops selling musical instruments and gadgets.
Istanbul off the beaten track.
SALT - a must see art spot, a multi-functional cultural complex
Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Its interior is decorated with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings of great artistic value.
The Kabatas - Bagcilar T1 tram line is a modern tramway on the European side of Istanbul.