THE GOLDEN HORN (HALİÇ)
The Golden Horn, separating the European side of Istanbul like a horn shape, is a kind of natural port.
The Golden Horn divides the European side of Istanbul with its long, narrow horn shape. Since it is a natural port, Byzantine and Ottoman Navies and those interested in commercial shipping gathered there. At sunset the water’s color turns into gold and today the shores are surrounded by pleasnt parks and walking paths. Up the Golden Horn, Fener and Balat districts include many wooden houses from Byzantine and Ottoman times, as well as churches and synagogues.
Balat District
This district is located between Fener and Ayvansaray on the historical peninsula. The district took its name from the word “palatiyon”, meaning “palace” in Greek. Balat’s history as a Jewish neighborhood dates back to Byzantine times. During Ottoman times, Balat became one of the most important socio-economic and cultural districts of Istanbul because of its architecture, churches, synagogues, craftsmen, baths, and bazaars.
Stephan (Bulgarian) Church
Belonging to the Bulgarian Orthodox minority, this church is perhaps the most interesting church in Istanbul. The people of Bulgarian origin living in the Ottoman Empire used to worship in churches belonging to the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate. In the 19th century, they received permission from the State to have their own church. At first, a small wooden church was built on the area between Balat and Fener by the Golden Horn. Later, they took the initiative to build a bigger church. Since the ground was not very strong there, they preferred an iron framework because it was not as heavy as concrete. The project was prepared by the Armenian Hovsep Aznavur from Istanbul. An international competition was held to construct prefabricated parts. The parts manufactured in Vienna were brought by ship to Istanbul via the Danube
River and the Black Sea. It was assembled in its present location in 1898. The carrier profiles of the church were made of steel and covered with galvanized and cast sheets. All of the parts were mounted by nuts, bolts, rivets, and welding. It shows neo-gothic and neo-baroque characteristics in terms of architecture.
Aya Yorgi Church
Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
When Christianity was allowed as a free religion in 313, the Patriarchate moved to Galata, Istanbul and there were congregations in the Twelve Apostles Monastery (at the present-day location of Fatih Mosque), Pammakaristos Mother Mary Monastery in Çarşamba, Mother Mary Church in Fener, and in Ayios Dimitrios Church. In 1601, the
patriarchate was moved to Aya Yorgi Church, which had been built as a place of worship for the Patriarchate in the 12th century. Previously used as a convent, this church was turned into a monastery together with the move of the Patriarchate. The main part of the church was built on twelve pillars
and depictions of twelve apostles were made on these pillars. Some documents such as handwritten books, decrees of sultans, miniatures, pictures, gravures, and photos are maintained in the library of the Patriarchate.
The most precious relic in Aya Yorgi Church is the pillar
on which the Jesus Christ was tied and whipped before his crucifixion. Visitors touch and make wishes on this pillar, which was saved from Latin despoilment during the Fourth Crusade. Silver and copper boxes preserving the bones of three major saints are also among the relics.
Rahmi Koç Museum
Hasköy Caddesi No:27 Hasköy-İstanbul
Salı – Cuma: 10:00-17:00, C.tesi – Pazar: 10:00-19:00
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is the first important museum in Turkey to be devoted to Transport, Industry and
Communication. Located on the shore of the Golden Horn, its collection includes thousands of objects ranging from gramophone needles to ships and planes.
Pierre Loti Cafe
This region which was known as Rabia Kadın Kahvehanesi until the end of 19th century is one of the hundreds of years oldest
landscape spots. After French writer Pierre Loti had discovered this place it became mentioned as Pierre Loti Cafe. Since so many
years, it is the most important stop for lovers, for people who want to meet themselves and escape from the city breathing a spiritual peace.
Rezan Has Museum
Cibali Merkez Kampüsü Cibali / İstanbul Tel: (212) 533 65 32
On the Cibali Campus of Kadir Has University, the Rezan Has Museum is located in the remnants of a Byzantine cistern with 48 pillars dating back to the 7th century, as well as an Ottoman Bath dating from the 16th century. These are still under restoration. Various exhibitions and activities are held in the museum’s halls.
Eyup District
In the Tulip Era, the Golden Horn was one of the most significant recreation spots in Istanbul because of its waterside residences, villas and gardens. In the 18th century, when the people who had lost their houses due to fires inside the city walls were moved to Eyup, the first dense settlement of Istanbul developed. The influence of a religious atmosphere in Eyüp district immediately attracts attention. This atmosphere is completed by Eyup Sultan Mosque, and its social complex, madrasah, imaret and tombs together with plane trees, fountains and pigeons. The cemeteries, enhancing the Islamic texture of Eyup with tall cypresses, reflect its hist.
Kadir Has University and Santral Istanbul
Haliç region known throughout the history by very important medressehs and schools, nowadays getting a new importance by academic institutions lining one by one. Region’s one of the latest biggest academical Santral İstanbul (down) latter than Kadir Has University, has become activated by transforming Silahtarağa Elektricity Factory into a new culture and training center by İstanbul Bilgi University.
Miniatürk
Miniaturk; Turkey’s first miniature park Miniaturk which has been opened for visiting in 2003, is built on total 60.000 square meters of area. In the Park within 15.000 square meters maquette area there are 105 works of art, 40.000 square meters of green and open area, 3.500 square meters of covered area, 2.000 square meters swimming pool and water way, parking area for 500 cars.
İmrahor Caddesi Borsa Durağ Mevkii Sütlüce Beyoğlu / İstanbul
Feshane
This building was established by Mahmud the Second in 1826 to produce clothes and fezzes for the new army that replaced the Janissaries. It was called “Feshane-i Amire”. After restoration, today it serves the people in Istanbul as a multi-functional facility with various activities especially during the month of Ramadan.
Feshane; as one of Istanbul’s most important International Convention and Culture Centers, Feshane has been hosting many convention, organization, meeting, seminar, concert, gala, party, exhibition and cultural activity nowadays. Fesahane which is built on 56.000 square meters, adds an extra color to Haliç with its historical structure supported with green fields.
Eski Feshane Caddesi Defterdar Durağ Eyüp / İstanbul
Haliç Congress Center
Ideally situated along the shores of the world famous Golden Horn, the Haliç Congress Center is easily accessible from anywhere in the city via the E-5 and TEM Highways; it is also within strolling distance to the Miniatürk Theme Park and the Rahmi M. Koç Industrial Museum. Moreover, thanks to two recently built tunnels, the Haliç Congress Center is now within a short 10-minute drive from the downtown hotel and shopping districts without getting bogged down in İstanbul’s street traffic.
ACENTER FOR RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
The first complex of religious structures built after the Conquest is in Eyup. It became one of the most important religious places in Istanbul when a tomb, then a mosque and other buildings were built on the area known as the grave of Ebu Eyyub-el Ensari, who was the standard bearer of the Prophet Mohammed and died during the siege of Istanbul by the Arabs in the 7th century. Particularly during the month of Ramadan and religious holiday, it hosts many visitors. Ottoman Sultans, until Sultan Reşat, used to gird their swords here when they succeeded to the throne. It is still a tradition that the children who are to be circumcised visit Eyup Sultan Mosque.
Eyup Bazaar
The bazaar was famous for its authentic toys made of wood, terra-cota, paper and leather. Now, no toys are available here. Today, different kinds of religious objects are sold in almost all these shops, such as the Qur’an, prayer beads, prayer rugs, hijabs and caps. There are only two street hawkers selling toys there today. However, all the toys are made of plastic, which is against Eyup’s culture. We found an old Eyup toy behind a bench only. “Game” Children of today do not play with these toys anymore.
