A guide to local favorites in Fener and Balat
- By Jennifer Hattam
- Photos by Emanuele Satolli
The photogenically crumbling old buildings of these intertwined neighborhoods along the Golden Horn have become a magnet for Turkish hipsters, creating a colorful and fascinating, if sometimes discomfiting, mix of soulful history and faux nostalgia, posing Instagrammers and hard-working tradesmen. Look for traces of the area’s once-diverse religious heritage — glimpses of hidden-away church spires, doors crowned by Greek or Hebrew writing — amid the third-wave coffee shops, vintage-clothing stores, street art and design ateliers.
Meet Jennifer Hattam
Jennifer is a journalist covering environmental, political, social and urban issues, as well as arts, culture, food and travel. Originally from San Francisco, she loved Istanbul upon her first visit and has lived there since 2008. She still has no plans to swap her coffee addiction for the local tea habit.
Want to get in touch?
Email bytheway@washpost.comFener and Balat