The old neighbourhood of Balat is a hotchpotch of architectural styles including these higgly piggly old wooden houses.
They seem to be leaning across each other for support, else they would simply collapse! Even the cat looks suspicious!
Phanar Greek Orthodox College, known in Greek as the Great School of the Nation and Patriarchal Academy of Constantinople, is the oldest surviving and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul and its red brick facade is an imposing sight.
Painting houses in different colours in Istanbul dates back to the Ottoman Empire where residents were required to paint their houses to signify their religious background.
These days it is more down to personal preferences rather than any real significance.
One of the most famous streets in Balat is Kiremit Street, with its vivid row of green and orange homes.
These colourful steps and cafe is one of the most Instagrammed areas of Balat – much to the annoyance of its owner who kept coming out and shouting at people for taking photos!!
Even a humble bakery is elevated into art with colourful patterns and sugar sweet decorations 🙂
You can see just how steep some of the streets in Balat are below, with the helpful aid of my mobile photo prop!!
Some creepy artwork firmly cements my hatred of clowns! Plus adorable cats relax everywhere you turn.
Pierre Lotti Hill in Balat has some of the most photographed houses in the area. This steeply sloping area has an array of pastel houses ranging up its bank.
With every wall an artwork, you’ll literally be spoilt for choice of what to snap next!
