Balat is known for its colourful houses, cobbled streets and eclectic mix of churches, mosques and synagogues – all scattered among antique auction houses, trendy cafes and vintage clothing stores.
Istanbul
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Guides
Everything you need to know about Balat, Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhood
by Sofia Levinby Sofia Levin -
Stories
What to expect on a street food tour of Istanbul (hint: it’s not kebabs)
by Sofia Levinby Sofia LevinThink street food in Istanbul is all kebabs and gozleme? This night tasting trail will challenge your perceptions of Turkish food (and probably leave you hungry).
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If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or a taste of local culture (not to mention local street eats), the hustle and bustle of the local market might be for you.
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I lived in Istanbul for three years, and then returned back to my current home of Toronto in late 2017. Though, Istanbul isn’t a city that you leave behind, it’s a city that you carry with you.
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My husband and I had no idea what to expect prior to visiting Turkey, but any minor misgivings we did have disappeared as soon as we arrived. Turkey is easy to love.
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İçli Köfte, or kibbeh as it’s called in Arabic, is a traditional Turkish snack. People who visit Turkey don’t know it exists. People who leave Turkey never forget it.