Fener is derived from a Greek word 'Fanari' meaning 'lantern' or 'lighthouse' in Turkish. It was a district of prominent and predominantly Romaic (Greek Orthodox) families up to the beginning of the 20th century. It is the part of Istanbul where the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is situated. Did you know that Phanariotes dominated the administration of the Patriarchate? Listen to the story of Phanariotes who served as dragomans to the Ottoman government and to foreign embassies. If you are interested in visiting a Byzantine Church in use or in seeing the only church made of iron and steel in the world – do not miss this walk. Get ready to see houses, pavements, palaces and other structures of the area which are being protected by a UNESCO project successfully implemented over the last decade.

 EYÜP - The Ottoman District

This area lies outside the historical peninsula and the city walls. In this area we see many mosques, mausoleums, graveyards, fountains as well as old imarets-eateries-for poor people. Being outside the city walls the area has long been used as a major Muslim shrine. Today Muslims from all over the world pay visit to this holly place. Our tour begins with a visit to the Mosque of Eyub al Ansari - the standard bearer of Prophet Muhammed – and continues to the Mausoleum of Sokullu Mehmet Pasa, a Grand Vizier of Selim II -of Bosnian origin, the Mosque of Zal Mahmut Pasa - the son in law of Sultan Selim II - the Mausoleum of Sultan Resat, the Tekke (Convent) of the Kalenderi Sect. These are only some of the places we will visit. Our walk will then continue uphill through the Eyüp Cemetery and end on Pierre Loti Hill.

GALATA – THE GENOESE COLONY WALK

In the Byzantine period, the hillside - where Galata is today - was covered with orchards and was named Sykai (The Fig Orchard), or Peran en Sykais (The Fig Field on the Other Side), referring to the "other side" of the Golden Horn. It was in the Byzantine period that the area began to be called Galata and a fortress was built by Emperor Theodosius II. Galata was a Genoese colony from the 6th to 15th centuries. This walk is around the famous Galata Tower and covers the area, where we see many churches, synagogues, hospitals, bank buildings, ancient walls, schools. Stories, myths, and legends are a bonus from your guide.

SÜLEYMANIYE AND VEFA: In the trail of Architect Sinan
                       
Istanbul is a city on seven hills. The Süleymaniye area is located on the third hill of the historical peninsula. This tour covers the historical districts from Süleymaniye - the largest Mosque complex of the Ottoman Empire – to Vefa. Do you know why Suleyman is named The Magnificent? Let´s listen to our guide speaking about the greatest of Turkish Architects -Sinan - and the most beloved son of Süleyman The Magnificent - Sehzade Mustafa - the Prince. We walk in and around Vefa and have a chance to taste the traditional refreshment - Boza. Our stroll covers many other historical buildings and stories.

ISTIKLAL STREET – Bohemian Walk in Beyoglu

Istiklal Street is the liveliest and the most colorful street of Istanbul. The street has been pedestrianized since 1988 and for over 150 years has been the center of the nightlife of the city. Hundreds of bars and clubs shake this downtown area in the evenings. During daylight Istiklal is home to many historical embassy buildings, fancy hotels, apartment buildings, streets, theatres, restaurants, shops. Our tour begins in the heart of Istanbul - the Taksim Square - where you meet your guide. You will stroll on the exciting little side streets of Istiklal Street, sit in one of the intriguing coffee shops and talk with your guide, see the amazing Embassy buildings, visit Armenian and Romaic churches, ancient districts, impressive walkways and much more.

BALAT TO TEKFUR: MYSTERY WALK IN THE OLD TOWN

Balat is located on the southern shores of the Golden Horn. It is one of the Jewish districts where Jews were re-settled during the time of the Ottoman Empire. We walk in Balat and find ourselves in intriguing streets with amazingly colourful life. Synagogues, Armenian churches, Romaic churches, Byzantine remnants and Ayazma's are part of todays adventure. Although once it had seven synagogues, now it has only two in good condition: Ahrida and Yambol Synagogues. The cast-iron Bulgarian Orthodox church of St. Stephen of the Bulgars, the city walls and the ruins of the Byzantine palace known as Tekfur Saray, the Armenian Church of Surp Hresdagabet are among many other places we visit during this tour.

WALK ON THE CITY WALLS

The best place to feel the antiquities are city walls. Our stroll through history begins in Yedikule Fortress - Dungeons where many diplomats were imprissoned when the Ottoman Empire declared war on that country. Not only diplomats – but some Ottoman sultans were also put in jail and executed in some of the dungeons here! What else? We see the Gates of the walls, the cemetery of the Orthodox Patriarchs and the miraculous Ayazma of Balikli, some Works of Architect Sinan, and more churches. Highlight of the tour is the opportunity to walk on the historic walls. First we walk on the walls in the Yedikule Fortress, then we walk over a kilometer from Belgrate Gate to Silivri Gate - This will definitely keep your feet on the ground.