The Turquoise Chronicles

One of Istanbul’s oldest and most charming districts, Balat has a long history as the center of the city’s Jewish, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox communities. Balat today is overwhelmingly Muslim, with most minority populations having left the district or been forced to leave. Colorful two- and three-storey houses line the streets, making the neighborhood a hotspot for those drawn to the charm of “Insta-nbul” 😉

We started the day in central Fatih, retracing the path of my Syrian food last winter. Fortified by a brunch of hummus, falafel, and pickled vegetables, we walked past the Fatih Camii (mosque) and through the hilly backstreets to Balat. Ornate architectural touches dotted our path.

Pops of color beckoned around each corner alongside crumbling sidewalks and structures. This dichotomy of beauty and detritus is woven into the fabric of Istanbul, and it certainly something I’ve come to appreciate. You can’t have one without the other – they enhance each other.

We knew we’d reached Balat when the cafes spilled out into the street and cute boutiques appeared at every turn. After an iced coffee at Artlocalist, we went on a little hunt for treasures to bring back to friends and family in the States.

Balat proved just as charming as promised. As autumn makes its way towards Istanbul, I look forward to the chance to walk the streets far from the madding crowd that is tourist season here. I will return to see the beautiful painted ceiling of the Yanbol Synagogue and take in a new cafe someday soon.

I would be remiss to not mention that this post was delayed due to the passing of my Uncle Dick. It’s hard to believe that he has left us but I’m also thankful that dementia no longer holds a grip on his keen intellect.

I love this picture of all of us down the Cape years ago. We spent many a summer in East Dennis, famously tagging downed trees together after Hurricane Bob in 1991. He taught me how to play chess and never let me win at Scrabble – not even once 😉 He was always a supporter of my life abroad, eager to discuss foreign affairs and current events when I returned to the States for a visit.

I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be with my family and honor his memory. My time in Maine was peaceful, spent along the Kennebec River where he and my aunt made their home. His legacy of service to the state of Maine lives on in the stories told by those who knew him best. He will be missed.