Guide to The Fatih Area of Istanbul
Introduction
This well-known area puts Istanbul on the map of the world. Istanbul is Turkey's most significant location for real estate investment and tourism, with a total of 39 districts. However, because Fatih is Istanbul's thriving tourism center, the neighborhood draws the most tourists from abroad. Fatih stands out with curiosity and a fascinating history that merges with contemporary trends, whereas other parts of Istanbul are boring and have little to offer in terms of daily living. The neighborhood has seen an increase in home purchasers looking for an actual flavor of Istanbul in recent years.
About Faith Area of Istanbul
1- What Does the Name Fatih mean?
The term "Fatih" relates to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, an Ottoman sultan who overthrew Istanbul in 1453. The Fatih district was the ultimate goal since this served as the capital of the Byzantine empire. Many believed the Sultan would destroy the Hagia Sophia church, the crown jewel of the Byzantine Empire, when he arrived in Fatih. But he turned it into a mosque, perhaps out of admiration for her architecture or as a dig at the Byzantine Empire. "First Istanbul" or "Original Istanbul" are nicknames for Fatih.
2- Where is Fatih District Located?
The peninsula is surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Golden Horn, making the location advantageous. The Sultans of the Ottoman era ruled their realm from Fatih. Later, they relocated to Besiktas's Dolmabahce Palace. After the Ottoman empire was disbanded in 1923, the new Turkish government shifted the capital to Ankara since forces could easily ambush both locations via the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, or the Marmara Sea.
3- How to Get to Fatih in Istanbul?
Drive the 40 minutes to the new Istanbul airport if you need to fly anywhere else. Take the Havas bus to Fatih as you get off the plane at the airport. If you travel to Istanbul by bus from elsewhere in Turkey, you will arrive at the major otogar in Bayrampasa, which is 30 minutes away. Take connecting, smaller buses into Fatih from there. The closest highway for automobile owners is the E5.
4- Best Time to Visit
International and domestic tourists visit Fatih every year as Istanbul's main tourist destination. So plan your visit according to how you like the weather. For instance, the hottest months are July to September, while snowfall can occasionally be seen from December to February. Therefore, as the weather is ideal to visit museums and tourism destinations, we suggest April to June or October to November.
5- History of the Fatih Area
The Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire for 1058 years, and the Ottoman Empire for 469 years all had significant centers in the Fatih area. Examine Byzantine history to learn about specific occurrences in Fatih, such as the deadly Nika riots. By constructing Istanbul on seven hills, the byzantine kingdom hoped to create a new Rome. Faith is where it all began. However, the Ottoman invasion in 1453 lies at the center of Fatih's vivid past. After it, a devastating earthquake in 1509 caused extensive damage.
But during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566), Fatih made significant architectural advances, adding new fountains, madrasas, caravanserais, and baths. With the growth of world trade, the port of Golden Horn became well-known worldwide. The Fatih district had numerous inventions and alterations throughout the Tulip Era. Later, during the Tanzimat era, new structures were constructed using European architectural styles such baroque, rococo, neogothic, and empire. In the aftermath of World War One, allied forces took control of Istanbul, including the Fatih neighborhood, and the Ottoman empire was ultimately dissolved. The city was recovered by Turkey during its war of independence, and the government relocated its capital to Ankara. But Fatih continues to be well-known and get a lot of attention.
6- Historical Attractions and Landmarks
In Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood, there are many things to see and do, but one should be visited first. The Sultanahmet neighborhood was the seat of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and now Turkey's most popular tourist destinations are the monuments they left behind. They consist of the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Museum of Islamic Arts, and Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Although everything may be viewed in one day, it will be rushed, thus we advise two days.
Other Notable Attractions in Fatih
The Grand Bazaar, which is nearby and can be reached by foot in 20 minutes, offers a glimpse into ordinary life. From the 15th century to the present, laborers toil, traders close transactions, and money is exchanged fast. The status of The Grand Bazaar indicates its historical significance. However, if the bazaar were ever too close, Istanbul would never be the same. Many of the royal structures from old Constantinople have been turned into monuments or museums.
Neighborhoods of Fener and Balat: According to The Guardian, "The Fener-Balat neighborhood, once the tiny Greece of Istanbul, is today stylish yet with the international air of its history." These two historic neighborhoods, which are adjacent and rich in Jewish, Greek, and Armenian ancestry, serve as a great introduction to Istanbul's vibrant past as it relates to contemporary living. The Greek Orthodox church and the adjoining red-brick college are notable Fener features. While waiting, visit inexpensive restaurants and little coffee shops to get to know Balat residents.
Suleiman the Magnificent built the Suleymaniye mosque in 1550 for the Ottoman sultans, and it is situated on Istanbul's third hill. This landmark was also created by Mimar Sinan, the most renowned architect of the Ottoman Empire. The mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent and Roxelana are located in the Suleymaniye Mosque. Roxelana joined Topkapi Palace as a young slave girl but rose to become the most important woman in Ottoman society. With breathtaking views of the Golden Horn, Sulmaniye Mosque served as Istanbul's largest place of worship for approximately 500 years.
You would believe that Fatih is all about ancient and new construction. This could be excused considering the district's central location, but anyone looking to unwind and find greenery should visit Gulhane Park, which is close to Topkapi Palace. The Islamic Science and Technology History Museum is located on the park's western border. The park comes alive with even more color in April, though, when thousands of tulips are planted in honor of the annual celebration.
Traditional Turkish baths in Fatih Istanbul
Visits to Cagaloglu Hamam were made by Florence Nightingale, Omar Sharif, Tony Curtis, Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss, and John Travolta. This Turkish bath, which has been open since 1741 and is included in the travel guide 1001 Places to Visit Before You Die, was built on the site of a former palace and included baroque architecture, which was uncommon in Ottoman structures at the time. The enormous dome of the steam room is supported by eight imposing columns. Two separate entrances lead to the regions that continue to divide men and women.
For shy women who prefer girls to handle the looking and massage services, Cemberlitas Hamam is the perfect option because it employs both male and female masseurs. The Hamam was constructed in 1584 by Ottoman architect Miman Sinan and is close to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. The main entrance leads to two distinct changing areas for men and women that are located considerably below street level. Large domes are a hallmark of Sinan's art and may be seen on both roofs. Even though the space is square, the steam room has a polygonal design that is a distinctive characteristic of the dome concept. If it gets too hot, you can cool yourself at one of the 38 washbasins in the polygon formed by the twelve columns.
Living in Faith Istanbul
A lot of Turks and foreigners consider purchasing real estate in Fatih. The neighborhood stands out as a desirable destination to live and work due to its illustrious reputation and nostalgic appeal. The drawback is that prices per square meter have increased due to the significance of Fatih and the scarcity of land for the development. However, things work out in the end, especially for buy-to-let investors who can take advantage of the local tourism industry and capital growth due to Fatih's well-established reputation. Everything, including transportation options and retail options, is right outside your door.
Conclusion
Fatih district in Istanbul is a charming and historic neighborhood that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage. With its stunning mosques, bustling bazaars, and picturesque streets, Fatih is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Istanbul's history and culture. From the iconic Blue Mosque to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for an authentic cultural experience, Fatih has something to offer, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers from all over the world.