Bagat

Today you are also having a relaxing time with less walking.  We are going to use trams and a bus to visit one of the outer suburbs called Bagat. Trams are the most popular transport method to travel around Istanbul. The traffic is horrendous because of the steep narrow cobblestone streets.

Balat is the home of many minorities particularly from Greece, Bulgaria and other nations.  Many family have lived here  for generations. At the top of the hill ( oops did I forget to tell you it’s hilly and there are lots of steps), is a Greek High School. You can see it peeping out between the colourful buildings. The suburb itself looks out on the Bosphorus towards the top of the Golden Horn section of the waterway.

As many of the buildings  are made of wood, fire has caused havoc to many of them. Some are being rebuilt or replaced ,but the bright colours of the remaining buildings attract many visitors to the area.

The stairs are particularly great for posed photos. Not my style . I think you and I should just follow Mike in his striped shirt up the stairs.

Cafés and restaurants line this area so I think you deserve a coffee, don’t you agree?

Time for people watching and perhaps to explore  the streets a bit longer.

Steel frames were an invention that changed building. The Bulgarian Church Sveti Stefan was one of the first to use it in its construction.The structure was made of steel,coated with metal plates and cast sheets.

It is beautiful inside and quite intimate. Definitely has a peaceful atmosphere don’t you think?

There was another church on route to the tram. Unfortunately it has been destroyed and rebuilt frequently. At present it is again a ruin, sad really after such history spanning the years.

University is  free here in Turkey. We passed two on the tram. Many students actually live on the campus while they are studying.

Some other interesting sights ….

Last photos of Istanbul. Get packed, we are flying to Baku in the morning.