Description
During this conversation, we will explore the Fener and Balat districts from an urban and architectural point of view, exploring several landmark buildings that contribute to the history and culture of Istanbul itself.
Fener and Balat has been for centuries a unique crossroad of different religions and Turkish elements were later introduced in these neighborhoods, adding even more color and creating with its new historical layers a cultural mix of fascinating contrasts. Strolling among the small cafes, the artisan shops, the sumptuous buildings in ruins, the old traditional wooden houses, the mosques, synagogues and churches of these neighborhoods – now populated mainly by Turks from the rural areas of Anatolia – can restore calm to the frenzy and confusion of everyday life in the metropolis of Istanbul.
Led by an expert on Ottoman Architecture, Luca Orlandi, this interactive seminar will discuss the urban development and the architectural environment of Fener and Balat through the main phases that characterize the districts’ history. Tailored to give accurate details and to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased and deep knowledge of the impressive and rich cultural heritage still visible across Fener and Balat districts.
About Your Expert
Luca Orlandi is an architect and an architectural historian. He graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at University of Genoa (Italy) and obtained a PhD in 2005 from the Polytechnics of Turin (Italy), within the program: History and Critics of the Architectural and Environmental Heritage. He lives in Istanbul and works as Assistant Professor Dr. in the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Özyeğin University (OZU). He teaches courses such as: History of Architecture, Contemporary Architecture, and Architectural Design Studio. He often participates in lectures, seminars, and workshops in other Turkish universities and abroad, mainly in Italy. He is an active member of ICOMOS Italy and his fields of interest cover several topics like Ottoman Architecture and Master Sinan, Contemporary Turkish Architecture, as well as Genoese Heritage in the Orient and Travelogue and Narratives about the Levant.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.