Fener – The Greek Orthodox District

Fener is derived from a Greek word 'Fanari' meaning 'lantern' or 'lighthouse' in Turkish. It was a district of prominent and predominantly Romaic (Greek Ortodox) 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.