Istanbul - Balat

Balat, traditionally a Jewish quarter, is a part of the Fatih district of Istanbul. It is located on the western side of the Golden Horn, and forms part of the old city of the peninsular, the erstwhile Byzantium and Constantinople.

The Jews began to leave Balat after the major earthquake of 1894, and the quarter is an intriguing mix of grandeur and neglect, some buildings holding up others. Few tourists make it from the grand bazaar to this quarter, but more should. Ruin porn at its best.