A walk along the ancient walls of Istanbul begins wonderfully at the Yedikule Fortress.
Istanbul typically delights tourists with its famous landmarks that shape its unique character and are must-visit places.
However, this city, with its centuries-old history, is full of unexpected surprises that go beyond the well-known monuments.
The diverse neighborhoods of Istanbul, each with its unique atmosphere, reveal the richness of its cultural heritage. Among them, Yedikule and Samatya, located along the historic walls, stand out as particularly interesting and charming places.
These districts have witnessed history, from imperial times to the lives of representatives of various religious communities. They continue to preserve vibrant culture and traditions.
Walking through their streets allows one to see the heritage of different eras—from ancient mansions to cozy shops and traditional cafes where warm conversations continue. Here, one can also enjoy exquisite gastronomy, including meyhanes, whose culture is passed down through generations.
Seven Towers — An Eternal Heritage
The Yedikule Fortress (Seven Towers) is an excellent starting point for exploring the ancient walls of Istanbul, which stretch across a significant part of the Historic Peninsula—a district with a rich cultural history.
The structure was built in the 5th century during the Eastern Roman Empire to protect the city from enemies, and later, during the Ottoman period, it was significantly expanded.
Among the many gates, the Golden Gate deserves special attention, intended for emperors returning from triumphant campaigns. Inside the fortress are seven towers, which give it its name, where one can explore the dungeons, armory, treasury, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara and the Historic Peninsula.
After exploring the fortress, it's worth heading towards Samatya, where one can see interesting architectural monuments, such as the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena of the Rum Orthodox community with its distinctive bell tower.
On the border with Samatya lie the ruins of the Studios Monastery, which became the Imrahor Mosque, vividly demonstrating the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
From Shrines to the Common Table: The Spirit of Samatya
Upon arriving in Samatya, tourists are greeted by a historic square familiar to many from popular Turkish TV series.
The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming. Strolling through the streets, one might stumble upon antiquarian shops, cafes, and pastry shops located next to historic wooden mansions that have preserved the look of the past. Some of these buildings have been restored and now serve as cozy cafes where one can enjoy a cup of aromatic Turkish coffee.
Near the historic railway station on the border of Yedikule and Samatya is the Church of the Railway Workers, also known as the Samatya Church. It currently serves the Syrian Christian community and is associated with railway workers from the late Ottoman period.
Here, one can also see the Armenian Church of Surp Kevork, one of the oldest in Istanbul, and the Church of Saint Memas, which reflect the multinational character of Samatya.
Previously, Samatya was a modest fishing village, and today it is renowned for its gastronomic wealth. Meyhanes offer fresh fish with Turkish raki, as well as a variety of meze, including topik—a vegetarian dish made from chickpeas with caramelized onions—and fish börek.
Additional Places to Visit: The Greek Balıklı Hospital and the Church of Ayia Charalambos
In Istanbul, historical hospitals, once centers of healing, continue to operate today. After getting acquainted with the culture, history, and gastronomy of Yedikule and Samatya, it's worth visiting the Greek Balıklı Hospital—this place holds a special position in the cultural and social life of the city.
On the hospital grounds is the Church of Ayia Charalambos, built in the 18th century for patients and medical staff. It is dedicated to Saint Charalambos, who lived in the 2nd century and is venerated as a protector against epidemics. The church symbolizes the spiritual protection of the hospital, founded during the plague, and embodies hope in difficult times.
