Phanar (neighborhood in Istanbul)

Phanar, known as Fener in Turkish, is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul, situated on the city's European side along the Golden Horn. It has been a significant center for the Greek Orthodox community, home to the Greek Patriarchate, one of the oldest and most important religious institutions in Christendom. Characterized by its churches, monasteries, and Ottoman-era architecture, Phanar reflects Istanbul’s diverse cultural heritage. The area’s narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere speak to its longstanding religious and cultural significance, serving as both a spiritual hub and a symbol of Istanbul’s historic coexistence of different communities.