Since my Visit to Istanbul in the summer of 2004, the "Rehabilitation of Fener and Balat Districts Programme Restoration of Houses Phase one Fener & Balat Districts" has been initiated in the spring of 2005. Its aim is "the restoration of dwellings in these districts which have been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. If a suitable building is made available by the Municipality a multi purpose community centre is also to be established to provide a range of social services to targeted groups in the local community. The specific objective of the Programme is to revitalize the district and enhance the urban environment."
As we continue our walk amid homes and shops almost in ruin we enter the once wealthy neighborhood of Fener or Phanar, home to the predominantly Greek community of Istanbul. This used to be the quarter of the Greek aristocrats, clergy, merchants of old days Ottoman Istanbul - the Phanariots. Mostly of Greek descent the Phanariots were well educated Christians, fluent in foreign languages, who were allowed to trade, manage the finances of the Empire and hold high positions in the Ottoman administration. Through their influence and power they amassed great fortunes living in sumptuous dwellings in Phanar overlooking the Golden Horn; where a distinctive architectural style was developed in the 17th and 18th c, which was soon exported to other places in the Balkans. In this photo you can see a street in Fener with typical Phanariot mansions (the bay window and balconies).