Balat is the traditional Jewish quarter in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Balat is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the old city on the historic peninsula, on the western bank of the Golden Horn . Balat is one of the oldest and most spectacular districts of Istanbul.Balat is a district that has traditionally been home to minorities in the city, with many Jewish families and Greek Orthodox families making it their homes Fener was a traditionally Greek neighbourhood during the Ottoman era and its streets still contain many old stone houses and churches dating from Byzantine and Ottoman times.