Istanbul has many districts with history and beauty for you to discover, most of them a little more off the beaten path than you're used to. Zeyrek is one of the most historic districts in İstanbul, but it tends to be slightly off the beaten path and despite the vast history and historic monuments you'll find here, it's still largely a residential neighborhood. The district takes its name from the Zeyrek Mosque, a 12th century Byzantine church (called the Monastery of the Pantocrator) that was turned into a mosque. The neighborhood of Kuzguncuk is one of the more naturally beautifully situation districts in the city, amidst the greenery of the Anatolian shores of the Bosphorus. It features historic homes that go all the way up its main street, with cafes and restaurants that look like they've been there since the dawn of time. Beylerbeyi is a district located on the other side of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in Üsküdar, right next to Kuzguncuk. Beylerbeyi Palace is one of the highlights of the Bosphorus, as its name - which means 'lord of lords' - would certainly indicate. Balat is one of the oldest residential districts in İstanbul, and is known for its colorful homes, and is another district that was widely diverse, with many Christians and Jews living here and making it their homes for centuries. It still features one of the most attractive schools for Greek Orthodox students, and has many different churches and hamams as well as some of the oldest cafes and restaurants in the city. Vefa is a hidden gem, and home to some of the gems of the Ottoman empire. The highlight of a stroll through Vefa is to go to Vefa Bozacısı, where the Turkish drink of boza made its name. Boza is made with fermented wheat with a thick consistency and is served with dried chickpeas and cinnamon. Emirgan is one of the prettiest districts along the Bosphorus, and is a place where people come to have breakfast, drink tea, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Much of Emirgan is taken up with Emirgan Park, a massive park of rolling hills, splendid flowers, historic pavilions called 'köşk's and tons of greenery.
