Ayvansaray
Ayvansaray is a picturesque neighbourhood in the municipality and district of Fatih, Istanbul Province, Turkey. Its population is 15,747 (2022). It is on the Golden Horn, between Balat and Eyüpsultan. It lies inside what was the walled city on Constantinople and later of İstanbul and corresponds to the old quarter of Blachernae (Vlachérnai in Greek).
Ayvansaray | |
|---|---|
Tekfur Palace in Ayvansaray | |
Ayvansaray Location in Turkey Ayvansaray Ayvansaray (Istanbul) | |
| Coordinates: 41°02′18″N 28°56′33″E | |
| Country | Turkey |
| Province | Istanbul |
| District | Fatih |
| Population (2022) | 15,747 |
| Time zone | TRT (UTC+3) |
The name Ayvansaray comes from the Persian ایوانسرای (Iwan + Saray) and probably means "Veranda Palace", a name that hearkens back to the Palace of Alexios I Komnenos (now lost), which was part of the complex of Blachernae.
The Golden Horn ferry stops at Ayvansaray, linking it to Üsküdar, Karaköy, Kasımpaşa, Fener, Balat, Hasköy, Sütlüce and Eyüp. The T5 tram also skirts Ayvansaray, linking it to the bus terminal at Alibeyköy (with services to Anatolia) and to Cibali.