Even though it was built long before, the Russian church Aya Panteleymon is reminiscent of the White Russians who came to Istanbul as refugees after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Most of them left for Paris or the US in a few years time but, some stayed behind and have become Turkish citizens. Their descendents are among us, forever adding a different flavour to the vibrant life of Istanbul as their ancestors have done…
Baylan is one of those places that are deeply rooted in the common memory of Istanbulites of a certain age. Authors, artists, ordinary people… Luckily today, it is still being enjoyed by younger generations, both in its more modest and original setting on the Anatolian side and in the more fashionable district of Bebek by the European coast of the Bosphorus. This post is about the story of Philip Lenas and his son Harry Lenas who have given joy to generations of Istanbulites with the delicacies they have made and invented.
