How was Yesilist born?

Georgie Benardete and I were the ambassadors of Al Gore’s Climate Project in Istanbul. We were actively involved in projects in which we could inform the public about climate change, explaining how each and every one of us can be a part of the solution. During this time, we researched about Turkey’s organic map, trying to figure out the where and how of organic and natural products in the country. During the process, we thought that if we’re searching this, there must be other people who want to find out about organic producers as well. And that’s how the idea behind Yeşilist was born in 2010.

What does Yeşilist aim to achieve?

We basically wanted people to easily find what they are looking for to lead a nature-friendly life, from organic markets and producers to organic furniture, from energy-efficient electronics to organic skincare to yoga and detox centers. Our content, however, has become much more dynamic since the website was first founded, and thus we have taken on the role of a guide in addition to being just a directory per se. There was one thing that we kept on coming across in our interactions with the public. Many people were asking the same question: But how can I be green when I lead such an urban lifestyle? This is the overlapping concern that many Istanbulites have. And our motto is that you can be green by doing very simple things and taking small steps, from turning off your computer when leaving the house to opting to use a tote instead of plastic bags when shopping. At the moment, we’re trying to help establish the Turkish organic market. When we were setting up Yeşilist, we found out that there are many organic producers in Turkey but they export their products, so there’s very little left for the local consumer. And thus the prices are very high. We’re also trying to inform the consumer, showing them what’s green out there and the resources that they have available. Turkey offers all the resources necessary to lead a green life, people just need to know that they are out there. And that’s where we come in.

The website is in Turkish and English. There are very few content-based websites in Turkey that are bilingual. Why did you feel the need to also have an English section?

There are many expats living in Turkey, and there are millions of tourists coming each year. They know about being green, and when they come to Turkey, they want to be green but have difficulties finding the resources available to them. That’s why we wanted to have an English version of the website, and this section became active only a few months ago. We update the Turkish version daily, but update the English one once a week or once every fortnight. The entire directory is available in English, but the dynamic content is only available in Turkish, unless there is something very special that we want to translate.

What does it mean to be green?

It’s a holistic way of life. Most of the time, we feel separate from nature, but in fact we’re not. Whatever we do, however we act, comes back to us through water and air. So we can be green with our choices. We can choose to use public transportation instead of driving a car, we can recycle, use water efficiently, not overuse air conditioners or heaters, and learn to be okay with wearing a sweater in the house during winter in the process. We can pay attention to what we eat, and make sure that what we buy is local, seasonal, and organic – all of these decrease our carbon imprint. We need to be conscious consumers and try to avoid unbounded consumption because whatever we consume uses up valuable resources. The smallest steps can make the biggest impacts so all we need to do is be smart consumers and make the right choices. Being aware is the least we can do.

What do you do to be green in Istanbul?

I’m sure that there are people who are more green than I am. I use public transportation as often as I can, I recycle, I try to avoid wastefulness and do compotes, I try not to use plastic. I buy organic. I pay a lot of attention to the choices that I make. For example, I pay close attention to how we use water and electricity.

Does Istanbul provide all that is necessary to lead a green life?

We have everything we need in Istanbul. But there is the issue of information, awareness, and access. There are more opportunities now than before. For example, there are a lot of organic bazaars. There are a limited number of green areas but there are still enough. But we forget that they are out there, we’re so used to thinking that Istanbul doesn’t have any green spaces that we don’t even see what’s in front of our eyes. If we look carefully, we’ll see that there is a lot out there. For example, each municipality offers numerous services like picking up recycled materials, from paper to an old refrigerator, from your doorstep.

Do you think that contemporary art pays enough attention to ecological issues?

Contemporary art may not directly focus on issues around nature, climate change, and ecology but ecology and humans are intertwined, so whenever you create something for humans, you’re also creating something for the environment. For example, contemporary art often tackles issues surrounding women. Women’s empowerment is vital because women play a significant role in creating a green life for their families. Women are the ones who bring up children, so the more aware a mother is the more aware the child will be. Everything that increases the quality of life for humans is eventually a green activity.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Green Drinks Istanbul event?

We’ve been organizing Istanbul leg of Green Drinks since 2009. It’s a networking event that brings together people who have green jobs, who lead green lives, and those who want to be more aware of green activities. The event is held every month, either on the last Tuesday or Wednesday of the month. The crowd is made up all sorts of people. The concept might come off as very hippie but we have a wide range of people coming to these events, from students and young professionals to Greenpeace activists and expats. We get anything from 20 people to 100 people coming to any given event, and there are always at least 5-10 foreigners.

What is Yeşilist planning for the future?

We have a range of different plans, one of which is every exciting. We’re aiming to organize a green festival. We’ll have more details about it soon.

Ergem’s Istanbul:

Favorite restaurant: Kantin, Lokanta Maya, Kıyı

Favorite green area: Belgrade Forest, the Princes’ Islands

Favorite green activity: Taking a walk in the forest with my daughter

Favorite museum/gallery: Istanbul Archeological Museums, Istanbul Modern

Favorite neighborhood: Yeşilköy, Nişantaşı, Eminönü, Beyoğlu

Favorite green architectural piece: The aqueduct built by MimarSinan

What you love about Istanbul: Old historical buildings

What you don’t like about Istanbul: Traffic and the destruction of green areas

Raised in South Africa and of Greek descent, he has lived and traveled all over the world, and is a frequent visitor to Istanbul. Recently, Peter has become very well known for his talk “Rebrand Greece”, which outlines his ideas on how to change perceptions of the country and once again make it a respected world player. The video of this talk went viral on the internet, we hope to one day see a similar talk from Peter on how Istanbul could rebrand its own image.

Peter has a truly global perspective. His work is focused on change, the strategic responses to shifting cultures, and the challenges of regional and global expansion. What better person to ask about his views on Istanbul – a city that is constantly changing.

Have you spent much time in Istanbul?

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities. It is also a place where I have some great friends. Yes, I have spent much time in Istanbul.

When did you first visit, and have you been back often?

I first visited in 1984, shortly after I moved to Athens from Hong Kong. I visited again many times during the 1980s. In 1999, I moved back to Athens from New York. Since then, I have been a very frequent visitor.

What was your first impression of Istanbul?

I remember my first impressions vividly. We stayed at the Pera Palace Hotel. Things I remember are: the old floating bridge with the restaurants on the bottom level; of course, the Grand Bazaar; an old Russian restaurant in Beyoğlu (I do not know if it is still there); Körfez Restaurant; and the best Imam Bayıldı, which I had at Park Şamdan. I also remember the streets in Sultanahmet. The smell of coal fires burning and the crazy maze of electrical wires going across the streets. Oh, and also an antique dealer in Nişantaşı called Portakal. I bought some watches there .... I collect watches.

Has that impression changed significantly over subsequent visits?

Many of the things I remember from my first visit are no longer there. And I have discovered other sides of Istanbul since then. Of course, Istanbul has changed to become one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world. Much has changed. Most importantly, though, my friends have shown me aspects of Istanbul I would never have discovered without them.

What do you like most about the city?

The Bosphorus. And the layers of culture which are visible everywhere. And this incredible mixture of Europe and the Orient.

What do you least like?

The traffic.

What are your favorite neighborhoods or areas in Istanbul?

Bebek and Beyoğlu.

What is your favorite view in the city?

Anywhere on the Bosphorus. And, of course, the view across the Golden Horn towards Sultanahmet, especially during sunset.

What are your favorite Turkish foods?

I am Greek, so I love most Turkish food. But my favorite is Imam Bayıldı.

What are your favorite restaurants?

Zuma, Bebek Balıkçı, Hünkar, Papermoon, and Körfez (when it was open). And my memory of Park Şamdam, though I have never been back there since the first time in the 1980s.

Do you have any nightlife spots that you enjoy?

The nightclub Şamdan was always a favorite. I have spent many late nights there.

What is your favorite museum or historical site in Istanbul?

Aya Sofya(Hagia Sophia). And the Istanbul Modern Museum of Modern Art.

Do you have a favorite holiday destination in Turkey outside of Istanbul?

Bodrum and the coastal area around it. I love Knidos.

As someone who has lived in many different cities and countries, what do you find to be unique about Istanbul?

The mix. The contrasts. Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus. The incredible villages leading up to the Black Sea. The layers of culture: Ancient, Byzantine, Ottoman, Modern. The mix between European and Oriental. Contrasts, contrasts, in harmony...

As a brand strategist, what do you think that Istanbul should do to improve its global appeal to both visitors and investors?

Istanbul is a conversation in a world that needs conversation. A conversation between the past, the present, and the future. Between Asia and Europe. Between Islam and secularism. Between the Aegean coast and Anatolia. Between tradition and modernity. Good conversation is lively, it consists of thesis and antithesis. But it always results in synthesis. This is Istanbul for me. And I think that is a valuable and special role in today’s world. This is how Istanbul can improve its image. By truly expressing what it is. Because what it is is truly special.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What do you do? What do you like? What your interests?

I’m a fashion lover. I’m always searching for new information on anything related to it. I studied Fashion Design in Barcelona and I’m now doing my postgraduate studies in Fashion Communication in Milan. Traveling is one of my favorite things in the world. I also have a passion for writing, that’ s why I keep a blog called Fashion Lessons where I try to keep myself (and whoever is interested in reading my work) updated on different subjects related to fashion. One of the things that I enjoy the most is interviewing new talent. I usually speak with young designers on their vision of fashion and design.

When did you visit Istanbul? How long did you stay?

I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul twice. The first time I stayed for 15 days, enough to get a great sense of the city. During that trip, I also went to Cappadocia, which I thought was an amazing and unique place. The second time I was only there for 4 days, leaving with the feeling that it just wasn’t enough.

What were your first impressions of Istanbul?

This city is enchanting. There is so much to see, but most of all to feel, smell, and touch. It’s a city where every place you go astonishes you.

How did you spend your time? Where did you go?

I tried to experience all parts of the city. I went to the historical parts, like Sultanahmet, where I was amazed by the Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hagia Sophia. I also went to the trendy places in Nişantaşı and Beyoğlu. And off course the Grand Bazaar, a paradise to buy the most extraordinary pashminas, Turkish delights, and leather goods. This is certainly a shopping experience everyone must have in Istanbul.

Where did you stay?

I stayed at my brother-in-law’s house both times. He is half Turkish, so I’ve had the opportunity to really know the city through a local’s eyes. His Turkish family reflects the kindness and hospitality of Turkish people.

Which aspects of Turkish culture did you like and dislike?

I have to say I have loved every aspect of Turkish culture. It’s very special and full of surprises. I enjoyed the food so much, especially the desserts - baklava is my addiction. I also really enjoyed the aesthetics. For me, as a designer, Istanbul is a city where any designer can find inspiration.

Was there anything about Turkish culture that seemed very similar or very different from your own?

The kindness and hospitality of Turkish people is similar to my culture, and this is what I loved.

What kinds of food did you eat?

Kebab in all its varieties, but my favorite was definitely the iskender kebab. I also tried köfte and the different mezes. I loved having Turkish breakfast with all the cheese, meats, and the delicious bread.

What do you think about the style of Istanbul’s residents? Did you think that certain areas were cooler/hipper than others?

Yes, as any city, Istanbul has places that are more aesthetic, and this reflects in the people as well. I find the people in Istanbul are really stylish. The women I have had the chance to meet are so elegant and effortlessly chic. I have to say that I got amazed by women that could reflect their sense of style regardless their religious beliefs.

Did you visit any shopping malls? If yes, which one did you like the most?

Yes, I went to IstinyePark and found that it’s really American in a good way. It has a variety of stores where you can find anything, from mainstream fashion, such as Zara and Mango, to local brands and luxury brands.

Which Turkish designers do you like?

I must say I absolutely love Erdem Moralıoğlu, whose father is Turkish, as well as his designs. He has a broad vision on femininity, and the clothes that he designs are always very floral and feature printed fabrics, which I think may come from his Turkish background.

What was the hardest part about traveling in Istanbul? How did you overcome this?

I think travelling here is as easy as traveling in any part of Europe.

Any favorite sights, places, neighborhoods?

Reina, Havuzlu, and Kemer Country. I had an incredible experience in Reina. This club is amazing during summer - the people, the music, and most of all the view of the Bosphorus. It’s so cool that some guests arrive with yachts. I really enjoy Istanbul’s nightlife, especially during summer. It’s very chic, and it has the right amount of everything: nice places, cool people, good music, and great drinks.

Any tips and recommendations for future Istanbul visitors?

I would say keep your eyes wide open! Anyone who wants to visit Istanbul must try everything they can because you wouldn’t want to miss a thing in this incredible city.

Tell us about Yıldız Lux. What sets it apart?

Yıldız Lux is a family-owned company that was founded in 1985 by my father. Now, my sister Ece Fıratlı and I own and manage it together. We are a very customer-based firm, and that’s why almost all of our carpets are one-of-a-kind. We use 100\% New Zealand wool of the highest quality and 100\% natural silk thread.

And for those who don’t necessarily know much about carpets, what difference does it make to use wool and natural materials?

Consumers are much more educated now than they were in the past. They not only look at the aesthetics but also at the quality and standards of the carpet. Their preferences are towards natural materials, and we use all natural materials, we never use synthetic.Other than wool, we use silk and viscose. Using these materials ensures that the carpets are stain resistant and they don’t give you electric shock. The carpets are also anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, and durable.

What kinds of motifs and designs do you use?

It really depends on what the customer wants since all the carpets are custom-made. Many of our carpets do feature revised and modernized versions of Turkish and Ottoman motifs.

Can you tell us more about how custom-made carpets work?

It’s a very personal process, which, at the end, makes the customer very happy, knowing that they have a piece in their home that they took an active part in designing. After all, it’s their tastes, needs, and preferences that the design team bases the designs on. What’s great about custom-made carpets is that they allow customers freedom to choose color, pile height, embroidery, and the material used.

And you also make custom-made carpets for kids’ rooms, right?

Yes, we do. We can create carpets in any shape we want, such as in the shape of a dog, bird, or fairy. Also, all carpets used in kids' rooms are health certified by doctors.

What kind of techniques do you use?

We use the hand-tufted technique, which my dad brought to Turkey for the first time. We can refer to this technique as the modern hand-weaving technique of European carpets that utilize machines in the weaving process. The technique allows quality control on a millimeter basis, and that’s why it’s a great technique.

What kind of customers do you have? Foreign? Local? Households? Corporations?

We have a wide variety of customers, mainly locals who want carpets for their homes, but also foreigners, statesmen, government offices, and yacht owners.

You make carpets for yachts?

Yes, we certainly do. In fact, we have a solid yacht-owner customer base because we are among the few carpet stores in Istanbul that make carpets based on the rules and regulations that yacht owners need to follow. For example, the carpets in yachts have to be 100\\\\% wool and nonflammable. In addition to providing such carpets, we create designs based on the customers’ needs, so this makes us very attractive to yacht owners.

And what does the process of making custom-made carpets include?

It’s a very personal process actually. For example, if we were to make a carpet for a house, we often meet with the lady of the house and see what the house has on offer. How much space is there? What kinds of furniture have been used or will be used? Is it a modern or a traditional house? What kinds of curtains are there or will there be? Our aim is to create something unique for each house, something that the customer wants, something that feels personal to them. So we create three design options, and the customer picks the one that feels right.

And all these designs are unique?

Yes. The design team's principle is to create unique designs in each project. Some customers make a specific request that they don’t want their design to be used for any other house, and we respect that. Others don’t have such requests, and in those cases it is possible to base a carpet on a previous design, but it always turns out to be something unique because we still change certain things, like the size or color.

Eda’s Istanbul

A previous ice skating champion, piano and guitar player, a definite shopaholic, Eda is one sweet lady that lives Istanbul to the fullest. She dances, she sings, she goes to concerts, and she certainly does a lot of shopping. Here is what her Istanbul is like:

What you love most about Istanbul: The chaos. It's good for creativity.

Favorite spot for business dinners: Ulus 29

Favorite venue for dancing:Lucca

Favorite live music venues:Babylon, Nardis, Jolly Joker

Favorite Turkish bands/musicians:Bülent Ortaçgil and Pinhani

Favorite spots for relaxing:Sanda Spa for a well-deserved massage and Uzunya in Kilyos

Favorite activity with your daughter: Eating ice-cream at Mini Dondurma and rollerblading in Bebek

Favorite shopping areas:IstinyeParkandMidnight Express

Favorite restaurants:Le Fumoir, Ulus 29, Vogue (for sushi), Big Chefs

Alef is one example of this rare breed. It is the culmination of one woman’s passion, dedication, and hard work. Alef is a jewelry store, gallery, and atelier where its owner the master goldsmith Yeşim Yüksek creates the worldly manifestations of her soul. These manifestations, which come in the form of earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets, are made using classical goldsmith techniques blended with a modern interpretation and sprinkled with impeccable taste.

We had a chat with the woman behind the sophisticated pieces at Alef, and learned about her techniques, her art, and her Istanbul.

How did you get into the business?

I studied law in university, but while I was studying I realized I was really drawn to jewelry making. I began by creating the accessories collections for Beymen, Vakko, Mepa, Polo Garage, and Park Bravo. I opened my first atelier in Osmanbey in the 1980s, but then moved to İzmir. This is where I had a real introduction to the art, philosophy, and practice of jewelry making. There, I had an apprenticeship next to a master goldsmith for six years. Before then, I knew about design but not as much about production. Throughout my apprenticeship, I learned a variety of invaluable techniques, from melting gold and silver to setting a stone.

What did you do when you first came back to Istanbul?

I came back in the late 1990s and I began teaching. But it was not long before I decided to open my own place.

You opened Alef in 2005. How did the store and its pieces change since then?

Of course, there was a much smaller collection when I first opened Alef. And at its inception, it was just an atelier and gallery. But within the first year, I started selling my pieces.

What kinds of pieces have you done for Alef so far?

Sometimes I do one-of-a-kind pieces, which are highly sought after by collectors. There are also signature pieces, pieces that have become a signpost for Alef. There have also been limited edition collections. You can think of Alef as a constantly growing collection of jewelry.

Why did you name the store Alef?

It comes from Jorge Luis Borges’s story The Aleph.

Which stones do you most often use? What are some unique characteristics of your pieces?

I often use smoky quartz, onyx, aquamarine, and blue topaz. I create all the patterns found in my designs. I like to add surprising elements to my pieces. For example, I often use a subtle pendulum effect. When used with the quartz, it often gives a feeling of a magnifying glass. I do a lot of bezel setting. I also do lots of asymmetrical pieces. I never use glue; the stones are always set in metals. I like using gold and silver together. I often use oxidized silver, which has a brownish color. It brings out the yellow in the gold.I am personally involved in every part of the process of each piece – from the idea that inspires it, to the polishing of the stone, from creating the design to cutting and fixing the stone, from production to sales.

Do you have a favorite piece?

I don’t really. Each piece is like a baby to me. I make each piece with my own hands. Sometimes when I make a new piece, I think that I like it more than others, but it’s just the excitement of having created something new. Sometimes, I’m drawn to much older pieces. But there is one piece – the King Arthur ring – that I wear every day. It has become kind of my signature. People recognize me with it.

Two of your rings, Deco Bride and Gothic Bride, have been included in 21st Century Jewelry: TheBest of the 500 Series, published by Lark Books. Can you tell us more about the rings?

Deco Bride is based on an old drawing. I started playing with it and it turned into what it is today. I always play with stones, designs, drawings, and they don’t always mean anything while I play with them, but they all come together after a point. That’s kind of how Deco Bride came together. Gothic Bride kind of grew out of Deco Bride. I wanted to make Deco Bride a little more masculine, and then Gothic Bride was born - here the stone is upside down, and it carries more gothic elements.

Do you ever buy jewelry?

I design and make jewelry to wear the kind of jewelry that I want. So, no, I don’t really buy jewelry. I used to in the past, but I don’t anymore.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Illustrations and tales from childhood. Anything related to the Middle Ages, the Gothic, architecture, handicraft, metal workmanship.

What does creativity mean for you?

Creativity is about accumulation. First you have to accumulate, and do something fresh and new with whatever is left on the sifter.

And how do you define talent?

When we are born, we choose what we’re interested in, and that’s the thing we do the most. That’s why people say that we’re talented in that area. But that’s because that area is interesting to us and we keep doing it. So talent is more like practicing what you love.

What would you recommend to aspiring jewelry makers?

The professors of jewelry are master goldsmiths. So I highly recommend that they persist enough to persuade a master goldsmith to take them as an apprentice.

Do you take apprentices?

Yes, I do. But I take on a few pupils. Only the ones who are absolutely determined on becoming master goldsmiths.

Yeşim’s Istanbul:

Favorite neighborhoods:Old neighborhoods by the Bosphorus. Galata, Beyoğlu, the Grand Bazaar. The sahaf çarşısı (second-hand book sellers bazaar) in Beyazıt and Beyoğlu. Neighborhoods with bazaars, Kadıköy for example.

Favorite Turkish food: The food that you find in tradesmen’s restaurants, like eggplant kebab and rice.

Favorite restaurants:Tradesmen’s restaurants, specifically those in and around the Grand Bazaar, for example, Tarihi Subaşı Lokantası and Havuzlu.

Favorite place for breakfast: Saray Muhallebicisi. I love sahanda yumurta (Turkish-style eggs, sunny side up, fried with butter).

Favorite meyhane:The classsics, like Yakup and Refik.

Favorite Turkish artists: The late sculptor Kuzgun Acar for his steel work, the late Abidin Dino, especially his stage designs.

Favorite Turkish designers:Hüseyin Çağlayan.

Favorite Turkish directors:Fatih Akın and Ferzan Özpetek.

Favorite getaway from Istanbul:I get away without getting away – I miss the sea so I go to Ortaköy and Bebek.

What you love most about Istanbul:I love how it’s filled with surprises.

What you least love about Istanbul:It changes all the time.

First of all, congratulations on the award, which certainly serves as recognition of the hard work that you and your team have put in strengthening the bonds between Colombia and Turkey and integrating the Colombian community to the Turkish way of life. For how long have you held the position of Colombian Honorary Consul in Istanbul?

I’ve been the HonoraryConsul since 2008. My job consists of helping Colombian residents in Turkey, and representing and promoting the image of Colombia in Turkey.

And how long you have been living in Istanbul?

I came to Istanbul 33 years ago because I married a Turkish man.

So you’ve witnessed the major changes that Istanbul has seen?

Certainly. Istanbul has completely transformed in the past thirty years. Of course, when I first came here it was still a big city, but today it is so modern and cosmopolitan that it doesn’t resemble the city it was before. For example, I was pregnant when I got here in 1979. There were no supermarkets back then, so I asked somebody to help me at the local store to find some diapers. The stands of the stores were absolutely empty and I couldn’t find a disposable diaper! That is one example of what life was like back then. Now, the economic development is palpable in every street and every neighborhood of Istanbul. There weren’t even credit cards back then. Today, everybody has a credit card, or two, or three. But putting aside conveniences, people have always been the same here: incredibly nice and friendly.

How would you describe the current relations between Colombia and Turkey?

The relationship between the two countries is relatively new but they are excellent. Even though, some years ago Colombia and Turkey seemed worlds apart, in the last ten years, with the economic growth of both countries, commercial relations have strengthened. This has led to a series of conversations between senior trade negotiators who are currently working on a free trade agreement between the two countries. To be specific, Turkish exports to Colombia increased 133\\\\\\% in 2011 and imports from Colombia increased 175\\\\\\%. Flocks of businessmen are now flying from Colombia to work with new Turkish partners. Last month, Kadir Topbaş, the Mayor of Istanbul, went to Cartagena, Colombia where he held major tourism and business talks with representatives from the city, announcing the possibility of opening direct flights between the two countries.

That sounds exciting. There have been several cultural exchanges between Colombia and Turkey, like the Fernando Botero exhibition that was showcased in Pera Museum in 2010 with the support of the Honorary Consulate of Colombia (as well as The Spanish Embassy and Instituto Cervantes). Are there any plans to intensify the bilateral exchange?

There are currently various projects running. One of them is to get as many Colombian students come and learn about Turkey and Turkish culture through exchange programs in Turkey’s top-ranking universities. The rector of EAFIT University (one of the most important universities in Colombia) will come next month to visit some universities in Istanbul, such as Aydın University and Galatasaray University, to sign exchange agreements. In October, rectors from other Colombian universities will also come for the same reason. Also, the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries has also created enormous business opportunities by opening both markets to a host of business people. This has resulted in an influx of Colombian businesspeople coming to Turkey.

We’ve heard that you are publishing an online magazine called Colombianotas for the Colombian residents in Turkey. How did this idea come about?

(Laughter) In reality, Colombianotasis a newsletter that works rather as an informational bulletin, which I dream of turning into a magazine one day. We wanted to integrate the Colombian community in Turkey and that’s how the project started. It has been well received and has enjoyed a positive reception by the community. (To check out Olga’s newsletter, click here.)

How many Colombians live in Turkey and in Istanbul?

There is not an exact count but the community is certainly growing in Turkey. Many people come for professional commitments. There are also some Colombo-Turkish couples as well as some students.

If you have a guest coming to Istanbul, which tourist spots do you recommend them to go?

Well, it is very hard to answer this question with all the wonderful places there are to visit in Istanbul. The museums, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Grand Bazaar…all these places are incredible. Most people have no idea what the Grand Bazaar looks like and are overwhelmed when they see its beauty. All of Istanbul is truly magical.

Which local dishes do you recommend to your guests?

Kebab in all its varieties.

What about a restaurant or bar?

I highly recommend Mikla, Sunset, and Ulus 29 for their location, atmosphere, and food.

A good place to go shopping?

The Grand Bazaar, IstinyePark, Kanyon, and Nişantaşı, although good places for shopping can be found all around the city. I love IstinyePark because it is the one place where you can find everything from local and international food and ingredients to all the big local and international brands.

A good weekend getaway?

In the summer, I recommend spending a day at the beaches in Kilyos.

Anything you don’t like about the city?

As with every big city, the traffic here is horrible. But you learn your ways around it. As you get used to it, you know when not to take your car and rather take public transportation. For example, you know that it is impossible to go to the Grand Bazaar on Fridays as it is the day with the worst traffic.

How do you make money? How did you find your job? How much would you say is absolutely necessary to survive in the city?

Valerie Harrison: In the two and a half years that I’ve been in Istanbul, I have worked and made money through various positions. I found my first job as an English teacher, which is fairly easy to do for any native English speaker and was later fortunate enough to move onto positions in my desired field through a friend’s network. The sufficiency of a monthly salary depends on what sort of “survival” one is looking for, but I think realistically the bare minimum would be 1,500 TL a month, while also considering that it’s always best to have flexibility in your expenses because there is much to see and do.

Gillian Morris: Like my apartment, I found my work through contacts I made once I was already living in Istanbul. I'm a freelance writer, mostly creating reports about the energy sector in the Middle East. It doesn't take much to live in this city - I know people who live quite happily on $600 a month. It depends to a large degree on where you live and if you drink - alcohol is so expensive here!

Robert Morris: The default option for Anglophone ex-pats is English language teaching. Awide variety of companies serve many different markets. Some teach classes of children and adults the basics, while some find themselves well paid for private lessons polishing the English of already fluent executives. If you want a job in this field it is almost certainly available, withyour options depending on your background. I have met English teachers here who have not attained any schooling beyond high school. Basic English language knowledge is your ticket, and no experience is necessary.If you want to do something other than teach it is a bit more difficult. The answer is the same as anywhere else: “Network, Network, Network.” Some part-time English teaching might be a good way to broaden your network, but asurprising amount of people I know found their jobs in bars. I have an American legal degree, and have had some luck sending out resumes and cover letters, but if you do not have a graduate degree or some specialized experience, you should probably get an English teaching job to pay the bills, and then just keep your eyes open.

Aylin Erman: I came to Istanbul with only a few ideas of what I could possibly do. I made sure to connect with some people from my college’s alumni network and got the lowdown on what the market was like for English-speaking residents. Luckily, within the first week I arrived, I had several opportunities on the table. I find that English teaching is a great buffer while you get yourself situated and, if you enjoy the lifestyle, a great way to live in the city. If you want more structure, there are also opportunities that pop up here and there, but you have to keep engaging and reaching out.

What was the hardest part about moving to Istanbul?

VH: For me, the city first came across as vast and a bit overwhelming. However, with time, and once I settled down into my own neighborhood and became acclimated with my surroundings, that daunting feeling disappeared. The Turkish culture is very hospitable and even getting to know your neighbors is easy and helps to make you feel more at home.

GM: I didn't find it hard at all because I didn't have any idea how long I'd stay and didn’t feel like I'd made a huge shift. I gave myself three months to figure out a way to support myself, not sure I was going to make it - two and a half months in, I still hadn't found a good fit work-wise - I ended up getting lucky right attheend of my 'trial period'.

RM: The lack of ethnic food. Istanbul is a foodie’s paradise for about two months. The Mediterranean fare is lovely and the freshness and taste of the produce is extraordinary. I was a tomato lover back in the states, but on my last trip back I no longer ate the tasteless American varieties. If you cook for yourself, Istanbul offers affordable abundance, and many great markets. Unfortunately I’m a big consumer of delivery services, and appreciate a range of ethnic food, and Turkey doesn’t have that yet. You can find one or two decent examples of most types of food. Unfortunately they tend to onlybe decent and very expensive. Istanbul is a city of15-20 million people, and I can count the number of decent Sushi places on one hand. This situation is improving every day,butif you are used to the range of food options provided in any mid-sized American or European city, you will be disappointed. This is the only drawback I can think of.

AE: The bureaucratic system in Turkey is pretty annoying. In order to put a lease on my current apartment, I found myself in a 2-3 month stint of moving from one office to the next in order to obtain all the relevant permits and set up accounts for electricity, gas and water. At first it seemed like I never had the right form or was at the wrong office. Once this process was complete, however, life was good – save for the traffic!

Was it difficult to make friends with locals? How would you suggest doing so?

VH: I wouldn’t say it is necessarily difficult to make friends with locals but everyone’s situation will be different. Everyone comes to Istanbul for different reasons so will be faced with different social settings as a result. With that being said, searching for a room in shared flats with students or young professionals is a good way for meeting both international and Turkish friends. Most Turks who have a good grasp of English have many international friends, so finding a group of friends from many different nationalities is quite easy.

GM: It's not difficult at all to meet locals - they're all around! On the whole, Turks are very friendly and accessible: they'll invite you to dinner at their mother's house within minutes of meeting you. If you don't meet Turkish people through work or general socializing at bars, two professional networking organizations have frequent gatherings where you'll come into contact with lots of English-speaking Turks. Internations.com, technically an expat networking group, is in reality mostly Turkish, and meets up at least once a month. AlumniTurk, which is for anyone living here that has graduated from an American or European University, meets slightly less frequently.

RM:It is sometimes difficult to make friends with locals.  Some Turkish people will seek you out and are eager to make connections, while others are more reticent.  The best way to meet Turkish people is at work, because you instantly have something in common that crosses cultural lines, even if it’s just the same boss to complain about.  The people I met at my internship a year ago have been an incredible resource.

James Fish:I don't think it was easier or harder to make friends with people here than anywhere else, it's just a matter of being friendly yourself. Turkish people, especially people my age, are as friendly, if not friendlier, than many other places I've been and are willing to engage with you if you are with them. If you want to make friends with locals, I suggest just being open to new things, being willing to spend a little disposable income to go out in groups and meet new people, actively trying to learn and speak even a little Turkish, and not solely hanging out in the expat community; as easy or as comfortable as that may be.

AE:I was lucky to have a few Turkish friends who lived in the city, which has been absolutely ideal in terms of navigating a lot of the issues surrounding getting settled. I find that Turkish people are extremely friendly, but to tap into an already established friend group is a bit difficult and takes a bit more time. I find it easier to make everyday, light friends by just doing the daily grind, because people are so open and talkative here. However, finding a close-knit group is tough, as it is to newcomers anywhere else in the world.

How is your level of Turkish? Can you suggest places and/or ways that people can improve their Turkish skills? How do your language skills influence your life in Istanbul? What level of Turkish is necessary to function in the city?

VH: My Turkish is conversational; definitely not perfect but enough for me to understand and communicate most things. My suggestion for anyone who wants to improve their language skills is to completely immerse themselves in it. From music to books to films to a taxi driver chat, try to surround yourself with the language as much as possible throughout daily activities. Turkish is a really difficult language and takes a lot of patience so it is best to find ways that will fit into your day-to-day life. For beginners, the first few levels of a language course would of course be very useful as well. Having a good grasp of the language opens up a lot of different opportunities in the city. It allows you to expand your relationship with the culture in many different capacities. It is possible to function on very little but when it comes to issues such as landlords, maintenance, etc. it is essential to be able to communicate.

GM: Like everyone else, I wish my Turkish were better, but it's easy enough to get by with only a basic level. I learned a bit of Turkish throughthe Pimsleur language tapes, Rosetta Stone, andtheFono series of books.TheFono, which are basic stories in ascending level of difficulty, have been really instructive. I took some classes at Kedicat language school, which I thought were excellent, but I like working at my own pace more thantheclassroom setting.

RM:Turkey is a metropolis that has gone through a population explosion. Much of the population is either one generation removed or has come directly from the fields of Anatolia. The English language base is much lower than that in any European capital and many Middle Eastern cities. This can be challenging, but as long as you keep a positive attitude it can be very amusing.

The Turkish taxi drivers have been my greatest teachers. If you learn the phrase “Turkce ogrenmeyi calisiyorum” (“I am working on learning Turkish”), most will be amused and struggle through a conversation with you. An added benefit of this approach is the fact that I am the only expat I know without a cab driver horror story. If you establish that you are interested and local enough to at least attempt to learn they are much less likely to rip you off. I have heard good things about the Dilmer language learning school, but haven’t given them a try yet.

AE:I luckily had grown up speaking Turkish, since my father is from Turkey. However I still have an American accent and am by no means a “local” in terms of understanding the range of nuances the language offers. I find that knowing Turkish definitely helps to handle certain situations, but I notice that many people get on well without knowing a lick of it. It really depends on how you create your bubble within the city and who you choose to surround yourself with and the places you venture to. I would suggest taking lessons at One World Language School, which is self-tailored and really affordable.

What has surprised you the most about Istanbul? Politically, religiously, economically and culturally?

VH: I was quite familiar with Turkey’s political and economic situation before coming to live here, so it wasn’t much of a surprise. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Istanbul has much to offer in regards to its contemporary art scene, live international music scene, seasonal film festivals, exciting nightlife, etc, since I was merely expecting to see historical landmarks (of which, of course, there are many). It is truly impossible to get bored in Istanbul and each week brings new cultural offerings and events.

GM: What's surprised me most about Turkey is how homogeneous it is. Everyone talks about Turkey being a crossroads of civilizations, where East meets West, and I expected Istanbul to be much more diverse than it is. True, there are quite a few Kurds, Greeks, and Armenians, and a smattering of European expat, but there's almost no one from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, or Latin America.

RM:The bookstores have been very surprising, and the range of books available has been shocking. Walking through big Barnes & Noble-type chain book stores like D&R is humbling. They are filled with serious works of philosophy and history that would be out of place in a similar American store. It's not that I have seen anyone reading them but at least all of these great books are offered.

JF:How enjoyable life is here! I had heard it was great, but it's completely different to have arrived and started living in an area that's beautiful, vibrant, engaging, and full of potential in so many ways. I think the big surprise comes when you visit other parts of Turkey even only an hour or so outside Istanbul and realize that Turkey isn't just Istanbul, and Istanbul isn't Turkey - it's like visiting New York and thinking it's representative of all of America, never having seen the mid-west or southwest or deep south.

AE:I was surprised by how different Istanbul felt from the rest of Turkey. I am used to visiting the Black Sea region and life is a bit simpler and more traditional there, so moving to Istanbul wasn’t as big of a leap from NYC as I had thought it would be. Istanbul is super cosmopolitan and up-to-speed with the pop culture.

So…you’re an interior designer.

Yes. I graduated from the Interior & Spatial Design program of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, and came back to Istanbul to start working right away. I worked at Habif Mimarlık for five years, and recently quit to start my own business JK Mimarlık.

Tell us about JK Mimarlık a bit.

After working at Habif Mimarlık for 5 years (and I have to stay this experience was much like a continuing studies), it was quite an emotional journey to decide to quit and open my own space. I am grateful for my experience at Habif Mimarlık and proud to feel their support. At the same time, I’m very excited about my own company in which I take on new projects and challenges every day, from designing a small store in Osmanbey or a two-bedroom apartment in Ulus to a massive mansion or beauty salon.

What kinds of projects do you work on?

The majority of my past projects have been to design offices, stores, and apartments. However, in the past two years, I have taken on larger projects, doing the interior design and decoration of mansions (köşk) and waterfront houses (yalı).

Can you tell us about the 3D system that you use?

I learned about the 3D system through my colleague M. Pirhan Avşaroğlu. Basically, the system allows you to turn the highly technical 2D drawings into picture-like 3D images. These images allow the customer to get a clearer sense of what the place in question will look like.

What’s your understanding of interior design? What do you try to create in your work?

It’s really hard to describe but if I were to boil it down to a few words I’d say that my main goal is to create warm, cozy places that are livable rather than theatrical. My understanding of design is based on merging technology with the aesthetics of the past, taking advantage of a range of materials and using them efficiently.

What kinds of materials and colors do you prefer?

Natural materials like stone and wood. I often use earth tones with spurts of color (like a colored couch on an otherwise neutral room).

Have you always dreamed about becoming an interior designer?

I was interested in art since primary school, and what started as a passion for painting in my teens later became a drive to create beautiful spaces. This urge to create, to turn my dreams into reality, makes my life more enjoyable, and I can’t think about doing anything else but this.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from the venue itself – I first get to know the place and try to understand its relationship with its surroundings. I start to imagine the venue without any limitations. After taking into account the needs of the venue’s owner, I begin the process of designing and constructing a reality out of my dreams.

Does Istanbul serve as a source of inspiration?

I consider it a luxury to be an interior designer in Istanbul - living in such a cosmopolitan city with a patchwork history is inspirational in and of itself. I don’t necessarily go to a specific neighborhood or area to get inspired - I am thrilled by the idea that I never know what expects me in Istanbul.

Architecturally speaking - which parts of Istanbul do you like the most?

Yeniköy, Arnavutköy, Çengelköy, Beyoğlu, Galata, Topkapı. Because these neighborhoods are either located by the water and/or have great historical character.

Which buildings or venues do you like the most?

The building that Stanton Williams designed for University Arts London Central Saint Martins and the Taşkışla building of the ITU architecture department continues to amaze me every time I pass by it. I also really like 11 11 Lincoln in Miami.

What are the details that strike you most when you enter a venue for the first time?

The lighting, how the space has been used, the choice of materials and the combination of those materials.

Can you name some Turkish architects or architectural offices that you like?

Autoban, Habif Mimarlık, and Arolat Mimarlık , to name a few.

Joyce’s Istanbul

What you love most about Istanbul: I like how the city is sometimes so mysterious and surprising, and sometimes so predictable.

What you missed the most about Istanbul during your time abroad: The energy of the city.

Favorite spot for business dinners:Park Şamdan

After-work nibbles and drinks:Beymen Brasserie

Dancing:Bird

Romantic spot:Mimolette

Favorite place to hang out with friends:Delicatessen

Getaway from Istanbul:Güral Sapanca Wellness and Convention

Favorite Turkish tavern: Münferit

Favorite bar:Biber

Favorite breakfast/brunch venue: Backyard

Lunch:Delicatessen

Dinner:Kahraman

Favorite place to enjoy the amazing views of Istanbul:Müzedechanga and Sunset

Joyce Kohen can be contacted at joyce@jkmimarlik.com.

During this time, she began to travel extensively and collect pieces of ethnic art and jewelry. She says that one of the things that she appreciates most about African art is that everything has a function, and even the most beautiful objects are made to be used, to have a purpose in daily life. Upon her return to Istanbul, Verda started working in the shipping sector, but eventually took the big step to leave the corporate world and start her own jewelry company, Tohum. Tohum means seed in Turkish, and the pieces reflect the simple beauty found in nature. The Tohum philosophy celebrates the individuality of the wearer. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind object inspired by the natural beauty of the materials used as well as the personality of the person for whom it is designed, and is often inspired by ethnic adornment pieces.

During her travels, Verda discovered unusual items, such as 19th-century West African trade shells, and wanted to make these beautiful items wearable. Therefore, her first pieces were built from old stones and shells, fossils, and crystals. Some pieces are subtler, while others use more striking colors and materials, such as fossilized coral or an unusual shell known as Hippo Tooth. She only uses 925 carat silver, not gold, in her designs, because her pieces are meant for every woman.In fact, one of her favorite pieces in her collection is a very simple ring made with an almond still in its shell, encased in a thin band of silver. The almond itself has no real value but it is still a strikingly beautiful piece thanks to the use of natural materials and the simplicity of the design.

Although it was not easy to transition from being an employee to being an entrepeneur, Verda has enjoyed a considerable amount of success over a relatively short period of time.Soon after founding her company, she put together an Inspiration Exhibition for Pearlfisher, a London-based design and branding company, and later on the same company designed her brand for her.Verda strongly feels that Tohum should not be a trendy brand, and instead focuses on bespoke pieces. All of the pieces are handcrafted, and while Verda herself has studied jewelry making, she currently concentrates on the business end of the company. Her pieces are all made in a workshop in the Grand Bazaar, where she works with an Armenian craftsman who has been in the same workshop for the past 30 years.

I asked Verda some questions about Istanbul and what makes the city special for her:

What is your earliest memory of Istanbul?

Going to Sultanahmet as a young girl, visiting the Archeology Museum, Yerebatan Saray, and listening to classical music concerts at Aya Irini Church.

What do you love about the city?

The mixture that you have here – Istanbul is a spicy city.

What do you least love?

That there are too many people here who are not aware of what is going on around them.

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul?

The old city – Sultanahmet, especially early in the morning, because of the textures, feelings, and the Aya Sofya. Also Arnavutköy and Teşvikiye/Maçka.

Favorite Turkish foods?

Being more of a vegetable person, I like dishes like Türlü, but also Patlıcanlı Kebab.

What’s your favorite place to eat breakfast?

Karaköy Namlı and Lokanta Maya in Karaköy.

What are your favorite restaurants?

Karaköy Lokantasi and X Restaurant.

What food do you miss the most when away from Istanbul?

The air that I breathe.

Favorite view in the city?

Crossing the Galata Bridge going to work in Sultanahmet. Every day I appreciate it.

Favorite break in Istanbul?

Having tea at Sepetçiler Kasrı.

Favorite Turkish designers?

Hussein Chalayan and my uncle, the interior designer Kalef Alaton, who has sadly passed away.

Were you an artistic child?

I don’t know. Not necessarily, but maybe. I was always different, different things interested me.

Do you have any new projects you are planning for the future?

There are currently no galleries in Istanbul that specialize in African art. That is something that I would like to work on, to open such a space.

For more info on Tohum, please click here!

How did you start to play the piano?

My mother bought me a toy piano when I was one year old, and I played it all day long, imitating my mother's singing and improvising. At the age of four, I started taking lessons from a professional teacher. She always encouraged me to play what I wanted to play.

How do you learn to play pieces? Do you prefer to listen to recordings or does someone analyze the piece for you?

I learn by means of braille, in addition to another method used by my teacher. I ask my assistants to record the music onto a cassette, hands separately. They play the right hand part and record it, then the left hand part. It’s necessary to make two different recordings because each hand plays notes in different octaves. After my assistants have made the recording, they split the music into smaller sections, and add comments about the composer’s markings. In order to perceive the music as clearly and accurately as possible, I ask them to avoid adding their own interpretations when making these recordings. After memorizing the recordings, I try to combine the sounds of each hand and distinguish them from each other, and in this way create my own musical interpretation.

Your sense of hearing is very acute. Are you able to tell when an audience is particularly moved or excited?

Yes, I can pick up on signals that the audience is moved, surprised, or carried away by the rhythm of the piece. If I perceive positive reactions from the audience, it encourages me a great deal.

What did you think about your audiences in Istanbul?

I found them to be very warm. It was a great pleasure to play for them.

How did you come to give a concert in Istanbul?

I had never been to Istanbul before. Istanbul was a city that I really wanted to give a concert in. I received an invitation to come here – and here I am.

What things do you pay attention to when trying to learn about a city you’re visiting for the first time?

In order to get a sense of what a city is like, I go for a walk. I listen to its sounds; I try to feel its breezes and smell its odors.

How would you describe the sound of Istanbul?

As far as I can tell, Istanbul has a cacophonic sound.

What have you done here in Istanbul aside from your concert?

After the concert we went to Kumkapı and had hamsi kuşu (stuffed and fried anchovies), calamari, shrimps with garlic, and cold meze. We listened to gypsy music and had a great time – we even got up and danced.

The next day we went to the İstanbul Müzik Merkezi in Tünel and tried out Turkish instruments: the saz, the davul [drum], and the zurna [Turkish woodwind instrument]. I had played Mozart’s Alla Turca Rondo in the concert...and now that I’ve tried out these instruments I can better internalize and understand the piece, because I have heard real “alla turca” sounds.

Finally, we went to the Hacı Baba Restaurant and ate Adana Kebap, Kuzu Şiş, and Hünkar Kebabı with eggplant. I liked it a lot.

Aside from playing the piano, what activities do you enjoy?

As I never get tired of playing the piano, I can’t imagine not playing. But I like to swim in order to rejuvenate myself. When I have time, I enjoy leaving the city and listening to the songs of the birds, the murmuring of the rivers, the blowing of the winds. All these things inspire me to compose short pieces.

Do you have an iPod? What musicians do you listen to on your iPod?

Yes, I have an iPod. It’s full of all sorts of music, especially classical music – Chopin, Debussy.

What inspires you to compose?

When I go for a walk in the woods, I listen to the sound of the running water, the wind blowing through the leaves...the trees...the birds. I love nature, and when I compose music I am inspired by these sounds. [Nobu played his own composition at the end of his concert on Friday as an encore.]

Who are your favorite composers?

Debussy, Chopin and Beethoven. I feel that Chopin and Beethoven are closer to my heart.

Who is your favorite Turkish musician?

I really enjoy listening to Fazıl Say.

Who is Rozit?

Rozit is a 27 year-old Istanbul native who has been working as a furniture designer in New York for the past five years. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to become a designer and honed her craft in art studios during grade school and high school, and at summer programs at Pratt and the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She credits the rigorous undergraduate program at RISD (especially its initial “foundation year”) with giving her invaluable hands-on training, as well as teaching her to think in a structured way.

Her award-winning work

Rozit won Interior Design Magazine’s “Best Product of the Year Award” for her Melina Dresser (for Modernlink) and her OSS Seating Unit (for Dune), in November of 2006 and 2008 respectively. One of Rozit’s most innovative designs, the “Spiral Table” was showcased during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York in 2011 at an offsite venue. Her work has been written about in Domino, Dwell, Elle Décor, IDMagazine, Interior Design, and the New York Times.

What is she doing now?

In addition to her tumbler stool project, Rozit is currently commissioned by high-profile interior design offices for furniture consultation and custom design work. She is now working on the interior decoration of a number of summer houses in the Hamptons as well as a townhouse in Soho that she describes as “modern but glamorous.”

Rozit’s Istanbul

Every time Rozit visits Istanbul—which she does approximately every three months—she is struck by the changes it has undergone. It always appears cleaner, with more roads, more parks, and more greenery. The longer-term changes in the city are harder for Rozit to put into words: in her opinion, “what has changed is me.”

Here is what Rozit had to say about the city that inspires her:

What is your earliest memory of Istanbul?

A ferry ride to Büyükada...the moment when the boat hit the shore.

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul?

Galata, Cihangir, and Şişhane. They’re so old, with so much history. Also Balat and Hasköy—these places will be the next Cihangir, in my opinion.

What’s your favorite place to eat breakfast?

Bebek Kahve.

Lunch?

Atik Büfe in Nişantaşı.

Dinner?

Münferit—they have such an interesting selection of food.

Brunch?

Kale, by the water...plus all those new cafes in Cihangir. They have a more “brunchy” feel.

What food do you miss the most when away from Istanbul?

Tost(grilled cheese sandwich). And simit (Turkish bagel).

Favorite view in the city?

Crossing the Haliç Bridge. And the view from Hamdi Restaurant.

Favorite getaway location in Turkey?

Bozcaada, but I’ve also heard great things about Cunda Adası. Haven't been yet.

Favorite day-trip location in Istanbul?

Büyükada.

Favorite bar?

Lokal. You can sit outside if you want, but the interior is also full of history. The architecture, the tiles – everything about it is great. So is the food.

Favorite meyhane?

Mekan...they have Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian food.

Favorite Turkish designer?

I don’t really like picking favorites, but I likeAUTOBAN's style.There are a lot of young designers, too, who people aren’t aware of. We must promote younger talent. There’s amazing work coming from them that needs to be recognized.

What do you miss most about Istanbul in general?

The connection between people.

Breakfast:Mangerie, Van Kahvaltı Evi, Kaymakçı Pando

Lunch : Hacı Salih Lokantası, Hacı Abdullah Lokantası, Hünkar, Karadeniz Pidecisi

Dinner: Karaköy Lokantası and Maya Lokanta

For meat: Günaydın and Kanatçı Haydar

Classic Turkish food:

Z: “My mother’s eggplant pilaf, meatballs, and shepherd’s salad”

E: ayran aşı (a regional cold summer soup hailing from the eastern city of Van)

Turkish ingredient: Oregano and sundried red chili peppers

Where they shop: Kastamonu Pazarı on Sundays (for regional mushrooms), Perşembe Pazarı on the Asian Side, Kolaylar Manavı in Arnavutköy

Favorite Dish at Backyard and Nuteras:

Z: “I suggest mücver (baked vegetable patty) and scallops at Backyard.”

E: “I love trying a range of flavors so I suggest ordering appetizers to share.”

Located in the Bebeköy neighborhood of Etiler, Backyard is a restaurant/café/relaxationcenter with a truly your-own-backyard-like kind of atmosphere. The large, green backyard, the cushions, the lounge chairs, the patio all add up to create one of the most chill-out environments in the midst of the city. Oh, and did we mention the breathtaking view?

In this warm and inviting place, the menu (which ranges from Turkish classics to international fare) focuses on natural and organic produce, and many of the ingredients are sourced from co-owner Zeynep Moroğlu’s family farm in Çatalca.

We started this week with a breakfast at Backyard and got to meet the creators behind this gem of a place. Just like the place, owners and chefs Zeynep Moroğlu and Esra Muslu are quite the warm and laid-back people. Once you meet them, it becomes clear how Backyard was created: from the ideals and principles that both Zeynep and Esra live by.

So here is an insider’s look into Zeynep, Esra, Backyard, and this whole organic deal.

Zeynep’s food journey began as a result of coincidence. She had always loved eating but didn’t necessarily grow up with a love of cooking. While she was working in finance in the States, her father fell ill and she wanted to offer him something other than a get-better meal and dived into the kitchen to create something different. And that, Zeynep says, marks the day her food journey began.

After spending several years living in the States, she came back to Turkey and became a partner at the first branch of the House Cafe chain. By then, her love affair with food had taken a serious turn, and she went to San Francisco to study baking and pastry.

A former theater make-up artist, Esra’s story is similar to Zeynep’s in the sense that her food journey began as a result of coincidence as well. Esra spent three months in London, where her homestay family’s life revolved around food and cooking. This rubbed off on Esra, and what began as a hobby later became a passion and profession. She went to Melbourne to study the art of cooking and later returned to Istanbul.

Having come back home from two far corners of the world, Esra and Zeynep met and decided to work together and created Backyard.

Having spent such considerable time abroad, we wondered what they love about Turkish culture and Zeynep replied: the concept of family, the close-knit relationships, and the values that are still going strong. Even if they chose to leave Turkey for other countries, they came back having gained new perspectives and opened up their horizons. Now, they are paying it forward.

Zeynep explains that they learned to respect nature when abroad, and they’re trying to continue to do so here. An example of this is the organic bazaar held at Backyard every Sunday around 4pm. Going on until around 6pm, the bazaar is made up of a small stand where they sell what they grow at their garden as well as at Zeynep’s family farm in Çatalca. The products on sale include fresh spices, beans, a variety of cheese, jams, freshly-squeezed fruit juices, freshly-baked breads, and much more.

But it’s not just on Sundays that you can buy the goodies at Backyard. Their breads and pastry products, which are also sold at other cafes like Pop Up and Fudu, are also on sale on a daily basis.

With cooking as their pride, passion, and profession, we wondered whether the duo cooks at home. They both smile at the question, nodding no. And it’s not because they get tired of cooking, they just don’t have the time.

That’s probably because when they’re not working in the kitchen, they’re busy coming up with new ideas and getting inspired for new dishes. So we ask them who or what their muses are. They are big fans of the owners of River Café in London. They closely follow the likes of Anna Olson and Jamie Oliver. They also embark on gourmet holidays to Spain (Donostia-San Sebastián), England (London), France, the Far East, and Africa (Morocco).

When asked about the books that keep making their way to their nightstands, Zeynep picks Nick Malgieri and Andrew Whitley’s books, while Esra swears by Gordon Ramsey’s books and Grand Livre De Cuisine by Alain Ducasse. They both love A Day at elBulli by Ferran Adrià, Albert Adrià, and Juli Soler, which is a photographic journey into how a restaurant functions.

Speaking of journeys, Backyard is about to take a new turn come fall. The patio will be covered on all sides to become a restaurant, while the indoor dining area will turn into a neighborhood bar where customers will be able to enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace after work. Keep following us to get the scoop on what will happen at Backyard.

They are witty, cool, and love to discover Istanbul. Meet the town’s newest residents. These guys can spot what’s in, what’s out, and what’s edgy in Istanbul. We asked them about their favorite spots in town and here is what they had to say.

Alex Varlık (Businessman)

Perfect casual dinner: Karaköy Lokantası, Karaköy

“Beautiful street terrace, excellent mezes (Turkish-style appetizers), and very good service! I love the streets of Karaköy!”

Perfect drink: Delicatessen, Nişantaşı

“Delicatessen is like my second living room, my favorite place in Istanbul to have a glass of wine and a cheese plate. Great place, great location, and very interesting cosmopolite customers! Elif and Barış are doing an excellent job.”

Favorite for seafood: Cibalikapı Balıkçısı, Haliç

“Cibalikapı has a beautiful location by the Golden Horn, very charming place, good service, and very different and tasty mezes and fish.”

Ray Rizzo (Yoga Trainer/ Healing Arts, MAC)

Most relaxing night out: Having fish and meze in Yeniköy

“Great food, no crowd, no traffic.”

For a massage: Nu Spa, Bebeköy/G-Mall/Kanyon

“That’s where I work and the therapists are great.”

Favorite grocery store: IstinyePark Bazaar

“IstinyePark Bazaar is more expensive but the quality is amazing.”

Daniel Stork (Cultural Attaché, Embassy of the kingdom of the Netherlands)

Favorite place for a beer: Otto Sofyalı / Otto Santral

“Otto Sofyalı and Santral are the best places for a beer with their great interiors, good lighting, good live music, and delicious pizzas. Also, Sofyalı is right in the middle of the best neighborhood in town right now. The crowd is a nice mix of hipsters, artsy folks, and foreigners with the odd Galatasaray player.”

Best gallery: Gallery NON

“Run by Derya Demir and Barış, NON is a gallery in the burgeoning gallery street Boğazkesen, small but with a great selection of Turkish artists. Many of the shows are very engaged and rather political, which makes them quite interesting. As a nonconformist gallery, NON has showcased some foreign shows including many by Dutch artists—there is also one coming up in September during the Biennial.”

Best clothes shopping: Mavi

“If I need something I usually go to Mavi, which is cool, good-value, and fine quality.”

Burcu in Short

Reads: Everything and everyone; among her favorites are Italo Calvino, Charles Baudelaire, Rabindranath Tagore, Cemal Süreyya, Nazım Hikmet, Atilla İlhan, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Watches: Films (not TV shows). Among her favorites are—Requiem for a dream, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Dancer in the Dark, The Return, Amelie, 21 grams, The Lord of the Rings, Memento, Wall-e, and Ice Age.

Listens to: Mostly classical music and jazz; her all-time favorites are Pink Martini, Buena Vista Social Club, Nils Petter, Erykah Badu, Tori Amos; her latest addictions are Nouvelle Vague and Adelle.

Gets inspired by: The streets of Istanbul, her dreams, the night, blogs (http://inspiredme.tumblr.com/, ffffound.com, http://www.behance.com/).

Goes to: Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Moda, Çengelköy, Arnavutköy, Ortaköy, Caddebostan, Galata, Tünel, Sultanahmet.

Likes: Pastel colors, especially brown, green, and blue.

Plays: The guitar to relax and unwind. Works: All the time, but prefers to work at night.

Recommends: Putting some music on and dancing in the room to revamp and get back to work.

If you’ve ever thought about chucking the TV out of the window, here is a very good reason: it leaves room for all the creative things that you always wanted to do. That’s at least what the young graphic designer/illustrator Burcu Günister does: without a TV to zap channels on, Burcu spends all her time feeding her soul.

An all-around artist who illustrates, does graphic design, and writes; Burcu was born in the northwestern city of İzmit and came to Istanbul in 2004 to study graphic design at the Fine Arts Faculty of Marmara University. Although not an Istanbul native, she is enchanted by the beauty of Istanbul, from where she gets most of her inspiration.

After finishing her BA in 2009 (which she graduated from at the top of her class), she began her Master’s degree in graphic design. She’s now writing her thesis on the effect of microstock sites (websites that sell images) on graphic design—a topic that has not been researched before.

She took the first steps of her successful career in primary school where her talent was discovered and encouraged by her art teacher. Burcu says that her teacher inspired and urged her to pursue a career in art. Now, when she looks back at her paintings from primary school she realizes that what she was painting then was in fact a form of illustration.

That’s why she enrolled in a vocational high school, studying graphic design at a young age and realizing that this is what she’s meant to do. She tells me that, after completing high school, she didn’t even consider doing anything else; it was a natural progression for her to go on to study graphic design at university. “This is what I’m meant to do,” she says, “this is a lifestyle, not a job.”

As she was preparing for university, it was her art teacher caricaturist Muhammet Şengöz that taught her how to think and look at the world. She says that “my time with Mr. Şengöz was one of the turning points in my life.”

A very disciplined and energetic young woman, Burcu has prospered in university, winning several logo competitions. She continues to overachieve in all aspects of her life. For example, in June, she’s headed to Cannes to compete at the Cannes Young Lions Competition in the short film category to execute a creative project in 48 hours.

She currently works as the art director at Publicis Bold while also being involved in freelance illustration and logo projects. She explains that she has a growing interest in typography and aims to improve herself in this area.

She is still ambivalent about which road she’ll take in the future; she doesn’t like limiting herself and wants to run free. But she does stress the fact that she wants to stay within the advertising industry as she finds the force and effect of advertising too appealing, as well as the process of finding an idea and being involved in the creative process.

She also dreams of working in interdisciplinary projects in the future, hopefully getting a chance to be involved in projects in which she can blend her two passions: illustration and typography.

A lover of all things chaotic and dynamic, she loves the energy of Istanbul, especially the areas where the beautiful and the ugly coexist. Istanbul is not just her inspiration but also the topic of most of her projects. In the past, she created a 3-D pop-up book on Istanbul and hand-made postcards. In the future, she’d like to work on a project in which she can illuminate Istanbul without its icons, with all its nakedness.

(To see more of Burcu’s work, check out www.behance.net/burcugunister.)