Rose tea: You’ve heard about the famous apple tea, and probably bought it at the Egyptian Bazaar. You’ve drank brewed tea at most of the restaurants that you’ve been to in Istanbul. But you probably haven’t tried out rose tea, which not only looks absolutely romantic but also tastes great. Buy a bag of dried rose buds (you can get 100gr for 15 TL at Arifoğlu, and can find it at Zencefil Aktar as well), add 2-3 buds into a cup of boiling water. Let it brew for a few minutes and enjoy.

Rose Flavored Turkish Delight: Pistachio-filled Turkish Delights are to die for. No question there. But the rose-flavored ones, with their pink jelly-cious interior and dusty exterior make a delicate, elegant, and delicious little dessert. Only for 7 TL a box at Malatya Pazarı.

Rose jam: Have it for breakfast with cheese, add a spoonful in yogurt for a sweet snack, or top it on top of a piece of buttery bread for a lighter dessert. Buy a jar for 6 TL at Kafkas and savor it the way you like.

Rose water: Rose water is used for cooking as well as skin care. Rose is very beneficial for the skin as it has rejuvenating qualities. You can buy the all-natural Rosense brand rosewater for 9.90 TL at Arifoğlu and use it as your daily skin care product. (Rosense brand carries a range of other rose products for skin and body care.) Cihangir’s Vie En Rose is sort of a modern-day apothecary selling essential oils, soaps, and creams, and rose is the primary ingredient used in their products. Take your pick from their range, from organic rose water to rose cream and rose facial scrub (20 - 40TL). You can also find a variety of rose products for skin and body care, such as massage and body oil, Japanese incense, hand wash, body lotion, bath salt, and soap (15 TL - 85 TL) at Simple Life.

Gülabdan: Gülabdan is an Ottoman-era pear-shaped bottle, often made of silver or ceramics, which was used to pour or sprinkle rose water. An almost forgotten object today, during Ottoman times, gülabdan was used to offer rose water to houseguests, a revered tradition at the time. You may not necessarily use it for the same purpose now, but it certainly makes for a great decorative object or gift. You can find it at silverware stores at the Grand Bazaar, such as Süren Gümüşçü, or you can search for it at antique stores. Paşabahçe also has one in their Ottoman collection (it’s a limited edition). The prices for gülabdan are quite high, ranging around 400-600 TL.

Rose Candle: Lokum Istanbul is famous the world over, especially for its Turkish delights. (And this is no exaggeration considering its first international branch opened in London a few months ago.) Among the unique range of scents of Lokum’s candles, you’ll find what’s called Rumi’s Rose, sold for 35 TL. Light it up, inhale the rose in, and relax. While you’re shopping at Lokum Istanbul, make sure you take a look at their rose-flavored akide şekeri (traditional hard candy), sold for 48 TL.

Rose-flavored ice-cream: Move the chocolate, the vanilla, and the caramel aside, and go straight for the rose next time you’re out for a cone of ice-cream. We suggest you head to Istanbul Culinary Institute’s restaurant Enstitü, or to Bebek’s organic ice-cream shop Migone for a scoop.

Rose Parfait: Müzedechanga is an Istanbul classic, and now that the weather is warm enough, it’s the perfect spot for a rose dessert. Next time you’re there, try their Wafer Halva and Rose Parfait Sandwich with Strawberry & Raspberry Sauce – it’s a perfect mix of crunchiness, coolness, and sweetness. (Available only during summer, starting in June.)

Rose Petal Pudding Recipe: Try your hand at a dish made of roses. This Rose Petal Pudding Recipe, by Gönül Paksoy, is a beautifully-presented, tasty delight perfect for summer parties.

And that’s why you will be very happy to know that a vintage sunglasses shop called Fashion @ Eye popped up in Karaköy recently, and by the looks of it, it’s here to stay. Located in one of the stores in the Fransız İş Hanı (two shops away from Bej Kahve and Kağıthane), this pop-up shop is owned and operated by a journalist-turned-PR professional-turned image consultant-turned academician-turned, as the Turkish media calls him, the eyewear guru.

The multi-talented and very friendly Hakan San is the son of an optician couple who are also enthusiastic collectors. After working at a variety of other jobs, Hakan kind of fell into that one thing that has made him happy since he was a kid: glasses. Three years ago, he resurrected his father’s collection, and started selling them at a number of events, like the 2010 Freshtival, and also began blogging about his passion (click here to take a look at Hakan’s blog). He even put up a stand in the Feriköy Flea Market but he closed it down after realizing that the market wasn’t the place for vintage sunglasses. His mother, who wasn’t happy about his PhD son selling glasses from a stand in the market, was, most probably, pretty relieved.

The glasses at this pop-up store, known as Fashion @ Eye, are sought after by you, me, famous TV stars, and anyone who is into the cool and the vintage. Due to high demand, the collection changes all the time (every two weeks, to be exact), so if you see something you like, you better buy it on the spot. And Hakan makes buying very easy, first with his expertise in what suits your style and face, and secondly with his prices. The most expensive piece in the collection right now is 450TL.

You’ll find very 21^st-century-friendly old and original vintage sunglasses in his collection, mostly from the 70s and 80s. All the glasses have been upgraded to feature UV-protected lenses, and almost all of them have never been worn. Hakan rarely sells second-hand pieces, and if you happen to show interest in such a piece, he’ll let you know. For Hakan, glasses communicate one’s personality and view of the world in a very direct way. And he’s passionate about communicating personal style and individuality through fun pieces. So don’t be surprised when you see a plastic pair (with UV-protection lenses) for 50 TL next to Christian La Croix, Nina Ricci, Silhouette, and Porsche.

Keep an eye out for Hakan and his collection. He has great plans for the future, from opening a permanent shop in his current location to creating a limited collection with a Turkish designer.

Located in the Bosphorous neighborhood of Ortaköy and housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era mansion, Hazal Kilim & Halı is an established store known for the quality of its goods. Founded and run by the elegant Ms. Engin Demirkol for over 25 years, the shop specializes in carpets and kilims from Anatolia.

Over the years, Hazal Kilim & Halı has built a strong reputation with both locals and visitors, and they have a long list of loyal clientele. Ms. Demirkol has spent the last two decades carefully choosing each item to build up her distinctive collection, travelling through the countryside to hunt for the best carpets and kilims that Anatolia has to offer. Her daughter Hazal whom the shop is named after has also joined the family business.

After having established a strong presence in the carpet industry, Ms. Demirkol has now started to branch out into other products, using her incredibly rich stock of carpets and textiles to create her own custom-made pieces. As well as one-of-a-kind cushions made from antique fabrics that are interwoven with new materials, she also creates original carpets, often working with her daughter.

Unlike traditional patchwork carpets which consist of a number of smaller pieces, usually taken from various old carpets, the pieces at Hazal Hali tend to use larger pieces and work with the character of the original carpets. While some pieces blend several different carpets and tapestries to striking effect, other will take the existing beauty of an antique carpet and compliment it with something as simple as a bit of embroidery and a lining.

Over the years it has become harder and harder to find good quality antique carpets as the sources have dried up. And at the same time, Ms. Demirkol has noticed a current trend in which consumers are turning away from more traditional carpets and motifs and are instead interested in more modern and innovative creations, with such carpets becoming increasingly in demand. No doubt, a part of the reason that such carpets are so popular is the fact that they fit in very well with the décor of modern homes.

Indeed, many of Ms. Demirkol’s carpets are more like pieces of modern art, reminiscent of Rothko paintings with their bold color blocks. These unique works of art would certainly fit into even the most modern and minimalistic interiors. After working in the sector for many years, Ms. Demirkol not only has an incredible wealth of knowledge on Turkish carpets and textiles, but also a very keen eye for fabrics that complement each other and work well together. The pieces all have the rich and deep colors of natural root dyes.

The majority of Ms. Demirkol’s pieces originate from Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, and she is more than happy to explain the unique history behind each item. As for Hazal Hali’s range of cushions, these are nothing like the mass-produced version you find in most shops. Each one is an original, and often, a sample is designed for clients, and then Ms. Demirkol creates bespoke pieces based on their tastes and requests.

Many new customers come to the store through word of mouth, and are quickly impressed byMs. Demirkol’s love of carpets and textiles, and often share her passion. Her philosophy for shopping is that when buying a carpet or cushion, you should always buy a piece that you absolutely love. With so many unique designs to choose from, the hardest part could well be not finding a piece you love, but deciding which one to take home.Mecidiyeköy Köprüsü Sokak No.9 Ortaköy; P: (0212) 261 72 33

So next time you’re in need of an impressive bouquet to set things right, take a look at our list of best florists in Istanbul.

Flower House: Flower House takes a wild approach to flower arranging by sprucing up bouquets and arrangements with colorful, fresh-from-the-garden flowers. From gorgeously simple to the naturally quirky, you’ll find just what you’re looking for at Flower House.Yıldız Mahallesi Ihlamur Caddesi No.3/A, Beşiktaş; P: (0212) 259 29 17

Lisan-ı Ezhar: Lisan-ı Ezhar translates into "language of the flower," a title befitting of this special flower shop. Owned by a sculptor, who uses specially imported flowers from Holland, the store boasts unique creations that range from bouquets to arrangements and everything in between. Köybaşı Caddesi No.88/2A, Yeniköy; P: (0212) 299 04 03

Ege Soley: After trainingas a florist in the romantic city of Paris, Ege Soley returned to Istanbul in 2011 and opened up Ege Soley Event & Corporate Flowering in Akaretler. A strong believer in simplicity with a passion to bring beauty to the world, Soley creates colorful and elegant bouquets that make a strong statement with their humility. Süleyman Seba Caddesi No. 83/A, Akaretler; P: (0212) 227 09 22

Gönül Paksoy is considered one of the doyennes of the Turkish fashion industry, known for her unique aesthetic and designs. However, in many ways, Paksoy is not your typical fashion designer. Apart from her clothing and jewelry designs, she has also written a number of cookbooks. What also sets Paksoy apart is her background: she holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and was a professor at Adana’s Çukurova University for many years prior to moving to Istanbul and starting her fashion business.

When I spoke to Paksoy, I asked how she made the career leap from an academic living in Adana to an Istanbul-based fashion designer. Paksoy explains that she has been painting since she was a child and comes from an artistic family — both her brothers are artists. When deciding what to study, she chose chemistry but continued to have a strong interest in the arts. During her graduate studies, she took some art classes on the side, drawing in her free time.

When she made her move to Istanbul, she initially had the idea of working with carpets and kilims, but then quickly moved into clothing design. She decided to apply her knowledge of chemical compounds and natural dyes to the production of clothing fabrics. All of her designs utilize 100\\\% natural dyes, and mostly antique fabrics. All of her pieces are original, hand-dyed, and hand-sown, using 100\\\% silk even for the thread and lining.

When I asked Paksoy why her designs have enjoyed so much success over the years, she said she thinks it is because her look is individual and unique, with all of her pieces one-of-a-kind. In creating her own style and trademark look, Paksoy believes, it is almost as if she has created her own culture. Indeed, Paksoy’s trademark look has remained much the same since the beginning of her career. It features the signature silhouette that she started with, which she has added to over the years. Her pieces are like a mosaic, she says; you can wear a piece from the latest collection along with something that she designed 22 years ago.

Paksoy is an avid collector of archeological objects and often draws her inspiration from this collection, while the minimalism of mystics’ clothes also influences her designs. Paksoy says that her math skills are tremendously helpful in her profession, because she usually works with antique fabrics and has to cut the fabrics very carefully, as every centimeter counts.

When I asked Paksoy about the profile of the women who wear her clothes, she explained that her customers are discerning women who care about value, quality, and originality of design, and that her clothes suit women of all ages. When it comes to her designs, Paksoy says, customers are not just buying clothes, but also buying pieces of art. Indeed, many of her pieces could best be described as wearable art, with the presentation of the store also contributing to this impression. Her boutique has an art gallery-like setting, with minimalist white walls and fewer items on display than most boutiques. The clothing, jewelry, and accessories are interspersed with antique carvings.

Remarkably, the Gönül Paksoy brand has achieved success without ever having had a marketing or advertising campaign. In fact, Paksoy tells me that she never sells her clothes through a third party and does not sell them abroad. However, her reputation has still grown internationally through her many exhibits abroad as well as her cookbooks. Her exhibits and aesthetic have been particularly popular in Japan. When asked why she thinks that is, she says she believes that being Asian is what she has in common with the Japanese, and that this influences her outlook and approach to design.

Cookbooks are something that Paksoy started working on later in her career. She was never actually taught to cook by anyone, but spent many years of her childhood watching her grandmother in the kitchen. She first started baking cookies and cakes, then began inviting friends over for dinner parties. These evolved into her legendary New Year’s parties, which she holds in her store. These grew each year, eventually reaching more than 100 guests, at which point it was suggested that she write a cookbook.

When she first made the decision to write a book, she approached her kitchen from a very academic point of view in order to articulate her cooking philosophy. Looking at her main ingredients, she saw that she used mostly vegetables and fruits and very little red meat, using fish and some poultry for protein. Unlike with most Turkish dishes, she does not use tomato-based sauces or garlic, and does not fry, preferring to steam dishes. For desserts, she does not use much dough, and instead creates milk- and fruit-based desserts. After examining all of her recipes, she decided to write her first cookbook, and has published many since then.

Paksoy has also published two unusual cookbooks, one on edible beads and the other on edible flowers. She also published a book on rag dolls she created that were sold at MoMA. The dolls evolved into a social responsibility project, as she used the proceeds to build a school library in the town of Ceyhan, where she was born. Paksoy believes that social responsibility and hard work are very important, and wants to give this message to young people through her books and her projects. Clearly, Paksoy is a designer with a different outlook on life than most, which comes across in her designs and her clothes.Atiye Sokak No. 6/A, Teşvikiye; P: (0212) 261 90 81

If you walk on Galip Dede Caddesi going down from İstiklal Caddesi (right by Tünel), you’ll see Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi on your left in a few minutes. Past Füreyya Balıkçısı right on the corner (a great option for lunch if you’re after tasty, fresh fish), you’ll see Atölye dö Bora, a second-hand store and a mini hair salon located underground, right below a butcher.This dimly-lit, out-of-a-movie-scene kind of vintage shop features a very well-chosen men’s section and a varied women’s section full of dresses, skirts, shoes, bags. You may come out of this store with some great vintage finds and even get a very funky (and short) haircut.

If you really enjoy vintage stuff, make sure you stop by Stok 60/70, a similiarly-hidden store a bit further down on this street. The store is full of mid-20th-century furniture and housewares from Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir that have been salvaged and renewed. You may end up finding that polka-dot armchair that you’ve been looking for since forever.

Vintage shopping aside, your next stop on Serdar-ı Ekrem is Lunapark. This is the kind of store that you can’t help but buy something before leaving it. It’s quite a unique store, specializing in items that are solely Turkish – by nostalgic Turkish brands or contemporary Turkish designers. Here, you’ll find a range of traditional and humorous products, from cosmetics, accessories, bags, and food to home décor, stationary, and books.

A few steps further down you’ll see Simay Bülbül. Simay Bülbül is a famous Turkish designer known for her extraordinary leather outfits. If you’re interested in seeing what Turkish designers are up to these days, make sure to check out jewelry designer Aida Pekin’s store (located all the way at the end of the street) and world-renowned designer Arzu Kaprol. There is also Building, selling a range of items (dresses, jewelry, accessories, shoes, bags) by Turkish designers, and Lilipud, which provides the outfits for the popular TV servies Muhteşem Yüzyıl, carries a very simply elegant range of clothing.

When you want to take a break from shopping/window-shopping, head to the nostalgic photography studio Giyçek. Dress up like an Ottoman Sultan or a külhanbeyi (the Ottoman version of a gang leader), and have fun getting your photo taken. Make sure you pay attention to the building that the studio is housed in. The building is called Doğan Apartmanı and its one of the historic buildings in the area that was built in 1895.

After your photo shoot, stop by Mavra, a cozy little cafe that has indulge-worthy appetizers, salads, pastas, and meat-heavy mains. It’s quite a calm café, often filled with its frequenters just typing away on their laptops or reading the day’s paper as if they are in their own living rooms.

Once you get going again, stop by Sofa Art & Antiques. This quirky little store has something for every taste and budget. It’s kind of a mythical treasure box, with each corner hiding an unexpected find, both old and new. This may be a sculpture, a mirror, or maybe a piece of jewelry.

Last but not least, go into Atelier 55, a very elegant boutique selling clothing, jewelry, and home décor items by Turkish as well as international designers, uch as Bora Aksu, Batya Kebudi, Misela, R Y Augousti, Umit Benan, and Charlotte Olympia.

At the end of this fun but possibly tiring day, reward yourself with a glass of champagne and a very very good mousse au chocolat at the charming Le Fumoir (the bar/restaurant/lobby of Georges Hotel).

Atölye dö Bora,Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No.8/A, Galata; P: (0212) 243 08 12

Lunapark, Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No. 17/B, Galata; P: (0212) 245 94 14

Simay Bülbül, Şahkulu Bostan Aokak No. 22, Galata; P: (0212) 292 45 86

Arzu Kaprol, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak Kamondo Apartmanı No.22, Galata; P: (0212) 252 75 71

Le Fumoir, Serdar-I Ekrem Sokak No.24, Galata; P: (0212) 244 24 23

Lilipud, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No.25/A, Galata; P: (0212) 252 71 73

Giyçek, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak Doğan Apartmanı No.30/C, Galata; P: (0212) 251 81 81

Building, Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No. 27/A, Galata; P: (0212) 243 07 17

Mavra, Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No. 31/A, Galata; P: (0212) 252 74 88

Aida Pekin, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No. 44A, Galata; P: (0212) 243 12 11

Sofa Art & Antiques, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No.47, Galata; P: (0212) 292 39 77

Atelier 55, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak Seraskerci Çıkmazı No.55, Galata; P: (0212) 245 32 55

Stok 60/70, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak Doğan Apartmanı, Galata; P: (0212) 252 68 70

Cupcakes: If you’re dating a chocoholic, why not show your love with a box of chocolate cupcakes? Istanbul Cupcake Factory, Istanbul Cupcakery, Merve’s Cupcakes, and Rococo have some drool-worthy versions of this treat.

Flowers: Flowers can be the present itself, or the accompaniments to a present – depending on how much you’re planning to spoil your lover this year! Either way, we suggest you ask Ege Soley, Flower House, or Marginal Flowers to create a love-filled arrangement for your significant other.

Ege Soley, Süleyman Seba Caddesi No. 83/A , Akaretler; P: (0212) 227 09 22 

Flower House,Yıldız Mahallesi Ihlamur Caddesi No.3/A, Beşiktaş; P: (0212) 259 29 17 

Marginal Flowers, Poyracık Sokak No.7, Nişantaşı; P: (0212) 233 40 00  

Antiques: Romance carries with it a hint of nostalgia, a hint of beautiful memories, of times gone by. What better way to celebrate that romance than by purchasing an antique. You’ll find a wide range of pieces at Sofa in Galata and Sofa in Nuruosmaniye, from toys and jewelry to paintings and tableware.

Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No.47 Galata, Galata; P: (0212) 292 39 77   

Nuruosmaniye Caddesi No. 53/A, Cağaloğlu; P: (0212) 520 28 50-51 

A cooking course: Nowadays, being able to talk to each other face to face for an hour practically counts as romance. We’re that busy! If such is the case with you and your sweetheart, consider taking a cooking course together. You’ll be stuck in a room for hours with your hands dirty, so you can’t rely on the cop-out of electronic communication. Whether you love the experience or hate it, you’ll bond through this shared memory. Check out our Agenda for Istanbul Culinary Institute and Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi courses, pick one, and sign up!

Istanbul Culinary Institute, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 59, Tepebaşı; P: (0212) 251 22 14 

Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi, Meydan Sokak Beybi Giz Plaza B Blok No. 123-126, Maslak; P: (0212) 290 35 50 

Limo rental: Sometimes love means letting your lover go a little wild. So, help her let it all hang out by renting a limo from Inter Limousine for her and her friends’ next girls’ night out. Add in a few bottles of bubbly, and let her have the night of her life. Trust us, she’ll thank you for it. Very very much. Darülbedayi Caddesi Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall Car Park level, Harbiye; P: (0212) 232 66 05  

Jewelry: Brooches, earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces. Sapphire, pearl, diamond, quartz. So many beautiful options to choose from! We hope you’ve done your homework and found out what you lady likes by now. For the best jewelry in Istanbul, head to Gilan, Armaggan, Ela Cindoruk, or Alef.  

Gilan,Akmerkez Shopping Mall, Nispetiye Caddesi No.114, Etiler; P: (0212) 282 05 76 . For more locations, click here. 

Armaggan, Nuruosmaniye Caddesi No.65, Nuruosmaniye; P: (0212) 522 44 33 

Hacı Emin Efendi Sokak No. 4A, Teşvikiye; P: (0212) 241 35 58

Something with hearts on it: You may not be too big a fan of Valentine’s Day, but we’re all huge fans of love. So forget about the jewelry, the limo, and the antiques, and just go straight to the source: the heart. At Kağıthane, you’ll find a range of heart-shaped stuff that will bring a smile to your face and your lover’s. Kemankeş Caddesi Fransız İş Geçidi No.11, Karaköy; P: (0212) 251 71 95. Fore more locations, click here.  

This medium-sized shop is overflowing with colorful objects, and it may take a while to adjust to the overwhelming array of kaftans, textiles, and decorative pieces.

If you’re a history buff, you may spend a considerable amount of time looking through the wide range of Ottoman-era textiles, clothing, hand-woven rugs, and accessories, which date back to the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. Collectors will love the wide range of silk kaftans as well as bundles, belts, pouches, jackets, and bedspreads.

If you’re in the market for kaftans, make sure you ask to see the suzani kaftans. If you’re not a history buff, you may not know that suzani is a type of colorful Central Asian decorative textile that often features flowers, fruits, and leaves as design motifs. In addition to kaftans, this beautiful textile is also used for rugs, pillow cases, and bedspreads, available in cotton as well as silk.

One of the highlights of the store is their range of ikat products: you’ll find it as plates, kaftans, and fabric. Pay attention to the armchairs in the shop, which feature ikat as upholstery - a great way to add an ethnic touch to your living room.

If you want to adorn the walls of your home with such delicate artwork, take a look at their small-sized textiles (featuring silk kaftans and suzani), which can be framed and exhibited as beautiful pieces of art.

The decorative objects in the shop come in the shapes of fez, Mevlana, kaftan, and pomegranate (available in ceramic and copper).

Muhlis Günbattı; Perdahçılar Caddesi No. 48, Grand Bazaar; P: (0212) 511 65 62

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Sofa Art & Antiques is much like a Fukuoka garden: natural, free of disturbances, constantly growing and changing. With a delightful and enchanting owner like Dilek Hanım, it's no wonder that Sofa Art & Antiques in Galata is exciting, inviting, and full of surprises.

An antique hunter, art lover, overbearing mother, and painter, Dilek Hanım has worked her magic in this gem of a store: the interior of this tiny space (which literally cannot take more than five people at one time) resembles a mythical treasure box, each corner bursting with an unexpected find, giving the customers (who feel more like guests) the youthful exuberance of a real-life treasure hunt.

This relatively new store may not be as prolific as other antique stores (like its parent store in Nuruosmaniye) but the wedding of the old and the new, brought together by a passion for aesthetic, color, and beauty makes Sofa in Galata one of the most charming stores that you can walk in in Istanbul.

The store has quite a pedigree: owned by Dilek Hanım’s husband Kaşif Bey, Sofa Art & Antiques first opened in Nuruosmaniye in 1976, and it has been bringing a remarkable array of objects (including prints, ceramics, rugs, silver, maps) of varying age and genesis to antique lovers in Istanbul. In July 2011, Dilek Hanım has turned a tiny space in Galata, conveniently located just a few steps from her home, into a charming stop, selling a wide variety of old, new, and simply remarkable pieces. 100-year-old, hand-made school bags? Check. Bronze carousel horse from France? Check. Stuffed turkey from the United States? Check.

It was a natural step for Dilek Hanım to open Sofa: her husband has been in the antique business – or the antique way of life - for 37 years and she entered this mystic world 15 years ago, with her everlasting awareness of form, texture, proportion, color, smells, words, and spaces. She was bound to open up her own space. An antiques extraordinaire as well as a decoration consultant, half hedonist half bohemian, a writer as well as a painter, Dilek Hanım is either on the maxi or the mini, but never in the gray area of mediocrity or ordinariness. She is the kind of woman who sees, feels, experiences, shares. Much like poetry in motion.

And Sofa is a reflection of its owner. When we visited Sofa last week, the store wowed us with its cozy feel and eccentric objects, all of which will make you go back to get a dose of art, life, and light.

The inventory of the store emphasizes beauty, nostalgia, and aesthetics: sculptures of faceless women, sculpture of a naked woman, grand mirror from France, a small but very Middle Eastern mirror from Morocco, soaps from Spain and Syria, large copper jugs that are 100-150 years old. And how does Dilek Hanım choose and find the objects in her store? Well, she buys what she likes in the most unlikely places. The repertoire features objects from her own collection, from Istanbul and from around Turkey, from Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Spain.

The stock is ever changing – mostly because the objects are being sold and partly because Dilek Hanım puts some away when she gets bored. What you’ll always find in store are Dilek Hanım’s own creations: beautiful, kaftan-like jackets; tasseled necklaces; and colorful and minimalist paintings. One of the highlights of the permanent collection is the pomegranate-shaped decorative objects, with ruby stones jutting out, specially made for Sofa. There is a wide range of jewelry coming from the parent store in Nuruosmaniye – they are placed in trays and bowls, and require some meddling, but you’ll find incredible designs.

The old and the new are presented side by side in complete harmony in this tiny little store. All you need to do is search, with jazz or classical music in the background, but you’ll find something astonishing in every corner. Don’t be scared. Just step in to the world of Dilek Hanım and explore.

Sofa Art & Antiques; Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No. 47, Galata; P: (0212) 292 39 77

Kids Story

1. Gingerbread man: 11 TL – Tepe Home

2. Basket : 69.95 TL – Zara Home

3. Mini, red Christmas tree: 99.50 TL – Laura Ashley

4. Bird (glassware): 32 TL – Dört Mevsim

5. Starfish (glassware): 15 TL - Dört Mevsim

6. Tall gift box (fabric): 22.50 TL – Tepe Home

7. Small gift box with handle: 12.50 TL – Tepe Home

8. Big bird: 12.50 TL – Tepe Home; Small bird: 11.50 TL – Tepe Home

9. Snowman basket (fabric): 9.90 TL - Tepe Home

10. Tablecloth with reindeer design: 139.95 TL – Zara Home

11. Reindeer with red nose: 49.95 TL – Zara Home

12. Reindeer with plaid top: 29 TL - Tepe Home

Romantic Christmas

1. Cushion with bells: 79 TL– Dört Mevsim

2. Gold napkin holder with reindeer design: 29.95 TL – Zara Home

3. Red napkin (4 pack): 49.95 TL - Zara Home

4. Big, round red candle (product name: dazzle): 49 TL - Habitat

5. Tray: 69 TL – Dört Mevsim

6. Medium, round gold candle (product name: dazzle): 35 TL - Habitat

7. Angel candle (2 pack): 16.95 TL – Zara Home

8. Mini gold ornament (3 pack): 69.50 TL – Laura Ashley

The One With the Champagne

1. Mini Christmas tree: 49.50 TL - Vent Du Sud

2. Owl candle (product name: hoot):79 TL – Habitat

3. Small pumpkin: 189 TL – Dört Mevsim; Medium pumpkin: 220 TL - Dört Mevsim; Large pumpkin: 255 TL - Dört Mevsim

4. Small, silver-plated shallow plate: 280 TL – Dört Mevsim

5. Big wooden board: 177 TL – Dört Mevsim

6. Reindeer with lights: 135 TL – Laura Ashley

7. Ice bucket: 240 TL – Dört Mevsim

8. Silver candle snuffer:40 TL – Dört Mevsim

9. Small, glass candleholder: 45 TL – Dört Mevsim; Medium, glass candleholder: 78 TL – Dört Mevsim

Vent du Sud

1. Ornament: 29.50 TL

2. Cushion: 69.50 TL each

3. Reindeer: 159.50 TL

4. Ornaments: price ranges between 22.50 TL - 69.50 TL

Dört Mevsim; Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No. 7/2, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 87 82

Tepe Home;Cevahir Shopping Mall, Büyükdere Caddesi No.22, Şişli; P: (0212) 380 03 03

Zara Home; İstinyePark Shopping Mall, Istinye Bayırı Caddesi No.73, İstinye; P: (0212) 345 51 43

Laura Ashley;Bağdat Caddesi No.328/B, Erenköy; P:(0216) 363 75 36

Vent du Sud;Avukat Süreyya Ağaoğlu Sokak No.5/B, Teşvikiye; P: (0212) 219 35 40

Habitat;Kanyon Shopping Mall, Levent; P: (0212) 353 53 09

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Article

Christmas Gift Ideas; By Talya Arditi

Want to give your friends an inspiring gift for the New Year? Then give them an experience that they will remember!

Tasting Menu at Mikla: The perfect gift for a foodie is the tasting menu at Mikla, one of the best restaurants in Istanbul with a Scandinavian-Turkish cuisine. You can get a nine-course tasting menu with matching beverages for 210 TL, or just the tasting menu for 140 TL. For more information and to buy your gift voucher, send an email to sabihaapaydin@miklarestaurant.comor call (0212) 293 56 56.

Workshop at the Istanbul Culinary Institute: If your friend loves cooking or if you want your other half to become a better cook, get them a voucher for the cooking classes offered at theIstanbul Culinary Institute. They offer a range of classes each month, from Turkish cuisine and Italian cuisine to pastry making and finger food. Send an email to info@istanbulculinary.comor call (0212) 251 22 14 to buy your voucher.

Concert Ticket: There are amazing performances going on in Istanbul all the time. If you know what your friend likes, just go to Biletix and purchase two tickets for a concert that you can enjoy together. (Make sure you check out our Agenda before you decide which concert you want to take your friend to.)

Babylon Gift Card: If you want to take the safe route, buy a Babylon Gift Voucher from Biletix that your friend can use towards a concert of their own choice.

Museum Entrance Card: The perfect gift for your artsy friend is getting them entrance to over 300 museums in Turkey for an entire year. The participating museums in Istanbul include the Istanbul Archeological Museums, the Chora Church, and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. The card costs 20 TL and can be purchased online (just click here).Just keep in mind that the card is valid only for Turkish citizens and you’ll need to learn the identity card number of your friend before you can buy it for them.(To see a full list of participating museums, click here.)

Istanbul Tour: Regardless of whether you’ve been in Istanbul for 20 years or 20 days, there is always something new to discover in this beautiful city. Give your friend the gift of adventure and exploration, and buy a daily tour of Istanbul. Fest Travel has some great options, such as the Golden Horn full-day walking tour, the Jewish Heritage tour, and Istanbul by night. For a full list of what they currently have on offer, click here.

Subscription to The Guide Istanbul magazine: Istanbul is constantly growing and changing - it’s almost impossible to keep up. That is, unless you read the bi-monthly magazine The Guide Istanbul where you can get candid recommendations and expert advice on everything about Istanbul. So give the gift of knowledge and subscribe your friend to The Guide Istanbul magazine for one year. Just contact us at info@theguideistanbul.com and we’ll do the rest.

Four Seasons Gift Card: Get your friend a Four Seasons Gift Card that can be used towards all Four Seasons services, including spa treatments, dining, and accommodation. Give them an excuse to travel more! For more details, click here.

Inter Limousine Rental: Rent a limo for a day or a few hours to get to party, to drive over one of the bridges that connect Asia and Europe, or to get to the airport. Click here to see all the options.

For the foodie:Obviously, you can’t take all that seductive Turkish food back home with you. But what you can do is buy a cookbook that includes recipes by Istanbul’s top chefs and best-selling food writers carefully chosen for easy applicability in the home kitchen. All this and more is provided in Istanbul Contemporary Cuisine, a sturdy tome packed with mouth-watering recipes and impressive photography. And did we mention it’s the winner of the 2010 Special Award of the Gourmand Jury? Just click here to buy it in English, French, or Turkish. And if you want to add that extra bit to your gift, head to Mısır Çarşısı (Egyptian Bazaar) and buy a mix of spices to go with the book. (Make sure you read this article before you head to Mısır Çarşısı.) Mısır Çarşısı; Ragıp Gümüşpala Caddesi Eminönü Meydanı, Eminönü.

For the spiritual warrior:Buy tesbih (Turkish prayer or worry beads) at Tesbihçi Cemil ve Kadir Karateke where you’ll find an incredible selection of tesbih made from a range of semi-precious materials. Şerifağa Sokak No.141-142 İç Bedesten, Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet. P: (0212) 527 65 23

For the snooze addict:Instant coffee is one thing, Turkish coffee is another thing. If you’ve spent enough time in Istanbul, you know that Turkish coffee serves as a great wake-up-call. The problem: it is an art to make Turkish coffee properly. At least, it used to be. Now, we have the electronic Turkish coffee makers that do the trick for us. So buy an electronic coffee maker for your too-grouchy-to-talk-in-the-morning friend, relative, or ex-flatmate. Don’t forget to head to Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi to buy Turkish coffee. And if you like, buy a set that comes with cezve (traditional pot for making coffee) and coffee cups. If you want to mix things up, get cinnamon, chocolate, or mastic flavored coffee from Selamlique.

You can find the electronic coffee maker (click here to check it out) at Arçelik, an electronics store spread around the city. If you’re around Etiler/Levent, they have a store in Akmerkez shopping mall on Level Z (P: 0212 2820204).If you’re around the Galata area for some last minute sightseeing, there is a store right by the Galata Tower on Büyükhendek Caddesi No. 12 (P: 0212 2490514). You can also head to Valikonağı Caddesi No. 119 in Nişantaşı, located very close to the American Hospital as well as City’s Nişantaşı shopping mall (P: 0212 2466193).

Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi; Tahmis Sokak No. 66, Eminönü; P:(0212) 522 00 80

Selamlique; Ebulula Mardin Caddesi N.35, Levent; P: (0212)327 79 04

For the traveler:When you go home and start telling all your adventures, your traveler friend will get jealous. We’re talking green envy here. So ward off the evil with the TOP 7 pocket guide that comes with the November/December issue of The Guide Istanbul magazine. The pocket book includes TOP 7 lists of everything you need to know about Istanbul, including restaurants, must-see sights, Turkish taverns, bars, Turkish designers, gift shops, tradesmen’s restaurants, cool buys as well as TOP 7 things to do by district. Just head to your nearest major bookstore to get it.

For the hipster: Buy a quirky design object at Kağıthane (House of Paper), a small design shop in Karaköy that has an innovative mix of items, from notebooks and postcards to folding fans and bags—all with a humorous edge and all inspired by Istanbul and Turkish culture. Kemankeş Caddesi Fransız İş Geçidi No.11, Karaköy. P: (0212) 251 71 95

For the eco-friendly hippie:Get something organic at Abdulla Natural Products. The shop carries a range of all-natural, traditional Turkish bath products, such as hand-loomed towels, olive oil soap, peştemal (Turkish towels), and bathrobes. Halıcılar Caddesi No. 58/60,Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet. P: (0212) 527 36 84

For the socially responsible friend:Your friend is an ethical consumer and won’t buy anything unless it will do good to someone. No worries. For something stylish, organic, and still very Turkish, just head to Nahıl Dükkan. This shop is one of the many projects of Kadın Emeğini Değerlendirme Vakfı (KEDV), a non-profit organization that supports women.In this store, you can find a whole range of Turkish must-buys, including peştemal, hamam accessories, hand-embroidered scarves, and travel bags, all at very reasonable prices. İstiklal Caddesi Bekar sokak No.17, Beyoğlu. P: (0212) 251 90 85

Halloween is not as big of a deal in Turkey as it in the States, but there are still a few celebrations going around the city*. So if you want to get in the mood and dress up, here is a list of shops from where you can rent or buy costumes.

Costumes

Sihirli Sandık: If you don’t want to look scary but cool, this is the costume shop that you need to check out. It has a huge variety of historic costumes, from the Baroque period to the 1970s. You can rent for up to 3 days, and the prices range between 50 TL – 150 TL. Address: Hüseyin Ağa Mahallesi Kemer Hatun Caddesi Topçekerler Sokak No.5, Beyoğlu; (0212) 249 01 37

Garderobe: If you want to turn yourself into something extraordinary for one night—be it a crab, a shark, a cockroach, or an apple—you’ll find a great variety of fun costumes here. For the more classic type, there is a huge range of historic costumes as well. You can rent for up to 3 days, and the prices range between 60 TL and 200 TL, plus a deposit of 100 TL, which is fully-refunded as long as the costume is returned without damage. Address:Tomtom Mahallesi Yeni Çarşı Caddesi Demirhan Apartmanı No.38, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 251 33 73

By Retro: This is not really a costume store but a second-hand clothing shop where you can find a variety of items to turn into a fantastic Halloween costume. If you want to be a 1980s disco star, look for something retro-chic here. Address:İstiklal Caddesi Suriye Pasajı No.166, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 245 64 20

The Grand Bazaar: This is the world’s first mall, and is still a shopper’s paradise. And even though it doesn’t feature a costume shop among its 4000-plus stores, you can find a variety of Ottoman clothing and accessories that can easily be turned into a costume. Go for a belly-dancing outfit, a şalvar (traditional baggy pants), fez, kavuk (traditional Ottoman turban), or çarık (traditional pointy slippers). You can also take advantage of the jewelry stores to vamp up a costume. You’ll find lots of retro, faux-vintage, and ethnic jewelry at the Grand Bazaar.

Haloween Cakes

If you’d rather celebrate Halloween at a house party, add some party spirit with a Halloween cake.

Coccolat:A cake shop and a cake-decorating school in one, Coccolat’s repertoire includes cakes in the shape of a Brandy bottle, 3-leaved clover, a gift box, and they will be more than happy to cater to your Halloween needs. Just place an order 4-5 days in advance. Address:Bağdat Caddesi Rüştiye Sokak No.8, Kızıltoprak; P: (0216) 449 95 90

Rococo Cakes: They have a peacock cake under their belt; they can surely handle a frog, a snake, or a spider. Just place your order 2 days in advance and get a wonderfully-designed, flavorful cake. Address:Cevdet Paşa Caddesi Engin Konak Apartmanı No.23/1, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 93 19

Happy Caking: If you want an all-organic cake, Happy Caking is the place to go. Just order your Halloween cake 2 days in advance, and you’re good to go.Address:Göksu Göztepe Caddesi G38 Sokak No.1, Anadoluhisarı; P: (0216) 465 73 70

September is here -- the time when schoolchildren, university students, and adults return from vacation. Whether it means an end to your summer idyll, or a cure for dog-days-of-August boredom, there’s no doubt that September is a busy month for children and adults alike.

You wouldn't want your child to start the year on the wrong foot by showing up on the first day of class without a pen or a notebook. Nor would most adults want to be caught empty-handed when beginning a new job or returning to an old one. Love it or hate it, back-to-school shopping -- or back-to-work shopping -- is a necessary ritual; and, if you do it in proper style, can even be an enjoyable one. Here are some great places to shop for stationery in Istanbul. The list below has been chosen to cater to a wide variety of tastes -- male and female, young and old, serious and less so.

Kağıthane (House of Paper) is devoted to the proposition that stationery should be as eye-catching and entertaining as possible. Here, in this little store in Karaköy, you’ll be able to find all manner of stationery designed by owner Emine Tusavul as well as by her students. Forget about post-its or stacks of block notes with pharmaceutical company logos: Kağıthane's block notes come in a multitude of different designs, from tea-saucer patterns, to weekly to-do lists, to animals like cats, dogs...even fish. Among Kağıthane’s specialties are notebooks that come labeled in sets of three: rock, scissors, and paper (after the popular children’s game) or “Ist,” “An,” and “Bul.” Kağıthane also sells other miscellaneous items like coasters, fans, postcards, and wrapping paper.

One thing Kağıthane is not particularly strong on, however, is writing implements. For these, it would be a good idea to pay a visit to Muji. With branches both in Erenköy on the Anatolian side, and Nişantaşi on the European side, this Japanese store sells several dozen varieties of pens and pencils, from 6-color pens to wooden mechanical pencils to gel pens and colored markers. The store also carries a very good selection of general office supplies like staplers, clipboards, and portfolios. Muji’s beautiful notebooks, with their monochrome colors, are more austere in design than those at Kağıthane and so may appeal to a slightly older crowd. Not that Muji is all work and no play -- you can find several varieties of educationally-themed playing cards there, too.

Like Muji, Karum – with its leather-bound diaries and file-holders, and a wide range of expensive fountain pens – seems targeted towards an older, more professional clientele, Nonetheless, in addition to being a good place for office supplies, Karum sells an essential item for every school-age child: backpacks. With all the books they will be carrying, make sure your children buy a well-padded backpack and use both straps (however uncool it may look.)

The Swedish store Ordning&Reda, in Teşvikiye, has a large assortment of notebooks, which, like Muji’s, are sleekly minimalist in design, though they come in an array of bright colors. The store also sells plenty of accessories – the sorts of things you wouldn’t realize you needed till you saw them – such as pen(cil) cases, keyring tassels, and iPhone holders. Ordning&Reda is a good place to buy school supplies for image-conscious high-school students, whose notebooks / pen cases / tote bags have to be just so.

Paperie, as its name implies, specializes in various kinds of paper, coming in all colors and designs: personalized stationery, envelopes, invitation cards – you name it. The small but well-stocked boutique (also in Teşvikiye) owes its existence to graphic designer Zeynep Sümer Ayverdi, and also sells various other art/stationery supplies such as pastel pens and hole-punchers. If you need to buy all your school/office supplies in one location, Paperie is probably not the place to go: but for beautiful quality stationery with a personal touch, it should definitely be on your itinerary.

The last store on our list, Continuum in Çiftehavuzlar, should also be the last stop on your outing. By shopping there after you’ve bought the things you really need, you hopefully won’t blow your entire budget on such less-than-urgent items as a calculator made to look like a chocolate bar, a pencil sharpener in the shape of a robot, or a scotch-tape-holder that looks like an audiocassette. The word of the day at Continuum is definitely “playful”; but that isn’t to say they don’t have plenty of useful items for sale, including various kinds of creatively designed furniture and houseware. There is even a toy section for those who want to buy their children something to sweeten the bitter pill of their first day at school...

No technology becomes obsolete faster than recorded music. Those who have invested a lot of time and money buying audio cassettes (or even CDs) over the past few decades must come to terms with the fact that .mp3 files are now the reigning champion of the music technology world.

Nonetheless, just because a technology is more convenient or more pervasive doesn’t mean it’s superior to its predecessors in every respect. LP purists insist that the sound quality of a 33 or 45 RPM record is richer and warmer than the equalized, homogenized sound of a CD or .mp3. With any luck, LP records, LP fans, and LP stores will be around for the foreseeable future. Where is an Istanbulite to find a good collection of LPs?

Lale Plak(Lale Records) is a good place to start. The store is located in Tünel Square, at the very top of Galip Dede Caddesi, a street sloping down from Tünel to Galata that is known for its music shops. Hakan Atala, the owner of Lale Plak (which has existed for over 50 years), keeps an extensive stock of records in his store including iconic 70s Turkish singers such as Barış Manço or Ajda Pekkan, as well as (Western) classical music, and world music. The records at Lale Plak are all new, not second hand, and signed jazz records are available for purchase.

Those who are out to buy second-hand records, on the other hand, might want to head to Aslıhan Pasajı in Galatasaray in order to visit Mandala Müzik Evi. The passageway, which is also a great place to hunt for second-hand books, will be familiar to fans of the movie Issız Adam as the place where the main character, Alper, first meets his love interest Ada. (She is looking for a second-hand novel, he for a collector’s item LP.) With Mandala’s extensive collection there is a good chance that you, too, will find what you are looking for (musically speaking, that is.) Mandala’s stock, divided more or less equally between 33 and 45 RPM, focuses on 1970s music, both Turkish and foreign.

The Asian side’s answer to Aslıhan Pasajı is of course Akmar Pasajı in downtown Kadıköy, long known to students as a place to buy course books and English-language readers. Zihni Müzik is located on the basement level of the passageway. The store has one of the biggest collections of LPs in Istanbul with around nine thousand records in stock, of which nearly three quarters are second-hand. (Most of the records are 33 RPM, although a considerable stock of 45s is also available.) An updated list of their LPs for sale is available on their website, so before you hop on a ferry to the other side you can check if they have the titles you want. Whatever you do, don’t call them up to ask for the number of a bookseller in Akmar Pasajı – that’s apparently the quickest way to get on their nerves.

Also on the Asian side, in the upscale Moda district, is Vintage Records. The store, barely five years old, has a vast collection of second-hand LPs, and is particularly strong on Turkish pop/rock of the 60s and 70s as well as English-language classic rock. You can also find various kinds of musical equipment (amps, speakers, etc.) for sale here.

Our last stop takes us back to the European side, to Opus 3A in Cihangir. The smallest and newest store on this list (founded last year), Opus 3A’s stock is also new rather than second-hand. Its collection focuses on jazz, as well as legendary Turkish 70s pop icons such as Barış Manço or Ajda Pekkan, with some rock and classical music as well. Most of Opus 3A’s records are 33 RPM. Another record store in Cihangir is Deform Müzik owned by Ozan Maral and Tayfun Aras who are also known as the DJ duo Deform-E. The store's second hand stock is a mixture of all kinds of genres including 50s and 60s soul and funk or rock as well as Turkish and international records.

After visiting all these stores, if you still haven’t found the song or album you want, you can always give up and download it from the Internet...

Updated on 9 March, 2012

Kağıthane (House of Paper) is a small design shop in Karaköy, located in the Fransız İş Geçidi. An innovative mix of items makes up the inventory, from notebooks and postcards to folding fans and bags—all with a humorous edge. Kağıthane is owned by Emine Tusavul, who is a lecturer at Işık University’s Fine Arts department and the founding partner of an advertising agency. The majority of the pieces at Kağıthane are designed by Tusavul herself but you’ll also find some items created by her students.

Most of the items are made of paper, while some are made of porcelain and ceramic. The unique designs are inspired by Istanbul and Turkish culture—from the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus to the traditional tea cups and old Turkish films.

This small shop, which is joined with Tusavul’s sister's coffee shopBej Kahve, is fun and colorful. And when I say fun, I mean it in the most straightforward way possible—I’ve seen shoppers laugh out loud while browsing through the items.

Everything in the store is designed to fire your imagination, and it was quite difficult to pick a favorite but I’ve managed to create a shortlist. One is a postcard created by one of Tusavul’s students. The postcard, referred to as the People from Istanbul, takes a creative look at the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, showing the wide range of different personalities inhabiting the city next to one another: the punk kid; the businessman; a fully-veiled, observant Muslim woman; the intellectual; the Louis Vuitton lady; the kabadayı (Turkish tough guy)… You can also get the People from Istanbul design as a bookmark or a gift wrap.

The range of coasters are laugh-out-loud funny: they are made to look like simit (Turkish-style bagel), lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza), kağıt helva (Turkish-style, round wafers—but with a bite off), and lace mantle (just like the ones Turkish grandmothers put over TVs and coffee tables). Nostalgic games of the pre-internet generation also come alive in Kağıthane’s designs like İsim-Şehir and Adam Asmaca (hang-man). Interesting street names and traditional tea-glass designs are materialized in place mats. One of the cutest objects is the fan that is made to look like cotton candy.

It’s quite rare to find Turkish design objects in Istanbul, except for a few places like the IKSV Design Shop, and Tusavul certainly played her part in closing a much needed gap.

To see a full list of their uber-humorous inventory where the modern meets the classic, check out their website. The website greets you with a quotation that says, “you don’t need any of this, but when you see them you’ll want to buy them all.” So head to Kağıthane, have a few laughs, and get yourself (or your loved ones) something to smile about.

You can support the work of Nahıl and KEDV not only by shopping here (they also take special orders), but also by making clothing donations to their Beyoğlu store. Contact Şule Alpaslan at 0212 251 90 85 for more information.

Ethical consumerism, or socially responsible shopping, is a major trend that has emerged inrecent years as consumers have become more aware of the ethical implications of their purchasing habits. Along with this awareness, there has been a growing demand for products that support economic development rather than the exploitation of underpaid workers. Nahıl Dükkan in Beyoğlu is one of the shopping options that has emerged from this shift: a place where you can buy all sorts of great gifts while also supporting a good cause.

Established in 2003 by Kadın Emeğini Değerlendirme Vakfı (KEDV), a non-profit organization, Nahıl Dükkan is just one of their many projects around Turkey that supports women. The word Nahıl means to help each other, and is also the name of a tree which symbolizes bereket, a Turkish word that translates loosely as bountiful blessings. KEDV’s goal was to establish a platform from which women throughout Turkey could sell their handicrafts, empowering them economically.

KEDV’s goal is to help women make tangible economic contributions to their households, thus gaining a better position in the family and also in society. With this in mind, they established a number of workshops and cooperatives throughout the country, with a focus on low-income areas that have limited economic opportunities. The profits from these projects are then used to provide children’s education materials and to open new children’s nurseries and handicraft workshops in economically under-developed areas. Importantly, they are also used to support social entrepreneurship, allowing women to start their own economic initiatives or expand existing projects.

While many such projects exist both in Turkey and throughout the world, one thing that sets Nahıl apart is the importance they place on the designs of their products. Nahıl’s designs are a mix of modern and traditional, with all items handmade and hand-loomed. Their products include home textiles, jewelry, accessories, handbags, natural soaps, bathroom accessories, lavender sachets, and organic children’s toys. The store also carries a range of vintage and second-hand clothing.

Wanting their products to be as natural and organic as possible, they often use root dyes in their production, with earth tones and pastel colors dominating. Their soaps are made in the eastern city of Mardin from olive oil, and only use natural scents. In this way, Nahıl’s products also fit in with another important consumer trend: the demand for products that are natural and organic, particularly when it comes to items such as children’s toys. In recent years, Nahıl has also been broadening their product range to accommodate a growing demand.

Nahıl’s products can be purchased wholesale, and are now sold in stores throughout Turkey in towns such as Alaçatı, Kaş, Bodrum, and others. Recently, a number of major corporations have also started to work with Nahıl as part of their corporate social responsibility projects, including Sabanci, Marks & Spencer, and Carrefour.

Nahıl is especially great for those who are traveling abroad and want to take original Turkish handcrafted gifts to their friends back home. In this store, you can find a whole range of Turkish “must-buys”, including peştemal, hamam accessories, hand-embroidered scarves, travel bags, and more, all at very reasonable prices. Socially responsible shoppers can not only buy stylish and organic gifts, but also support a good cause at the same time. What more could an ethically conscious consumer ask for?

The sound of clanking bracelets and a subtle laughter is the essence of Aslı Günşiray who owns one of the best antique shops in Çukurcuma. Thick bracelets, artsy hats, and colorful scarves are the signature of this lovely woman, while rarity, beauty, and variety define her shop, which carries her name.

Having spent most of her childhood and teen years abroad in Europe, Günşiray returned to Istanbul when she was 25. She found her calling on one magical day when she decided to take a trip through Anatolia with a couple of friends, one a famous art expert and antiques dealer. During this trip, Aslı was mesmerized by the beauties of Anatolia, especially the range of architecture that was the legacy of so many cultures and civilizations that once dwelled in this melting pot.

She was so inspired by what she saw in Anatolia that when she returned to Istanbul she decided to open an antique store. Yet, her fascination with antiques was not just due to this trip, it was something that was passed down to her from her family. Aslı’s grandfather, who lived in Paris for 40 years, was a huge fan of antiques and a dedicated antique collector. Her mother, an antique aficionado herself, used to sell antiques from her home office; in fact, she later opened her own antique shop right across from her daughter’s in Çukurcuma.

When Aslı opened her store in 1988, there were only a few antique shops in Çukurcuma—now there are over 50! Her store, simply called Aslı Günşiray, stands out with its gracious and humble appearance. When you enter through the delicately-framed door with grey stones (which came all the way from Belgium), you feel like you are stepping into a magical world where each item has its own unique story. Whatever you find in the store was either handpicked by Aslı during her travels or was purchased from old Istanbul families. It’s as if the secret treasures of cultures that crossed Aslı’s path were filtered by her exquisite taste and placed in her cozy shop in Çukurcuma.

Aslı is inspired by historical movements and modern trends; she enjoys discovering new items from different cultures and helps undervalued designs to surface and find their righteous places. She appreciates the contrasting harmony created by new and old designs. Her main interests are Anatolian art and Ottoman architectural pieces, such as fountains, doors, columns, as well as earthenware jars and ceiling centerpieces. The items in her store range from elegant couches and shimmering chandeliers to Turkish coffee sets, liqueur bottles, vases, Ottoman-style slippers, and hats (mostly with French, Far Eastern, or Ottoman designs).

Right next to her shop is her showroom/office. A very large antique fan behind her desk, literally covering the majority of the wall, greets you as you enter her office: Aslı looks like Madame Butterfly when she sits in front of it. This unique space features a mirror that belonged to her grandfather, an old Ottoman doll, a beige Chinese vase, and a hamam-inspired bathroom (designed like a traditional Turkish bath) that almost makes you want to lock yourself in.

Besides running her antique shop, Aslı also designs homes and commercial spaces. She pays attention to every functional detail and decorates them with oriental and modern accents. She creates unique atmospheres that compliment the architecture of the space and reflects the character of both the space and the client. Her designs are simple, peaceful, fresh, and luminous. Aslı also designs custom-made furniture, such as tables and couches using antique wood and pieces that she has been collecting.

Growing up with her family’s admiration for antiques and of course being gifted with an exceptionally refined taste enable Aslı to have a different perspective of design and aesthetics—these make her and her shop rare treasures.

As you walk up the street from Galata towards Tünel, through the sounds of drums and Turkish pop music, feeling the beat of the restless city, you suddenly hear peaceful music luring you in to one of the sweetest, most sophisticated and intellectual record shops ever. As you step foot into Lale Plak, half mesmerized by the delightful tunes of classical music they’re playing, owner Hakan Atala greets you with a musical smile. At this moment you know you have come to the right place!

Lale Plak is an independently owned record store founded by brothers Ibrahim and Yusuf Atala. It opened in 1954 in the neighborhood of Beyazıt as a stationery store, relocating to Tünel in the 1960s. Soon after this move, Hakan Atala’s son Yusuf took over the shop and made the decision to change the store format from a stationery store that sold some records, into a complete record store. Lale Plak mainly sells classical, jazz, world and ethnic music and you are always guaranteed to find unique and interesting works in the collection. You can also find all sorts of music DVDs, records - which are making a huge comeback these days – and CDs.

Both the owner and the assisting staff greet customers with a warm smile, and love to share their knowledge of music and never get tired, no matter how many questions you might ask. Hakan Atala knows every inch of the store by heart. Besides giving musical guidance and spreading good karma, he is also a member of the advisory board of the International Istanbul Jazz Festival that is organized every year by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts.

Most of his staff has either studied music or plays an instrument. Emre Adıyıl, a jazz fan, studied music independently and plays the guitar. Kadir Büzkan, who gets carried away with ethnic music, plays the drums. Last but not least, Dağhan Ayer, who enjoys funk and classical music, studied at Istanbul University State Conservatory and also plays the drums.

Lale Plak is open Monday-Saturday from 9:00am to 7:30pm and on Sunday from noon to 7:00pm.

Founded by the regal Ms. Engin Demirkol who has been running the shop for over 25 years, Hazal Kilim & Halı specializes in carpets and kilims from Anatolia. Located in the Bosphorous village of Ortaköy and housed in a beautifully-restored Ottoman-era mansion, Hazal Kilim & Halı is the only carpet shop in an area that is best known for its Baroque mosque and baked potatoes. Placing the shop in this area was not a coincidence, but rather, a conscious decision. While Ms. Demirkol’s first shop was in Sultanahmet’s Arasta Bazaar, the aggressive atmosphere of that touristic part of the city didn’t suit her style. She then made the decision to move the shop to Ortaköy to be less focused on tourists and be closer to locals, including the many expats that live in this area.

For most merchants, selling carpets is merely a business and this could go a long way in explaining the poor reputation of the people in this industry. When you hear Ms. Demirkol talk about the various items in her shop, it very quickly becomes clear that for her this is a labor of love. This passion for her business is also reflected in her philosophy of shopping: when buying a carpet, you should always buy a piece that you absolutely love. This way, whatever you buy will always feel like a worthy investment.

When browsing through the shop, the quality of each individual piece really shines through. Along with a wide range of antique carpets and kilims, the shop also carries storage bags, cradles, sumacs, pillows, a very refined selection of carved wooden doors, copper jugs, and other rare works of art. While many people associate kilims and carpets with a more classical style of interior design, a single visit to Hazal Kilim & Halı will remove such false notions. Many of Ms. Demirkol’s carpets are more like pieces of modern art, reminiscent of Rothko paintings with their bold color blocks. These unique works of art would certainly fit into even the most modern and minimalistic interiors.

After having established a strong presence in the carpet industry, Ms. Demirkol has now branched out into other products, using her incredibly rich stock of carpets and textiles to create her own custom-made pieces. In addition to carpets, she also creates one-of- a-kind cushions. These cushions are made from antique fabrics that are interwoven with new materials, which are nothing like the mass-produced cushions you find in most shops. She designs sample items for her clients, and then makes bespoke pieces, based on their tastes and requests.

Many of her new customers come to the shop through word of mouth, and they often share Ms. Demirkol’s love of carpets and textiles. Ms. Demirkol says that one of the things she enjoys most about running her own business is that every day is surprising and different from the one before. Indeed, that is precisely the feeling you get in this shop--that any surprise is possible.Mecidiyeköy Köprüsü Sokak No.9 Ortaköy; P: (0212) 261 72 33