Impressions of Ottoman Culture in Europe: 1453-1699 by Nurhan Atasoy and Lale Uluç, published by The Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF) and ARMAGGAN Publications explores European impressions of the Ottoman Empire. Written in English and also translated into Turkish, this project is the product of six years of research by the authors spanning 14 different countries.

The book studies the cultural influences Ottoman cultural had on Europe in the early modern age, a time when the expansion of the Ottoman Empire created shared borders and intense political, diplomatic and trade ties with Europe. Atasoy and Uluc not only provide a thorough intellectual narrative on the cultural and artistic exchanges between the Ottomans and various European cultures, but have also created a visually stunning book with 400 images. The book has special sections devoted to Textiles, Tiles and Ceramics, Arms and Armor, Turkish Image, and more.This beautiful and impressive book is available for purchase at the Armaggan book store and can also be ordered online at www.turkishcultureshop.org.

Focusing on the modern re-design of classic Anatolian cultural staples and motifs from different civilizations, Anatoli offers a unique array of aesthetically opulent decorative objects. The modern interpretion takes the form of three collections entitled Evladiyye, Klasikler, and Devr-i Alem, which all carry their own story and design aesthetic.

Anatoli offers a wide variety of goods that range from Turkish tea sets, classic sugar bowls, glass candle holders, wine glass sets, Turkish coffee sets, backgammon boards and much more. İstinye Bayırı Cad. No: 73 Sarıyer; P: (0212) 345 55 55

Nakkas offers the biggest selection of traditional silk Hereke carpets that you will not find in any store, in traditional patterns as well as original yet classic designs. For collectors, they offer a wide range of antique carpets from Anatolia, Persia, and Central Asia. For buyers looking to decorate a more modern interior, Nakkas offers a very unique selection of contemporary designs.

Working with interior designers to catch the latest trends in color and style, they use those trends to design a select range of one-of-a kind carpets. Apart from fashionable patchwork carpets, they also offer carpets in ikat, suzani, and geometric patterns. Be sure not to miss the amazing sixth-century Byzantine cistern on which the store is built, a monument that has been carefully restored to serve as an exhibition space for Turkish artists.

Inspired by the opulence of the Ottoman Empire, but with a contemporary twist, each piece evokes a rich history and uses techniques developed in the Ottoman court. Eschewing modern cut diamonds, the Heritage collection exclusively features rose-cut diamonds, with a flat bottom and a domed faceted top, set in silver with detailed engraving and gold highlights. A favorite with Hollywood celebrities who want to make a big statement on the red carpet, Gilan’s decadent designs are truly heirloom pieces.

Click here to see a list of Gilan branches.

The March/April issue of The Guide Istanbul is out now! Read all about the coolest new happenings in the city, in arts, culture, dining, shopping and more. For this issue, the Guide Istanbul scoured the Galata neighborhood to find the best new boutique hotels. Also, see the imperial harem in a whole new light, with the article Private Practice. You can learn more about Turkey’s burgeoning wine sector including recommendations on the Top 7 Turkish wines in our interview with sommelier Burçak Desombre. And, read all about Istanbul’s latest Japanese restaurant Maromi, our Editor’s Choice for this month. You’ll find all this and much more, so pick up your copy today.

To subscribe to the magazine, contact us here.

Istanbul-based designer Aida Pekin’s has created two special Puzzle Rings for the Destination: Istanbul project at the MoMA (Modern Museum of Art New York) shop. The Puzzle Rings are made of plexiglass and come in two pieces which fit together to form a unique design. One features items from a Turkish bath and the other the implements for making a cup of Turkish coffee, the theme being everyday motifs in Turkish life.

MoMA’s Destination Design series introduces designers and design themes from around the world with designs made exclusively for their gift shop. These playful and lighthearted rings make a great gift and are also available at the Aida Pekin shop in Galata.

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

Now, Nar Gourmet is opening a store in the İstinyePark shopping mall. Here, customers will find their favorite Nar Gourmet products, among which are several special varieties of olive oil (including Early Harvest olive oil and naturally pressed olive oil) as well as olive oils flavored with various herbs and spices including pepper, rosemary, basil, bay leaf, oregano, and mandarin orange. Nar Gourmet’s olive oils come not just from the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey (Balıkesir, Manisa, Aydın, Antalya, Mersin, and Hatay) but also from Tekirdağ and Mardin. In addition to olive oil products, customers will be able to purchase a wide range of organic vinegars, ekşiler (sour condiments), several varieties of molasses, organic spices, organic teas, soaps, hazelnut and pistachio oils, dried fruit, honey, traditional Turkish Delight, hard candies, jams and marmelades.

The store – which is expected to open its doors at the beginning of February – will also carry a selection of textiles, glass- and porcelain-ware, and books.IstinyePark Shopping Mall,Istinye Bayırı Caddesi No.73, Istinye; P:(0212) 345 54 45

In this volume you can enter into the world of the Bazaar, meeting the owners of well-known shops like Koç Leather and Fur, L’orient Handicrafts, Dhoku, and many more. The Grand Bazaar Istanbul covers the Bazaar’s restaurants and cafes (Fes Cafe, Şark Kahvesi, Havuzlu Restaurant) and has profiles of Bazaar notables like gramophone dealer Mehmet Usta. The book also features a section on the historic hans (inns) on the outskirts of the Bazaar, and covers a number of establishments that are not strictly speaking inside the Grand Bazaar, such as Elif Kitabevi, an antiquarian bookstore in the Beyazıt Sahaflar Çarşısı (secondhand booksellers’ market). Reading The Grand Bazaar Istanbul, you can also learn about lesser-known sides of Bazaar life, such as the Uzbek and Turkmen communities who ply their traditional trades in the Bazaar.

Sales of The Grand Bazaar Istanbul – available exclusively from Assouline boutiques worldwide – have been so successful over the past month in Turkey that the book is currently out of stock; however, it will soon be available for purchase again from Assouline’s store in Bebek. Assouline;Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No.25/A Bebek; P:(0212) 287 55 34

Rumisu is Deniz and Pınar Yengin’s joint venture that brings together their passions for art, design, fashion, and illustration. The rumisu shawls that are being sold at Dört Mevsim called Swinging Sultans represent the flawless blend of historical figures and traditional methods with creativity and humor. The shawls feature illustrated designs of Ottoman sultans and women of the harem. The shawls are all in white, but the prints come in blue and red; the shawls also feature hanging embroidery called oya. Although oya is a traditional embroidery technique known for its wide use in yazma (colorful headscarves worn mostly by young girls in rural areas), sisters Deniz and Pınar have successfully applied this technique in elegant shawls for the modern city dweller.

Pınar Hekimoğlu’s jewelry line features a range of pieces from sparkly earrings, rings, and bracelets to colorful silky bands with skulls. In this collection, there is something for everyone: big, sparkly rings for the ones who like their jewelry to take the center stage of their outfit, as well as tasteful and subtle designs that don’t necessarily stand out but serve as the finishing touches of an outfit.

Dört Mevsim’s own porcelain tableware collection, which includes colorful coffee cups and white bowls, has been shaped by hand, so each piece carries the beautiful imperfection of a hand-made object. If you like crooked pieces of tableware, you’ll love the pieces in this new collection.

Keep in mind that if you go to Dört Mevsim to check out their latest products, you’ll be sucked in by the beauty of all the other products there: silver-plated trays, cushions, peştemal (light Turkish towel), natural soaps, Voluspa brand candles, comfy clothes made of 100\\\\\% cotton or silk, 100& silver or leather handmade bracelets, gold-plated pendants in Istanbul-inspired shapes (like fez, hammam clogs, and the Galata Tower), bed linens, and much much more!

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

We all dream of a “White Christmas” in whichever city we’re in; but unfortunately, the snow seems to be keeping us waiting a bit longer every passing year in Istanbul. However, Vakko Suadiye has found the perfect way of keeping the Christmas excitement alive, with pouring real-like snow all around!

Vakko Suadiye now has an inspirational window-dressing that has never been done in Istanbul before. If you go to Bağdat Caddesi in December between 4:00pm-8:00pm, you won’t be able to miss the fascinated crowd standing in front of the store, mesmerized by the décor and lights. Once you’re there, you can enjoy mulled wine on the snow-covered entrance of Vakko with lighted up Christmas trees and lovely little deer imitations. And the best part? It’s always snowing at Vakko Suadiye!

The story of Vakko: It all started with a hat

Some of you may not know this, but the brand Vakko started out as a hat-producing factory called Şen Şapka (roughly translated as Merry Hat) in 1934 by Vitali Hakko. After over 70 years, Vakko is an umbrella term for everything great: home decorations, chocolates, perfumes, clothing, and even a separate store for wedding dresses. So when you go to check out the fake snow and the beautiful window-dressing, be sure to go inside and check out what Vakko has to offer for the Christmas season. If you’re looking for some cheerful Christmas decorations or smart gifts, you’ll find great options here, like an ornate candlestick, an authentic coffee or wine holder, a chic laptop bag, or an off-the-shelf gift box including shirts, ties, wallets, and cufflinks.

Curious yet? Click here for a preview of what you’re going to see when you get there.

Bağdat Caddesi No. 422 Suadiye; P:(0216) 463 26 06

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Today, Aveda sells a range of products, from skincare to haircare, which are all as organic as possible. Not just a marketing ploy, Aveda has a history of producing organic products and being a socially responsible company since its founding. Today a part of the Estée Lauder Companies, they continue to partner with local communities to create innovative and organic products that get results.

As anybody who knows Turkish women can tell you, they love going to the hairdresser, which often results in damaged, processed hair. Aveda products are distributed through top salons, and offer an all-natural solution. Popular products include the Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner, which extends the vibrancy of color-treated hair and resists fading; the Hand Relief cream, which soothes dry, chapped hands using hydrating plant emollients, exfoliating fruit acids, and anti-oxidants; and the cooling Foot Relief cream, with lavender and rosemary oils. Available at Erdem Kıramer salons in Istanbul. Aveda Erdem Kıramer;Akmerkez Shopping Mall, Nispetiye Caddesi No.114 Etiler; P:(0212) 282 19 12

Nishmark.com is a website where you can find your favorite stationery products, from stylish pens to handmade notebooks. Whether it’s a special gift for a friend who cares about being stylish at work, or a handmade notebook for yourself, Nishmark.com has it all. The company’s stock includes well-known international brands like Graf von Faber Castell, E + M, Lamy, Parker, and Waterman, as well as boutique Turkish stationery brands like Kumm, Kağıthane, and many others.

Nishmark is now offering Sasanna products to its customers. Sasanna, which began production in 2004, caters to lovers of elegant, tasteful stationery. You can find card- and pen-holders in dark brown, red, and dark gray (the “Enderun” series), or in turquoise, green, and black (“Hürrem”). There is also the “Alem” series, featuring oxide brass travertine and silver-plated marble paperweights which come in chic black boxes.

New Year is coming up soon as well, and those in need of gift ideas can buy colorful, fun, or elegant gifts for their loved ones without leaving their apartment. You can find yo-yos; book holders; chic versatile pens; notebooks made to look like chocolates; E+M designs for the ecologically conscious; leather handmade notebooks by Kumm for those who prefer elegant, limited-edition products; and Sassana products for traditionalists.

Our special November/December issue celebrates all that is unique about Istanbul and features articles by Kadir Topbaş (mayor of Istanbul), İzzeddin Çalışlar (writer), Tim Hindle (writer), Mustafa Akyol (journalist), Özalp Birol (Director of the Pera Museum), and more. You’ll even find Changa’s Chef Civan Er’s special baklava recipe inspired by Istanbul as well as Istanbul caricatures by the famous caricaturist Salih Memecan.

The magazine also comes with a TOP 7 pocket book that includes TOP 7 lists of everything from restaurants and must-see sights to cultural and religious sites. If you’ve always wanted to know the TOP 7 Turkish taverns, bars, Turkish designers, gift shops, tradesmen restaurants, cool buys as well as TOP 7 things to do by district, our TOP 7 booklet will become your best pal in Istanbul.

So head to your nearest major bookstore or newsstand, and grab your copy. To subscribe, contact us here.

Rebul Kolonya – a cologne first sold in Beyoğlu’s historic Rebul Pharmacy, founded in 1895 – is now offering two new fragrances to consumers: Rebul Mandarine and Rebul Lime. These two new varieties come as alternatives to the brand’s popular lavender-scented Rebul Lavanda, made from lavender specially picked near the city of Grasse in the South of France.

Rebul Mandarine’s unique scent consists of a base of mandarin orange (tangerine), harvested from the Aegean city of Bodrum, and accentuated with essences of lime, white peach, Lily of the Valley, and African violet. Rebul Lime’s bouquet is a blend of Sicilian lemon, bergamot, citrus, and Lily of the Valley, with hints of sandalwood, white musk, and amber.

Rebul Lime and Rebul Mandarine, as well as classic Rebul Lavanda, are sold in 380 and 180 ml bottles, and are available at select supermarkets, pharmacies, and perfumeries.

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Rebul Eczanesi;Istiklal Caddesi No. 48/D Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 444 12 58

If you’re too lazy to get into the chaos of shopping at the Grand Bazaar, you now have another option for design shopping. Owned by Turkish jewelry designer Özlem Tuna, the Zerre Design Store website sells the designs of Özlem Tuna’s past and present collections. The inventory ranges from rings and bracelets to coffee cups, vases, trays, and bowls. In the future, the website’s inventory will expand to include the products of other Turkish designers as well. Make sure you keep watching this space to get the most up-to-date info.

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The Provence-based retailer of skincare, body care, hair care, and fragrance products, L'Occitane en Provence is introducing its new lavender series in September. The plain and simple bottle design of the series was inspired by the metallic bottles that were used as storage for essential oils in traditional plant distillation techniques.

The products in the lavender series include: foaming bath, eau de cologne, hand cream, shower gel, body lotion, scented candle, and much more. For fall-ready skin, body, and hair, you know where to go!

Lokum, a new book published by Apa Tasarım, is all about Turkish Delight (known as Lokum in Turkish) and tells you everything you ever wanted to know about these soft and delicate sweets that are synonymous Turkish culture.

Written by Izzeddin Çalışlar, with playful illustrations by Selçuk Demirel and mouthwatering photos by Ahmet Ağaoğlu, in this book Lokum tells its own story, and offers a delicious new perspective on a traditional Turkish sweet. The book also features an introduction by Zeynep Keyman, the proprietor of the Lokum Istanbul boutique in Arnavutköy.

Keyman explains that she felt compelled to write this book so that Lokum flavors would continue to be diversified, developed, updated and enjoyed by a wide audience. From this book you can learn everything from their culinary history and mysterious allure in the West, to detailed explanations on how they are made, and even recipes and suggestions on how you can make your very own batch at home. Just like its namesake, this book is small and sweet and makes for a great gift.

Want to revamp your abode or boat without spending a fortune? Then cushions are the way to go.

Yastık by Rıfat Özbekhas twolimited edition collectionsthat will update the look of your dwelling of choice and liven up your mood.

The first collection brings springtime motifs to a truly unique dimension, featuring brightly-colored pieces in a novel lavender scent. Yes, you’ve heard it right. Lavender-scented cushions! And they come with down fillings too. Aside from symbolic floral prints, the pieces boast bold reds, oranges, and navy blues that bring extra warmth to any summer venue—be it your home or office.

The second limited edition collection is created specifically to liven up the interior of yachts. But don’t worry if you don’t have a yacht, you can add a maritime feel to your house with these blue and white dominated cushions. Boasting handcrafted pieces made with quality fabrics from Asia, these cushions attract the eye with simple white backgrounds topped with flowing designs.

For a comfortable feel and a sophisticated look, get your silky smooth cushions from Rıfat Özbek.

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One of Istanbul’s best Turkish delight shops, Lokum İstanbul has reinvented itself with a new décor and new additions to its product range.

The chic interior features black lacquer cabinets and shelves that give the shop a very old school Italian feel. At the same time, the vaulted ceilings and deep-set lighting is reminiscent of a modern Turkish bath.

Of the new products, the orange flavored Turkish delight is definitely a must-try. One of the most innovative additions is the Turkish delight with colored powder that looks almost like edible chalk. Provided by the chefs at Changa, the chocolates with lavender, rose, and jasmine fillings are also interesting and seriously delicious additions. What looks like a sigara böreği is actually a sweet pastry made with baklava dough and filled with lemon and orange rind—another original creation that tastes heavenly.

It’s not just the inventive and tasty products but also the boxes that are oh-so cute. Available in big and small sizes, the boxes are covered with toile and fringed with pompoms. In fact, all the packaging is high-end, finished with grosgrain ribbons, and are shaped like fez and tambourine.

Lokum İstanbul is not just for foodies though—you’ll find a range of candles and colognes made of Turkish scents, such as linden and rose, which can fill an entire room.

On your next visit to Lokum İstanbul, don’t forget to get some of their all-time favorite sweets—akide şekeri in the shape of tesbih.

Don't miss this sale and order your products online at www.aisha.com.tr

With a sample selection of savory recipes, this is a must-visit site for every cooking enthusiast. Visitors can also explore the contents, communicate with the authors, and buy the book online. Available in three editions, English, French and Turkish, Istanbul Contemporary Cuisine so far has only been put on sale in its home country. Food lovers everywhere else will not want to miss the opportunity to check the book and order it at

http://www.istanbulcontemporarycuisine.com/eng/book/