Cold weather treats: salep, boza, and kestane
Wandering on the streets of Istanbul, one can easily notice how much emphasis there is on food. Wherever you are, there will be a bakkal—a small corner shop often offering…
Architecture in Istanbul: the embodiments of change and nostalgia
While it’s nearly impossible to talk about Istanbul’s architecture in brief, here we will talk about structures (one old with one new together) that characterize this sentiment which pervades the…
Beetroot: the red jewel of winter vegetable
Beetroot, pancar in Turkish, is an unique root vegetable to try in winter. Add it to your dinner plate tonight! At this time of year, the sun-reliant vegetables of summer…
19th century Istanbul through European engravings
For nineteenth-century Europeans, engravings were the most common way of viewing distant lands from afar. In the 21st century, such engravings of Istanbul are a window into a city untouched…
Sacred aesthetics: restoring Istanbul’s Christian art
“Restoration is like the work of a doctor, but for art,” said Venizelos Gavrilakis, who relocated to Istanbul from Greece for the mission of preserving the cultural treasury. By Joshua…
Anatolia’s Lost Heritage around the world
Enthusiasts spread objects of Anatolia’s heritage across the world, guaranteeing its legacy for the future. By Joshua Allen and Nicole O’Rourke Some of the oldest civilizations in the world emerged…
A Chinese feast: celebrating Lunar New Year in Istanbul
Continue the festive holiday season by joining the commemoration of the Lunar New Year, a one-week festival starting with an evening feast on January 24. For Chinese, as well as…
A creative lingua franca: culture groups in Istanbul
As a metropolis of more than 15 million, Istanbul is a hub where cultures from around the world intersect. There are groups in the city that promote the sharing of…
Musical memories: Ceren Necipoğlu International Harp Festival
Ceren Necipoğlu’s life ended tragically, but her musical legacy lives on in a new festival in istanbul. musicians from around the world will descend on the city to honor one…
Find your sweet spot: top 7 desserts in Moda
Moda, the beloved neighborhood of Kadıköy, is not only packed with hip cafes, bars, and boutiques, but also full of shops specializing in different desserts. Here are some places where…
Top 7 cozy reading cafes in Istanbul
The qualities we look for in our favorite coffee shops begin to change on cold weather days. Instead of breezy outdoor spaces, our eyes look for the most comfortable couches…