Table for two: best romantic restaurants in Istanbul
From fine dining restaurants to modern meyhanes, there are many places to enjoy a romantic meal with your valentine in this glamorous city. Nicole One of the best fine dining…
Santa Claus the Turk? Alternative Turkish Christmas ideas
n a country where Christians make up less than 0.2 percent of the population, it is no surprise that most Turks do not celebrate Christmas. The secular alternative of New…
Boza and şıra: not-so-innocent drinks of the Ottomans
Food fermentation is a culinary trend around the world, and for good reason. In certain foods, the process of converting carbohydrates and sugars can not only create bacteria-boosting agents but…
An Ottoman detective in the kitchen: Jason Goodwin turns from crime to cookery
In a series of five novels, Yashim the Ottoman detective has titillated readers with cases that careen through Ottoman high society and low life in a trail of spice, glitter,…
Doing it the Turkish way: the Turquerie movement in Europe
Between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the aristocrats of Europe took great interest in Turkish arts, fashion, and lifestyle. Living like an Ottoman became a trend that signified sophisticated taste.…
Sümerbank: fashion in modern Turkey
When talking about the textile industry in Turkey, Sümerbank is one of the first producers that come to mind. Superseding the boundaries of clothing, Sümerbank designs often indicate a sense…
Every issue, a new Istanbul: meet The Guide Istanbul cover artist Sedat Girgin
Since 2014, a new and original piece of art has appeared on every cover of The Guide Istanbul, each city vignette drawn by Sedat Girgin. However, the young illustrator not…
What makes balık ekmek an iconic dish of Istanbul?
Vendors call out to people taking a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus shore, stopping on the way for a taste of “authentic” Turkish street food culture in the form of…
The 23rd Istanbul Theater Festival: who is the actor?
Featuring exciting, interactive performances for the audience, the 23rd Istanbul Theater Festival seeks a broader definitions of plays, actors, and stages. By Yao Hsiao The never-ending relationship between fiction and…
Hatay: unmissable land of food and history
Located in southern Turkey on the eastern Mediterranean coast, Hatay province is a treasure trove of rich multicultural heritage and delicious dishes. Text & photos by Yao Hsiao Being one…
Top 7 places for döner kebab in Istanbul
In a city full of tasty döner kebab, not all are created equal. Here are the best places to eat. Bayramoğlu Döner is the very reason you should plan a visit to…
Every grain counts: rice in Turkish cuisine
A historic recipe known the world over, Turkish rice pilaf remains a versatile and cherished dish both at home and abroad. By Aylin Öney Tan It is widely known that…