Top 7 ways to cool off in Istanbul
Even when the temperature gets too high during summertimes, there is always a way to stay cool in Istanbul. Here are some things to do for escaping the heat while…
Neighborhood tour: how to spend an afternoon in Bomonti
Bomonti might be a tiny neighborhood, but it’s full of interesting places for a fun and relaxing time. 1pm: casual lunch You’ll easily find plenty of casual locations for your…
Mihri: migrant painter of modern times
An exhibition sheds lights on the rich, pioneering, but little-known life story of Mihri, a female painter who rose to prominence in the late Ottoman era. By Yao Hsiao Photo…
Music for all: Birlikte Güçlü Sesler Chorus
Bringing children from different backgrounds together, a chorus that combines singing and sign language will perform at Istanbul Music Festival on June 29. By Yao Hsiao Photo courtesy of İKSV…
Istanbul’s Italian heritage: a legacy of the cosmopolitan past
Less than a century ago, the Levantine districts of Beyoğlu and Galata reflected the Ottoman Empire’s cultural diversity. The streets were full of the sounds, smells, people, and buildings from…
Amethyst magic: Judas trees in Istanbul
In April while strolling through Istanbul, it is impossible not to spend at least a few moments gazing up at the Judas trees and contemplating their association with the city…
Mystical blooms: tulips in Turkish marbling
Spring has sprung, and the legendary Istanbul Tulip Festival is fast approaching. Dive into the mystical beauty of these springtime blooms by learning their place in the ancient art of…
Baltalimanı Japanese Garden: Spring in Bloom
Cherry blossoms on full display at Istanbul’s Japanese garden. In a few skillfully crafted words, this haiku by Edo-era poet Masuto Basho embodies what spring in Japan is famous for: sakura, or…
From Berlin to Khorasan: seeking the roots of saz music
Starting from Berlin, crossing Anatolia, and ending in Iran, musician Petra Nachtmanova and filmmaker Stephan Talneau went on a road trip in search of the roots of saz music. Charting…