What’s in a kilim? History and motifs
By Bingül Gündaş Throughout history, man has insulated his home against fierce heat, bitter cold, snow and rain by weaving all kinds of clothing, covers and trappings. From such modest needs,…
Remembering John Freely, the memory of Istanbul
To anyone who has taken a cursory look at an English-language bookstore in Istanbul, the name John Freely will be familiar. Known affectionately as “the memory of Istanbul”, Freely was…
What to take home: edible souvenirs from Turkey
After trying all the delicious food in Istanbul, you won’t want to leave without bringing some of it home. Here are some tips about what to buy for gifts and…
Buying Turkish carpets 101: how to get the perfect rug
If you’re reading this, chances are you have an eye on a Turkish carpet. However, the process of buying them is no easy task. But don’t worry. Following our easy…
Kırık Kuyruk: an online portal to keep the paws happy
Street animals don’t always live happy and healthy lives, especially in a city like Istanbul, which is home to hundreds of thousands of stray cats and dogs. A new internet…
HEY! Imaginable Guidelines: designing Istanbul with card game
A card game aims to help ordinary residents discover how their cities are designed, and to find ways to make them better. By Yao Hsiao What if ordinary residents were…
Ramadan in Istanbul: culinary traditions and the glowing messages
Ramadan culinary traditions: must-haves in iftar dinner As the sun sets during Ramadan, families and communities meet to break their fast with a meal known as iftar. Unlike some other…
7 traces of Ottoman executions in Istanbul
Let’s go through some of the terrible tales surrounding Ottoman executions. Cities such as London, Hamburg, and Amsterdam all have their own dungeon museums, which fascinate children and adults alike…
New Mosque: women’s touch on Istanbul’s landscape
Following the Great Fire of 1660, which destroyed almost two thirds of Istanbul, Hatice Turhan Sultan, an influential figure from the Ottoman imperial court, used the opportunity to redefine the…
Beyazıt Library: Istanbul’s first public library meets the 21st century
Completed by Tabanlıoğlu Architects, the restoration project of Beyazıt Library lets the first state library in Turkey meet the public in a better condition. Located between Istanbul University and the…