I used ChatGPT’s deep research with proper prompts to collect all pro and counterarguments and issues related to the state of the city. Historical Overview of the Project Early Ideas: The concept of a canal connecting the Black Sea (Karadeniz) to the Sea of Marmara (Marmara Denizi) is not new. Ottoman sultans as far back … Read more
Debates and Theories Surrounding the Anticipated Istanbul Earthquake The recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul on April 23, 2025, has reignited intense debate about the likelihood, timing, and potential impact of a major earthquake that seismologists have long predicted for Turkey’s largest city. This earthquake, which injured over 150 … Read more
I was just out in my car waiting for Sinem -and loudly enjoying Brothers Osborne It Ain’t My Fault to hang out in a cafe in Bomonti, so I did not feel the quake, but people were immediately out. GSM services are down, and the traffic load is incredible. That’s what awaits us. Powerful Earthquake Shakes … Read more
I wanted to talk about Mahir Polat. I did not meet him, but I always heard positive feedback about him. -I cannot say the same for many others in Imamoğlu’s inner circle- A modest person who worked hard to contribute to Istanbul’s cultural heritage. He was arrested along with Imamoğlu. In the last elections, he … Read more
Well, Imamoğlu’s imprisonment seems like Turkish authorities symbolically annulled the right to vote and to be elected. Most Istanbulites elected him for the third time- he increased his votes every time-, and here is what we have now. Secondly, a strong potential rival of the current president is eliminated by imprisoning him. I observe a … Read more
After 4 or 5 years, Istanbul finally got a good load of snow that immediately broke down the city’s ordinary life. Traffic was overloaded, the roads were not good for many to drive, and schools were closed. We are not in a formal closure, but most lecturers worked at home as the classes will start … Read more
Istanbul has been named the world’s most congested city for 2024, according to the INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard[1][2][3]. The report found that drivers in Istanbul lost an average of 105 hours to traffic congestion in 2024, placing it at the top of the global rankings[2][3]. Global Rankings Istanbul’s position as the most congested city … Read more
Istanbul Airport (IST) prices are higher than many other major European airports, particularly for food and beverages. Recent studies and reports highlight the significant cost differences: Food and Beverage Costs According to a 2025 study by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Istanbul Airport tops the list as the most expensive airport in Europe for food … Read more
I am feeling strong doses of nostalgia after taking my personal belongings from my parents’ storage place. Like many families in İstanbul, my parents finally decided to move away from their apartments because of the expected major earthquake. Istanbul is in a frenzy of urban renewal, and the building they lived in for 45 years … Read more
The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg visited Istanbul to support Acik Radyo (Open Radio), a recently closed independent radio station in Turkey. Here are the key details of her visit: Purpose of the Visit Thunberg’s visit was primarily to express solidarity with Acik Radyo, which had its broadcasting license revoked by the Turkish Radio and … Read more
http://istanbulansiklopedisi.org is live – The website brings together the printed volumes of Reşad Ekrem Koçu‘s unfinished #İstanbulAnsiklopedisi and archival documents made accessible for the first time. Check out the site here
Here are some recent photos I have taken: My own private İstanbul (!) Windows scenes from the event I attended. When I was passing through the first Bosphorus bridge to get my new car.
MLSA’s Twitter account documents the rights violations towards journalists and other activists. Historic Unkapanı towards Taksim Square is blocked by police. An iconic image of shame for Turkiye’s leaders. Photo by Umut Taştan İstanbul’da 1 Mayıs!. pic.twitter.com/L9ibgMnwGS — hilmi hacaloğlu (@hilmihacaloglu) May 1, 2024
Ahead of an upcoming workshop in Istanbul in May, Özmen opens up on the experience of shooting in his adopted home, a city of color and contradiction. See the whole piece and beautiful photos here
A few days ago, I and Sinem stopped by a newly opened museum in Taksim. Türkiye İş Bankası Resim Heykel Müzesi (İşbank Painting and Sculpture Museum) in İstiklal Street contains permanent and temporary exhibitions. Temporary exhibition includes an İstanbul section. Among all the classical paintings, I have chosen to show you an Istanbul silhouette … Read more