Greta Thunberg was in town to support Açık Radyo

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

Reşad Ekrem Koçu’s Istanbul Encyclopedia is now online!

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

A few days ago in Bosphorus

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.  

The Governor shuts down half of Istanbul so that citizens cannot celebrate the May Day

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  

“Exploring Istanbul Through Emin Özmen’s Lens

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  

Istanbul silhouette by Hüsamettin Koçak

  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

Come to Istanbul! “Istanbul Named the World’s Most Visited City in 2023”

Istanbul Named the World’s Most Visited City in 2023 – TimeOut TimeOut Euromonitor International released its list of top 10 cities for international arrivals and the Turkish capital claimed the number one spot. How Female Chefs Are Sparkling in Istanbul – The New York Times The New York Times Women, long expected to cook for their families at … Read more

Taxi drivers as bullies of #istanbul (Taksi drivers attack Istanbul’s Transportation Coordination Center with stones)

Taksi drivers attack Istanbul’s Transportation Coordination Center with stones Duvar English Istanbul’s taxi drivers reacting to the 28.09 percent increase in taxi fares at the meeting of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Transportation In other news: Rumours and Whispers in the Istanbul Art Scene An update on revolt, discussions and developments in the city following months of crisis Over the past six … Read more

Reading “A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul” and realizing fires were once No 1 enemy of Istanbulians

I am reading a nice book A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul. One chapter deals with the fires. It was the most damaging disaster for centuries. Mavi Boncuk listed major fires: Major Named Istanbul Fires Mavi Boncuk | The period with no organized Tulumba Fire Crews until 1714. Important fires of this period; 1510    It … Read more

Interesting: “Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city”

Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city: Research   According to a recent study by a U.K.-based company, Istanbul has been ranked as the second most brilliantly lit Christmas city in Europe during the month of December. This information has been reported by several reputable sources, including Daily Sabah, Hürriyet Daily News, and enginakyurekunitingheartsworldwide.org. Additionally, a … Read more

A tribute to İstanbul’s Tercüman building

I heard the news that this building will be demolished. Its architectural style was unique in İstanbul. I would admire it when I was a child. It was futuristic when it was first built. I had been inside once when it was used as a private high school building. But it was first used as … Read more

Yes, Istanbul is financially hard to live but not for the Central Bank governor

In a recent strange interview, Ms. Erkan stated that she ‘lives with mother’ due to excessive rental prices in İstanbul I don’t know her intentions, but I list below how much she earned in recent years. It is hypocritical- but probably politically beneficial- to identify with poorer people like that. How much she actually earned recently? … Read more

Istanbul from Above

While we were flying back to İstanbul from Adana after an intense day of media training, Sinem took these photos. Turkish Airlines should pay us:) Taken by Iphone latest model. Now we are in Amsterdam to celebrate our first marriage anniversary. Maybe more photos will come!  

istanbul from the new Galata bridge

I mostly drive and miss Istanbul views. But for an event, I took the tram and while I was walking took a few pictures. And a few more news:  A 16th-century Istanbul hamam opens doors to the public after 50 years Architectural Digest India The Zeyrek Çinili Hamam in Istanbul sees new life as a multipurpose arts and wellness … Read more

Fans of the Galaxy: Star Wars Fan Exhibition in İstanbul

A few weeks ago I stopped by Istanbul Cinema Museum right in the middle of Istiklal Street, Taksim.  There is an ongoing exhibition until 1 Februrar 2024: Fans of the Galaxy: Star Wars Fan. I was never a real Star Wars fan but this is a great collection. If you are interested in…