Behind the Bazaar

Icons and Shipwrecks

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:22:00 +0000

It is no secret that geography shapes culture; that we are influenced and inspired by the places we happen to be.

Lectures such as these provide insight that puts contemporary art and design into context. If you're in Istanbul this month, consider the following opportunities to learn a little more about Turkish culture and history.

Icons and Byzantine Cultural Identity

by J. Michael Featherstone, CNRS

April 20 @ 6:30 pm

at the Istanbul Research Institute

The Byzantine Shipwrecks at Yenikapi

by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Kocabas, Istanbul University

Head of Department of Conservation of Marine Archaeological Objects

April 21 @ 2:30 pm

at the Turkish Cultural Foundation Istanbul Office

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If you're coming to Istanbul, or even if you're already here, let us introduce you to the artists and designers we've been working with for over ten years on one of our customized shopping trips.

Happy Birthday Cafe Fernando

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:26:00 +0000

This post comes with a warning, do not read it if you are even the slightest bit hungry (which I am, which is a problem).

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

I've been smitten with Cenk Sonmezsoy, writer, photographer and food stylist of Cafe Fernando for some time now. For starters, we both have ties to Istanbul and San Francisco. But more to the point, who wouldn't be smitten with delectable images like these?

Brownies My Way

Chocolate Desserts: Brownies My Way & Devil's Food Cake

Devil's Food Cake with Whipped Biscoff Ganache & Chocolate Shards

L'Orange

Or alluring recipes like Dolce & Gabbana Brownies, Pomegranate Jam and Nutella Tarts?

What I like most with my Behind the Bazaar eyes are his posts on Turkish cuisine - things like Feta Cheese and Mint Borek, Stuffed Vine Leaves and Karniyarik. (I warned you not to read this on an empty stomach ...)

Cigarette Borek and Mung Bean Salad

Just a few days ago Cafe Fernando celebrated its Fifth Birthday. Behind the Bazaar wishes you many, many more delicious birthdays to come Cenk.

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All images copyright Cafe Fernando. Used with permission.

Incir Boutique: Tailor Made Outfits

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Müge Halaç at Incir Boutique in Cihangir. We'd met at an event for entrepreneurs a few weeks earlier - Müge truly is entrepreneurial.

As much as she's creating her own label, she also provides some stylish services like working with you to design unique and affordable custom pieces for your wardrobe. She even gave me some style tips like what shapes I should be wearing (and avoiding).

If you visit her, ask her about the t-shirts she's designing with some other creative friends, or her idea for personalized gift boxes.

Alongside Müge's samples in her boutique, you'll also find her mother's jewelry designs scattered about.

On Project Runway, Michael Kors has remarked at least once that a true talent will pick up a piece of fabric and let it speak to her - that the fabric will tell her what it wants to be. Müge expressed this exactly which is why I thought it appropriate to take a photograph of her next to her collection.

Can't wait to see what they turn in to.

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If you're planning to travel to Istanbul, or even if you're already here, contact us to schedule a personalized Behind the Bazaar shopping trip.

Silk Slippers

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:29:00 +0000

It was several years ago that this article about Janet Chisholm was first published in the New York Times Style section, but I was delighted to come across her luxury accessories company Hanimefendi more recently.

Made by hand from antique silk ikats as well as modern woven fabrics, the slippers are designed and manufactured in a workshop behind the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

Near and dear to our hearts are anyone with the passion for reviving traditional craft with such beautiful taste and style.

Slippers fit for today's princess.

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All images from Hanimefendi.net

Facets of Istanbul

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:32:00 +0000

The neo-culture site expat+HAREM is celebrating Istanbul as a 2010 Culture Capital with a year-long blog carnival.

This month Behind the Bazaar curates the fifth issue with a collection of links that have caught our attention.

We invite you to browse through our hand-picked favorites which include a gallery of Ottoman caftans, Turkish baths favored by locals, and other facets of Istanbul in Issue #5, city+TREASURES.

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Image Credit: expat+HAREM

Make A Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 05 May 2010 09:11:00 +0000

Today is the Turkish festival of Hıdrellez commemorating when prophets Hızır and Ilyas met on earth. According to this account, having drunk from the water of life, Hızır symbolizes spring, and the new life emerging with it. He benevolently "wanders around among people from time to time, especially in the spring, and helps people in difficulty and distributes plenty and health."

Hıdrellez Festival Announcement

When my mother-in-law lived in Isparta she would place coins in the roses for Hızır to bless them. Once the Hıdrellez festival was over, she would give us the coins to carry in our wallets throughout the year.

In another tradition, people attach their wishes to the nahıl tree like the one that the Armada Hotel organizes in Ahırkapı.

Ahırkapı Nahıl Tree

One of my favorite nahıl trees is on display at Nahıl boutique in Taksim.

Nahıl Boutique

However you celebrate today, be sure you make a wish.

It will surely come true.

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Image Credits:
Hıdrellez Festival Announcement: hidrellez.org
Ahırkapı Nahıl Tree: hidrellez.org
Nahıl Boutique: wikimedia.org

From Ottoman Caftans to Istanbul Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Last week the Turkish Cultural Foundation announced an online gallery of caftans from the Style & Status exhibit praised in the Washington Post and the New York Times.

So I had a look.

16th Century Ottoman Caftan

Later I read this Zelfist post by Zehra Elif Taş questioning the designers chosen to show their collections this week at Istanbul Fashion Week. I asked her who she would like to see in the show, and this is what she responded.

Thinking from a Behind the Bazaar perspective, I was curious what connected the first event to the second; how are today's Turkish fashion designers influenced by what the Ottoman Empire left behind?

How's this?

17th Century Ottoman Caftan with Cintamani Motif

Idil Tarzi Cintamani Print Dress

Or what about the designer Arzu Kaprol whose philosophy is:

"to express her enthusiasm within a context where many details reflect the mystery of the city and the Ottoman culture."

Maybe it's a good question for Zehra - Which of today's Turkish designers are most inspired by their past? Which collections best exhibit influences from Turkey's rich cultural heritage?

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{Caftan images from Style and Status}
{Cintamani print dress image from Idil Tarzi}
{Quote from Arzu Kaprol}

Online gallery of Turkish Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:13:00 +0000

The Foundation for Service to Turkish Culture has expanded it's website to include an online gallery of art produced by the traditional arts & crafts workshops. It is possible to choose a piece of art and send an enquiry for price and shipping availabilities.

Cini hand-painted tilework - image: tkhv.org

For more information:

Turk Kulturune Hizmet Vakfi
Email: tkhv@tkhv.org
Tel: +90 212 428 8023

A Designer Shopping Event

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Did you get your invitation? Ours just arrived for a shopping event showcasing four Istanbul designers: Leyla Taranto, Özlem Tuna, Örge Tulga and Dilek Aksu.

Leyla Taranto: Toz Design

Charms by Toz Design

Özlem Tuna: Jewellery & Objects

Pomegranate Spear by Özlem Tuna

Örge Tulga: Jewellery Design

18K Gold Earrings from Örge Tulga's Dream Collection

Dilek Aksu: Bobbin Handmade Textiles

Pillows from Bobbin's Home Textile Collection

Date: December 17th - 19th
Time: 11:00 am - 7:30 pm
Location: Teşvikiye Bostan Sokak No. 13/3 :: Nişantaşı - Istanbul
Phone: +90.212.260.0682

{Photo credits belong to each designer as attributed.}

The Yilditz Palace Series

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:52:00 +0000

If you are in Istanbul on Tuesday, 8th December and would like to listen to a talk on Ottoman palaces, little known aspects of their history and their significance today, then don't miss the first talk of a series called 'Palaces of the Reform Era' given by Professor Ilber Ortayli.

The series has been organized by the Yilditz Palace Foundation and hopes to shed light on the past. Given the unique structure and history of Ottoman royal dwellings, particularly during the turbulent Reform years, the series promises to be very interesting.

The Yilditz Palace

Place: International Lounge, The Conrad Hotel, Besiktas.

Date: Tuesday, 8th December 2009

Fee: 70 TL

For further details, directions and making reservations call:

The Yilditz Palace Foundation on 0212 260 5603

General Secretary Banu Aydek on 0212 512 5858

Inside the Harem

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:17:00 +0000

If you find yourself in Istanbul this week I must insist that you visit Reyyan Somuncuoğlu's studio exhibit at the Adile Sultan Palace in Kandili, Üsküdar.

Several years ago I met Ms. Somuncuoğlu for a personal tour of the palace and to hear her talk about each of her paintings. It was one of the most magical experiences I've ever had in Istanbul.

She described how she spent months working with a historian to delve deep into the lives of women who had lived in the harem; including the wives, mothers and concubines of various sultans. After her research was complete, she swept it aside and began painting their stories.

As we walked the halls and climbed the palace staircases, Reyyan explained a particular series of paintings which depict four women who were both wives of sultans and who had also given birth to sons who became sultans. Ironically, all of them were also foreign-born women who had been strategically married into the Ottoman empire. They were the original Expat Harem*.

She went on to explain that although they lived hundreds of years apart, she had found a way to bring them together under one roof through this exhibit.

Even if you have no interest in the harem or its history, if you're fortunate enough to meet Reyyan Somuncuoğlu and have her intoxicate you with the stories of her paintings you will count yourself very lucky and I daresay you will not soon forget the experience.

Visit this page for more information on her studio exhibit which ends November 30th.

All images in this post were taken from Reyyan Somuncuoğlu's page at Lebriz where you can go to see more paintings in the exhibit.

But you really must see them in person.

*This is an affiliate link.

Secrets of Istanbul

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:04:00 +0000

It's probably obvious from our blog that we love Istanbul! But what matters a lot to us is that we get to show a side of Istanbul which no-one really knows about - not even the locals. Turkey is about so much more than beautiful architecture, mosques, hospitality and delicious food.

Wouldn't you like to discover how the famous hand-painted tiles inside the Blue Mosque were made? The revolutionary story of Islamic illustration and calligraphy? What an Ottoman university (medrese) was like 600 years ago? Whether these arts still live on today?

The ancient art of Ottoman calligraphy - 'Hattat'. Artist: Selim Turkoglu

Our excursion answers all of these questions by letting you into their secrets and allowing you to observe. You get the opportunity to see the traditional arts and crafts in their ancient settings as well as how modern designers incorporate them today. Our aim is to support these arts and designers by sharing them with you.

Oh, and with a special designer discount, you can buy your souvenirs and gifts from the designers and artisans happy in the knowledge that you have supported them and that you'll be taking home something a little more different than the expected Turkish rug and fez!

For details contact us at behindthebazaar@gmail.com

Istanbul Restaurant Week

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Currently underway and running until November16th, Kayra Wines is sponsoring the first ever Istanbul Restaurant Week in the Nişantaşı neighborhood. If you are a foodie, this is a good opportunity for you to sample the variety of restaurants in the area at promotional prices and menus designed especially for this event.

Need some help making your reservations? Try using Rezztoran.com. (P.S. They'll help you whether it's restaurant week or not.) See their announcement and read some their recommendations for this event.

We wish you Afiyet Olsun!

{All images from Kayra Restoran Haftasi}

10 Romantic Things to do in Istanbul, Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:20:00 +0000

6 - Rumelihisarı (Rumelian Castle). A fortress located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Turkey, on a hill on the European side of the Bosporus. Built by Sultan Mehmed II in1451 before he conquered Constantinople. Since 1960, it has been used as a museum and an outdoor theatre for concerts and festivals. Enjoy breathtaking views trekking around the fortress or a summer’s night of rocking to music echoing into the Bosphorus.

The Rumelian Fortress. Image: TrekEarth

7 – Kalamış. A bay on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kalamis is well-known for it’s luxury marina, park and tea gardens. Walk along the marina by day, drop into the classy night clubs by night for dancing. Kalamis used to be an elegant walking spot for high-class Ottoman ladies and famous Turkish poet Munir Nurettin Selcuk even wrote a song* dedicated to it; “No place else gives pleasure, whether winter or summer, such as the sweet peace of Kalamis”.
*Listen to it here on Grooveshark. The scratchy gramophone recordings do seem strange nowadays, but it's a nice taste of Ottoman nostalgia, and who knows, one day in Istanbul you just might here those violin strains wafting out from somewhere and then you'll know...

Kalamis at night. Image: TrekEarth

8 - Anadolu Kavağı. A district in Beykoz, in the lush green heights of the Asian side directly upon the point where the Marmara sea joins with the Black Sea. Although known for its Roman castle, the best feature is the quaint little fish restaurants. Reached either by winding hilly roads, or a romantic ferry-ride, enjoy a tranquil meal by the water accompanied by raki. The fishing town looks just like a picturesque Aegean island and during the summer you can also enjoy the Moonlight Ferry Trip, which leaves from Bostanci and slowly travels up to Anadolu Kavagi accompanied by music.

Quaint and tranquil - Anadolukavagi. Image: turkiyetanitim

9 – Maiden Tower. As far as romantic places go, this looks like rather the obvious choice, however there’s no denying the attraction. Built on a tiny islet in the Bosphorus, it’s also known as Kizkulesi. So many legends abound, from Greek gods in rapturous love to a sultan who tried to hide his daughter from a prophesy of death, that it’s impossible to pick one, so I suggest doing your own research. Now restored with a new, cosy café, and often hired for weddings, it can be reached from Uskudar with a little motorboat.

Mythical, Mysterious: The Maiden's Tower. Image: Beautiful Wallpapers

10 – Galata Bridge. Subject of many works of fiction, paintings and poetry, the bridge was a link between two cultures and Leonardo Da Vinci actually designed the original, which was never built. At first glance you’ll only see hundreds of fishing lines thrown over the edge, but underneath is a whole row of fish restaurants and cafes where you can dine and drink until the late hours, lazily watching the ferries swan past, with the aroma of apple tobacco wafting over you from the narghile cafes.

Tucked away under the Galata Bridge. Image: Alfred Molon

Previous post: 10 Romantic Things to Do in Istanbul, Part 1

What aspect of Istanbul would you like to hear about? Let us know and we'll write about it!

10 Romantic Things to do in Istanbul, Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:42:00 +0000

1 - Emirgan Park. Beautiful woodland which has survived from the Bosphorus' ancient era. the gardens were a gift from Sultan Murad IV to his battlefield friend Emir Gune Han, the Prince of Iran, in the 17th century. Now publicly owned, the park boasts pretty pavilions, tranquil lakes and cafes with impressive tulip fields.

Emirgan Park

2 - Belgrade Forest. Perfect for romantic picnics and a break from the city. The forest has plenty of paths for walking and cycling in any season. enjoy the scenery around the reservoirs built during the Ottoman era to feed the city's water supply.

Belgrade Forest, Istanbul

Image:Trekearth

3 - Camlica Hill. Situated in Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul, the hill is 268 metres above sea level with sweet smelling pines and magnificent views of the Bosphorus. A favourite winter spot, there are Ottoman style tea-rooms at the top where you can sit cozily and sip hot Sahlep. In the summer, you can enjoy sitting amongst the rose bushes.

Camlica Hill, Uskudar

Image: Points of Turkey

4 - Aya Nikolat, Buyukada. One of the Princess Islands, even travelling to the island itself is romantic. Reached via ferry, vehicles are banned on the island so you can only cycle, walk or use the horse-drawn carriages. The Aya Nikolat Boutique Hotel boasts the most romantic 11 rooms in all Istanbul! Yilmaz Turk Cad, No: 104, Aya Nikola Mevkii, Buyukada, Istanbul Tel: 0.216.382 41 43

Aya Nikolat Boutique Hotel

5 – Ortakoy Square. Located along the Bosphorus in the district of Besiktas, the square is symbolized by the famous Ortakoy Mosque built on the seafront. Stroll around the street craft bazaars, enjoy baked potatoes or sit on a bench and feed the pigeons.

Ortakoy, Besiktas

The Luxury of a Turkish Bath

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:22:00 +0000

In Irfan Orga's book Portrait of a Turkish Family* he gives a vivid account of his grandmother's excursions to the local Turkish bath. He paints a colorful picture of how she would oversee the cook's preparations, the accoutrements she would bring along, and the hushed conversations that took place within the marbled walls. It is a romantic picture of life before the war when such events had much more significance in daily life.

Light streams into a Turkish bath

Image from jefield on flickr

Today it is still possible to cross the threshold of Istanbul's oldest hammams and find yourself transported to a more indulgent time. It's where women would prepare days in advance to go gossip with their friends and where mothers would visit to find proper wives for their sons.

Çemberlitaş Hammam, Istanbul

Photograph by Giovanni Simeone/SIME-4Corners

from National Geographic

And it's where National Geographic recommends you visit at least once in this lifetime. In fact, Reuters reports that the popularity of hammams is on the rise along with the development of the spa industry and this kind of luxury tourism.

What other excuses do you need to indulge?

{*This is an affiliate link.}

A Top Shopping Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Well-known for its monuments and mosques, Istanbul has been growing in popularity with hardened globetrotting shoppers for several years now.

Uniquely, Istanbul has not just one famous street to shop from but several and all housing major designers, haute couture houses and the latest Turkish designers hitting the fashion scene. Probably the most well-known cosmopolitan district is Istiklal Street in historical Pera because of it's city centre location and close proximity to the hub of the Istanbul tourist attractions.

Istiklal Street, Beyoglu

For a much more upscale shopping spree to rival Paris and Vienna, go where the socialites and stars shop; Nisantasi in Tesvikiye. All labels known to mankind are located along this long, long street of shops. The New Year lights and decorations in Nisantasi are absolutely stunning and alone worth visiting for.

With several more popular shopping districts on the Asian side as well, such as Kadikoy, Istanbul is a major shopping destination. Also, you would be surprised to discover that Europe's largest and the world's sixth largest shopping mall is also in Istanbul. Cevahir Mall houses over 280 shops, some which are unique, 12 cinemas, 48 restaurants, and too much else to count. It also boasts the largest clock in the world.

Cevahir

Address: Istanbul Cevahir Shopping Center, Buyukdere Cad. No:22 Sisli / Istanbul

Tel: +90 212 368 6900 +90 212 368 6900
Fax: +90 212 380 1352

The Hidiv Pavilion - romancing the Asian side

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:29:00 +0000

The Hidiv Pavilion

A city of two continents, it's often difficult to pick which side - Asian or European - is nicer. Turks have their own, very deep-rooted preferences and a person who has grown up on the Asian side will rarely ever want to move their home to the European side and vice versa. It's all about nostalgia, community and roots.

Yet, as travellers to Istanbul usually focus on the major sightseeing attractions of the European side, too often the more elegantly calmer Asian side can be overlooked by visitors. Full of little palaces and pavilions built as retreats for sultans and pashas, the green, lush hills and parks are just waiting to be discovered as the other, more romantic face of Istanbul.

The Hidiv Pavilion is a large mansion nestled in lush woods on the hills overlooking the Bosphorus. It was built by the Ottoman Governor of Eygpt, Abbas Pasha. Governors appointed by the Ottoman government to Eygpt were called 'Hidiv' (Khedive) and this particular handsome and Swiss-educated young Governor contracted the Italian architects, Antonio Lasciac and Delfo Seminati, to build a minor palace in 1907. The gardens were designed by his second wife, Hungarian Countess May Torok von Szendro, who also directed the building of the pavilion. Its tower houses one of the first steam elevators to be used in Istanbul.

The Pavilion was restored to it's exact former glory in the 1980's and is now operated by the Istanbul Municipality as a hotel, restaurant and tea garden. Many childhood summer vacations included five o'clock tea and cake in the gardens of the Pavilion and, although prices are very reasonable, the quiet and regal atmosphere is such that you are transported to the heady and luxurious Ottoman days.

Perhaps due to its endearing love story, the Hidiv Pavilion is also a beautiful and romantic setting for weddings and banquets. As someone who chose to be married in an equally beautiful historical building on the Asian side just opposite The Maiden's Tower, I would say Istanbul is the location for romance!

All Hidiv Pavilion Images: Beltur A.S.

Address: Çubuklu Korusu Çubuklu Yolu No:32 Beykoz/İSTANBUL
Tel: 0216 413 92 53 - 0216 413 96 64 - 0216 425 06 03 - 0216 425 06 04
Fax: 0216 413 96 99

Istanbul - a city of four seasons

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:58:00 +0000

A magical white Istanbul

Istanbul is one of those rare cities which remains beautiful and has something to offer the whole year round. Despite being most popular during the summer months, when most travelers plan their holidays and usually combine a trip further down to the sun, sea and sand of the Aegean and Mediterrenean Coasts of Turkey, Istanbul loses none of its liveliness during the spring and winter months.

Our designer Istanbul excursions include visits to both little-known historical places, such as a 400 year-old medrese which is still alive with arts and crafts taught and practised within its walls all year through, as well as Turkish artists and designers. We get to see their art change and grow throughout the seasons in harmony with the colour of the trees lining the entrance to the Dolmabahce Palace.

Sometimes, to really understand and enjoy a city and a culture, it’s better to visit without the summer tourist hoardes and enjoy the museums, palaces, mosques and famous shopping districts at a more leisurely pace.

A view of the Bosphorus from Anadolu Kavagi in autumn.

Tips from Two Locals for the 11th Annual International Istanbul Biennial

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

On Tuesday we tweeted this post about the 11th Annual International Biennial in Istanbul. I'm sharing it again here because I thought it would be worth repeating.

In this post from their blog Istanbul locals Petek Atakurt and Cenk Gürsoy share four tips for enjoying the biennial including advice about the route, shuttle, guide and the artists.

Emre Huner

An Exotic Pleasure - Haci Bekir Turkish Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:17:00 +0000

Turkish delight is a delicacy which couldn't have been more aptly named - as it became known in Europe thanks to an English tourist who took the heavenly treat home with him and caused a small sensation.

While the very first versions of Turkish delight were invented by 16th century Ottoman confectioners, it went through several versions over the centuries until it was honed to perfection. The most popular types today are the pistachio, rose, coconut and almond, mint and the mastic. In truth, it's extremely difficult to choose a favourite as there are more than thirty varieties and they are all delicious.

A popular variety: Rose flavoured Turkish delight.

Haci Bekir first opened his little confectionery shop in Istanbul in 1777 where he would produce his delicacies in a small section in the back. Today, despite growing into several shops and earning worldwide renown, the authentic little shop in Bahcekapi, Istanbul is still run by the fifth generation of his family and they have carefully preserved his stove and equipment in the back room. It is the oldest business in Turkey operating from the same premises for nearly 250 years now.

Haci Bekir working at his counter: depicted in 'The Confectioner' by Count Preziosi. This painting now hangs in the Louvre Museum. Image: Orientalist Art

The same counter: the Bahcekapi shop today.

Although eating and sharing Turkish delight is traditionally saved for guests, special religious holidays or bearing as a gift to a dinner party in Turkey, we believe it is one of the ultimate feel-good treats to rival chocolate. Just a bite instantly makes you feel like a goddess (or a sultan).

Good quality, delicious Turkish delight can be bought in many reputable places in Istanbul and the luxurious treat is just one of those inimitable things that make us say, 'Turks do it better.'

Haci Bekir, Hamidiye Cad No. 81,Bahcekapi/Istanbul 34110

Tel: +90 212 522 85 43

Email: hacibekir@hacibekir.com.tr

Image credits: Haci Bekir A.S.

Two Palace Lectures from the Turkish Cultural Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Founded in 2000, the Turkish Cultural Foundation is an organization whose goals are to promote and preserve Turkish culture through various programs such as its Art and Culture Lecture Series. It sponsors lectures both in Istanbul and in the United States.

Turkish Cultural Foundation

If you are in Istanbul in October, there are two lectures scheduled. On October 8th Dr. Nurhan Atasoy will be speaking about the Traditional Aspects of Dolmabahçe Palace, and on the 9th Dr. Feryal İrez will give a lecture on Palace Furniture.

Dolmabahçe Palace

There are no lectures currently scheduled in the U.S. for October, which is a good excuse to come to Istanbul. We recommend you attend the lectures and then tour the palaces armed with this new, educated perspective.

Seeing Istanbul from such a point of view is sure to add more meaning to your visit.

Fine Ottoman Cuisine at Asitane Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Chora Church and Asitane at night

Chora Church is a favorite museum for visitors to Istanbul, most famous for its mosaics and frescoes. As the tour buses shuttle visitors in and out, they pass by a 19th century mansion that has been restored and is now the Kariye Boutique Hotel. But the real treat is the Asitane Restaurant inside the hotel.

Asitane Dining Room

Serving fine Ottoman cuisine, Asitane describes its inspiration like this:

Imperial Authenticity

"The large and airy Asitane Restaurant serves imperial Ottoman cuisine, incorportating Central Asian, Anatolian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours, resulting from intensive research undertaken at three palace kitchens (Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Edirne) to test and recreate long-forgotten imperial dishes, whose recipes were traditionally kept secret. Some of the rediscovered dishes on the menu, such as veal in apple sauce, were serverd at the circumcision feast held for two of Suleyman's sons in 1539. The location might be off the beaten track, but Asitane is the one and only restaurant in the city where intrepid diners can experience such unlikely-sounding treats as almond soup. This is a restaurant for the serious culinary adventurer."

Rice with Aubergine

Personally, I don't think it takes a serious culinary adventurer to enjoy the meals here. All it takes is someone who appreciates tasty food simmered in a bit of history.

In a Lifetime

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:11:00 +0000

_{Photograph by Giovanni Simeone/SIME-4Corners}

If you made a list of all the places you should visit in your lifetime, what would be on that list?

If you ask us, we would say Istanbul, but then we're biased. So don't take our word for it.

Instead, consult National Geographic Traveler magazine which has put Istanbul on its "Places of a Lifetime" list.

To get the most out of your visit to Istanbul, they have some great recommendations for walking tours, places you must see, festivals, hotels, restaurants, and cultural performances.

And we invite you to take the opportunity to meet some of Istanbul's artists who won't be found on any of these lists. Meeting them will give you the chance to see the effect this city has on its people - how it moves and motivates them. How it intoxicates them with inspiration.

We think you'll be inspired too.

Lush - A vibrant boutique hotel in Istanbul

noreply@blogger.com (Figen) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Lush describes itself as 'a treasure in Istanbul' and we couldn't agree more.

Located in the centre of the city near Pera and just a few steps away from Taksim Square, the very hip Lush Hotel is a 105 year old classical building which has been renovated to keep it's own unique signature and yet is completely up to date with the resources of the modern world.

Designed by a woman architect, it's 35 individually decorated rooms reflect the multicultural history of Istanbul and each room echos the styles of Classical, Ottoman, Art Nouveau, Post Modern, Pop-Art and Brutal architecture. Each room is more of a life space than a regular hotel room and you feel at home immediately. Each detail, from the door handle to the curtains, has been produced individually for each room.

The breathtaking Ottoman 'Sedir Room'

When Tara and I stayed here for four days last June, we were pleasantly surprised by how young the staff were. They were friendly, always available and extremely polite. Despite their youthful and relaxed appearances - do not expect strictly uniformed staff behind a high counter - they are professional and efficient. Canan, the hotel executive, is a beautiful and lively young woman who runs a smooth ship.

Breakfast is more than just continental. There is a large selection of fresh fruit, cereal and they make wonderful omelettes, too. The hotel also has a spa, sauna, fitness center and a relaxing Brasserie.

Address: Siraselviler St. No. 12, Taksim 34433, Istanbul - Turkey

Tel: +90 (212) 243 9595

info@lushhotel.com

http://www.lushhotel.com/