Dimly lit market
In huge cities of the world it is impossible to stay on course and see everything you want to. I have found the longer I travel the more obsessed I become with finding local grocery stores and better yet, open air markets. Here you get to know...
Finding peace in Suleymaniye
From my brother's camera - the tourists and worshippers in Suleymaniye Mosque in silence, a peaceful escape from the scorching heat outside.
Perfect cafe in Karakoy, Istanbul
In Istanbul's Karakoy neighborhood near the docks of the Golden Horn and Galata Bridge, hipster cafes and art galleries are starting to pop up among the industrial shops and hidden churches. Julius Meinl (aka Karabatak Karakoy) is one of those...
Fruit market
Just off of Istiklal Caddesi, amongst the many interesting side streets was this beautiful fruit market, along with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Sema--Ceremony of the Whirling Dervish
The Sema ceremony at the Galata Mevlevihanesi in Istanbul can be described in three words--hypnotic, tranquil, solemn. It was a beautiful experience.
Yöremiz Pide, Istanbul
by Sylvia Kouvali
The neighorhood’s best bakery is across the street from Rodeo. They make goodlahmacun, something between an unrolled pita and a thin-crust pizza. Thepides, pizza-like baked breads, are also excellent.Lüleci Hendek Cd. No. 14,...
Rodeo Art Gallery, Istanbul
by Sylvia Kouvali
My little avant-garde gallery does more than just hang art on the walls. We show performance art, too. We once had the multidisciplinary Turkish artist Cevdet Erek rubbing his hands along a carpet that was hung on a gallery wall....
Hiç Contemporary Crafts, Istanbul
by Sylvia Kouvali
A few blocks from Rodeo, Hiç is a shop where you can find beautiful ceramic tableware, Afghan and Turkish carpets, and contemporary crafts at reasonable prices. Lüleci Hendek Cd. No. 35, 90/(0) 212-251-9973, hiccrafts.com
As told...
Kaymak: a real Turkish delight
One of my favorite foods in Turkey (and there are many) is a serving of fresh kaymak clotted cream, drizzled with honey, and spread on bread. You can buy it in the supermarket or find it in some breakfast spots, but everyone's favorite is Pando in...
Street Food Cures The Common Cold
We arrived in Istanbul with runny noses and foggy heads. Luckily we were introduced to Salep, a hot drink sold on the cheap from street vendors armed with steaming copper kettles. In addition to ingredients like milk, honey, and cream, ground...
Off the Tourist Track in Istanbul
My Local Guide Istanbul provides a unique tour of Istanbul's UNESCO World Heritage listed renovated and ruined Ottoman Houses. Walking amongst the locals was an experience in itself, with local kids curious to see us in their colourful community....
Spice Market
Be sure to buy some spices. Most of the vendors have their own special mixtures. And the best part: the vendors can vacuum-seal your purchase for the trip home.
Borek
Warm, fragrant and filling, these borek are a typical Turkish quick eats. They can be stuffed with either ground spiced meat (occasionally with black currents and/or pine nuts) or a cheese and parsley mix. They are enjoyed best fresh out of the...
The Istanbul Modern Art Museum
by Sylvia Kouvali
The Istanbul Modern, right on the Bosporus, shows works from such well-known Turkish artists as Kutlug Ataman. The second-floor restaurant has harbor views.Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. Liman İşletmeleri Sahası Antrepo No. 4, 90/(0)...
Genuine hospitality and cuisine, Fuego Cafe & Restaurant
Most tourists of Istanbul stick to the chicken sis for a meal because it's familiar and "safe" but they're really missing out on some of the best food in the world! Anyone that visits Istanbul must taste the Ottoman and Turkish cuisine on offer...
