Take 5: Karaköy

Spread across the quaint streets of Karaköy there are restaurants, cafes and bars at every corner. There is one type of restaurant, in particular,...

From Boza to Bourbon: Norm Coffee

Norm Coffee is the brainchild of Cem Bozkuş and Gizem Yavuz, who met while working at Cihangir’s hip Kronotrop. Cem, who studied physics in...

Take 5: Balat

Since I moved to Izmir for work, my visits to Istanbul have become more dedicated, more concentrated. Now, every time I return I feel...
David Gökçedağ

Who Loves Public Speaking?

Ever felt like jumping out of a window rather than giving a speech at work? Well, I have... Although some of us might be...

Take 5: Kadıköy

Calm, cool, easy-going Kadiköy has always been one my favourite Istanbul districts. I love to start my day with breakfast at the picturesque Thales...

In Conversation with Burak Bener of Montag Coffee

If you've been in Kadiköy Merkez, trying to push through the crowds, then it's very possible you've missed this gem of a coffee shop....

Venue Spotlight: The Hidden Terrace of #bunk taksim Hostel

#bunk kicked off in 2011 with the aim of bringing high-quality, stylish hostel accommodation to Istanbul in an affordable package. With two locations currently in the...

Bosphorus Walk: Rumelihisarı to Bebek

Istanbul on a warm weekend day can be both a blessing and a hazard: the beauty of the city on a fair day is...

In Praise of Book Clubs: Istanbul Edition

You know the situation. Your friend keeps talking about a book they’ve just read.  ‘It’s the greatest book, ever!’ they say. ‘It’s witty/astute/heart-rending/awe-inspiring/jaw-dropping/sensational/life-affirming.’  Eventually,...

Pierre Loti Café: More Than Just a Coffeehouse

Want to take a splendid journey to Pierre Loti Café, a famous coffee house on the top of Eyüp hill? This place, however, offers more...

Ambling Through Arnavutköy

Every once in a while, you come across a place that feels like a home away from home. As an expat, this feeling can...

Istanbul Naval Museum: A Day at Sea

The history of Ottoman achievements is defined in large measure by the empire's relationship with the sea. For instance, some maritime episodes of note...

(Sort of) Quiet Spots in Istanbul

I love cities. The clamor; the noise; the busyness; the relentless excitement! But one of the things I enjoy the most is finding a...

CoderDojo Kicks Off in Istanbul

We all have been inspired by the video “What Most Schools Don't Teach” where Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Jack Dorsey, and a number of...