First Çay after Quarantine
One of the most difficult things for me during the pandemic period was not being able to go to my favorite cafés in Kadıköy,...
Makaya McCraven Wants You to Let Your Suckiness Shine… and He’s...
When I’m told that Makaya McCraven might be five minutes late to our interview because he’s visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, my first reaction...
Accessible, Riveting and Totally Radical: Catch Ai Wei Wei’s “On Porcelain”...
“If you love your country, you become a criminal,” celebrated and controversial Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei said during an artist talk when his...
Connect for Creativity Announces Participants of Art and Technology Residency Program
Led by the British Council, in partnership with ATÖLYE and Abdullah Gül University in Turkey, Bios in Greece and Nova Iskra in Serbia, Connect...
The Last Round: Boxing, Martial Arts, and a Social Conscience
In the dead of this past winter, I ran into a friend in Cihangir who seemed uncharacteristically ecstatic. I told him as much and...
(PAST EVENT) “Moment/An” @ Maçka Art Gallery
From the organizer:
After 40 years of exhibitions with more than 200 local and international artists, Maçka Art Gallery (MAG) bid farewell to art...
Reading in bed and paying it forward
When I first came to Turkey, I brought with me the holiday I created. That's right, a holiday. I was living in New York...
Compulsory Earthquake Insurance in Turkey – Quick, Easy, Affordable Price Quote
If you've dealt with purchasing property at all in Turkey, it's likely you've been informed that having earthquake insurance in Turkey is compulsory. Considering...
From Boza to Bourbon: Dem Karaköy
It seems everywhere you look in Istanbul there is a coffee shop (or soon to be one). The hip Karaköy district is no exception;...
The Society for the Prevention of Hipster Acceptance
These days, our Facebook feeds and inboxes are full of worthy causes crying out for our empathy and financial support. But as the world seemingly crumbles, one Istanbullu believes...
What’s in a Name? – On Naming Children in Turkey
As with most parents, picking a name for my children was a bit of a nightmare. My husband and I had many difficulties, as...
Pilates with Pets! – In Conversation with PilatesChi
My dog, Barış loves my Pilates lessons. He races into the studio and demands a bowl of water (he likes to keep hydrated as...
Open Call: Yabangee International Student Scholarship Applications
Yabangee is honored to announce a new scholarship initiative focused on supporting foreign students currently enrolled in an Istanbul-based university. With an aim of...
(PAST EVENT) Istanbul Cocktail Festival @ KüçükÇiftlik Park
KüçükÇiftlik Park will once again play host to the renowned Istanbul Cocktail Festival, this time on Sunday 5 September. With a focus on refreshing...
Walk Across Turkey: The Asian Ghost
Friday, 12 October
The next day I woke up early, packed up my stuff, and took a look around the room. Eight hours ago I...
Introducing: Turkish Language House – Learn & Master Turkish Online
Turkish Language House is a new platform for foreigners to finally master Turkish and be confident in their language skills.
About the program:
The Turkish Language...
Nine Tips for Biking in Istanbul
Although Istanbul is not really a bike-friendly city, nor it does have a vibrant biking culture, it is still a good idea to buy...
Introducing Helen O’Grady: Inspiring Development through Drama
From the sponsor:
DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DRAMA! Fun & Inspiring English Drama classes for all abilities held in locations across Istanbul for children and adults.
There are...
In Conversation with Moritz Marwein, Co-Founder of JÜS
For those with a resolution to be more healthy in the new year, JÜS offers a wide variety of delicious inspiration to help keep...
ATÖLYE Spotlight: In Conversation with İnci Yürekli, Founder of Alfa Beslenme
Maintaining a sense of wellness in Istanbul is no small feat, with plenty of negative (and often delicious) distractions constantly surrounding us. Knowing these...
Other Lives Brings Atmospheric Indie Rock Life to Salon IKSV
After a long drought, my thirst for a familiar indie rock live show was quenched at Salon IKSV with a much anticipated performance from...
Walk Across Turkey: The Motorcycle Man
Friday, 21 September
I began my second full day in Çardak using the hotel’s slow internet connection to upload photos to my blog. Toward the...
Why Turkey? – Reflections on a Former Life in Istanbul
“Where are you from?” “How long have you lived here?” “Where do you work?” “How much do you make?!” and, of course, “Why Turkey?”...
Autumn Rhythms: Life in the ‘New Normal’
Life begins all over again in the fall: That old saying is particularly apt this year.
In the city by the Bosphorus, students and teachers...