A collaboration of Yabangee and ATÖLYE – we proudly continue with a new, exciting season of Expat Spotlight – a monthly series showcasing the freshest, most inspiring contributions being made by Istanbul’s diverse international community to the city’s cultural, sporting, humanitarian, and business spheres. An opportunity to share moving stories, reflect on personal experiences and participate in a resourceful dialogue, we invite foreigners and locals alike to come and embolden others.
Taking place in English, the latest season of Expat Spotlight continues on Wednesday 18 December with the theme of “artisans”.
The event starts at 19:30, with doors set to open at 19:00. No need to RSVP to join. As always, refreshments are provided.
Master of Ceremonies:
Jennifer Hattam is a freelance journalist from San Francisco who has been living in Istanbul since 2008. She writes about environmental, social, and urban issues, as well as art, culture, food, and travel for publications including CityLab, Culinary Backstreets, Deutsche Welle, Discover, Hyperallergic, Lonely Planet, and The Washington Post.
Guest Speakers:
Emma Rose, born and raised in Montreal, was always curious about Turkish culture, both present and past. In 2013, she moved to Istanbul to pursue a Master’s degree in Ottoman architecture with a focus on the history of food and drink. After learning a life in academia, Emma dove deeper into the world of carbohydrates – specifically sourdough – and started her own baked goods company in 2016. In 2019 she joined the Pastry Program at Mutfak Sanatlar Akademesi to hone and perfect her brownie-making skills. These days, she divides her time between school, writing, bread and cookies.
Zaid Yazar is a photographer, designer and leather craftsman born in Baghdad, Iraq. He moved to Istanbul in 2005 as a 10 year old and carried both cultures into his adulthood. Zaid manufactures high end leather accessories mainly for cameras, watches and everyday carry and ships them all over the world. Shops such as Leica Store Istanbul, Seiko Kanyon and few other photography boutiques have been supplied with his products besides his mainly online work model.
Catherine Bayar is a career textile and clothing designer, a writer and teacher, and an advocate for artisans and all things handmade. A native of California, she has called Turkey home since 1998. She connects visitors with the wealth of Turkish craft via personalized fiber arts and shopping tours, hosts Handmade Istanbul Markets twice a year, and supports women’s crafting groups to create sustainable goods with local materials. She and her husband Abit are currently restoring an old stone house in İzmir Selçuk as an atölye alternative to their studio in Ortaköy.
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For more information, keep up with the official event page.
