City Life

Istanbul and its architecture are already mystical but it gets even more interesting when considering the Turkish myth about the famous architect Mimar Sinan’s two...

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...

After living in Beşiktaş for about three years, on and off, I’ve come to realize that it is regarded as a hate or love...

The tulip is a flower long rooted into Istanbul’s history and life. It can be found in Ottoman era paintings, clothing, mentioned in poetry...

Most citizens of Istanbul, including myself, have a tendency to get caught up in a cycle of complaining about the things that are wrong...

Housing some of Istanbul's oldest churches and synagogues, Kuzguncuk historically was a cosmopolitan mix of Ottoman Istanbul's many cultures. Today, although a little more homogeneous, it...

Our friends at Spotted By Locals are continuing to do some seriously great work on an international level and we here at Yabangee wanted...

I think as often as we get caught up in the never-ending hustle and bustle of Istanbul that we sometimes forget to break outside...

When most people think of the "Old City" of Istanbul, Sultanahmet usually springs to mind. Yet perhaps one of the most interesting areas historically,...

Every sunday in the Edirnekapı district of Fatih, right by part of the old city walls, is one of the more interesting spectacles that...

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,...

Istanbul is a city more than a little renowned among those in the know as a city of cats. Less well-known is the ancient...

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

“There are just three rules: No Racism, no sexism, and no homophobia.” Rules? I thought this was an open-mic event. There shouldn’t be any rules. “You...

Before coming to Istanbul I worked at restaurants in some capacity for over a decade. There are certain things I miss about working in...

I wanted to send a friend living in the U.S. a letter, so duly went to find my nearest PTT branch. This seemingly simple process...

The Turkish craft beer scene has been on the march for the last two or three years, and despite rising alcohol prices, 2016 was an...

Istanbul arguably doesn’t really have one central district, like a downtown or a city center. It is a city of many centers, each with...

When I moved to Üsküdar years ago it was still vilified as a conservative and religious neighborhood with virtually no social life. Over these...

‘Musait bir yerde inebilir miyim?’ (Turkish for, ‘may I get off in the next available place?) doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. In fact,...

#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...

Recently my friends and I have created a rule. We are not allowed to have more than 3 cocktails when we’re out. Whoever is...

There is an obvious sense of openness within the people on the Anatolian side- a welcoming trait that speaks volumes for those making the...

RIFA - Robert’s International Football Academy was started by Robert Mullally in 2012, with the dream to change lives and perspectives through sport. How?...