Columns & Conversation

Yabangee has had a number of columns through the years…

Small Projects Istanbul: Emphasizing Education

“They first need to learn Turkish to be better integrated into their Turkish communities -- namely, their schools,” stressed Anna Tuson, the communication manager...

Band Profile: Captain Jack and the Bleeding Hearts

Formerly known as the Coach Men, Captain Jack and the Bleeding Hearts have been rocking audiences since their inception back in 2007. Starting as...

ATÖLYE Spotlight: In Conversation with Ece Çiftçi – Illustrator &...

Finding one's true calling is a daunting prospect, with experiences along the way ultimately lending themselves to a deeper understanding and satisfaction. Ece Çiftçi...

In Conversation with Omar Berakdar of Arthere

Arthere is a gallery and artists’ workspace in the Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood of Kadıköy. After nine months of preparation, it opened in December of last...

Review: “Istanbullu” by Buket Uzuner

What does it mean to be an Istanbullu? Can everyone who lives or has lived in Istanbul have the right to call themselves a real...

Electronica Festival 2019: What to Know and Who to See at...

Electronica Festival has come a long way since their debut entry at Parkorman in the now distant summer of 2004. Featuring headliners Planet Funk,...

Behind the Scenes at the IKSV 38th Istanbul Film Festival: Daily...

Festival Talk with Lynne Ramsay The Festival is proud to host esteemed filmmaker Lynne Ramsay as the president of this year’s International Competition Jury. A...

In Conversation with Isaac Weiser of Istanbul Connection: Part-band, Part-destination

Recently, a collective of San Francisco-based musicians created a unique musical concept: a band whose primary aim is to reach a travel destination. Luckily...

Retrospective – Play + Learn

From the Organizer: Play + Learn, organized in collaboration with Alya 3D Printer and ATÖLYE, will examine the relationship between game design, pedagogy, and education, and will...

Rezan Has Museum: A Gem on the Golden Horn

The Golden Horn was of great importance during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This deep, natural harbor was a strategic point to defend the...

Backstage with the Cast and Crew of Beauty and the Beast

Not only was I able to talk to producers Dan Hinde and Seth Wenig while backstage at Beauty and the Beast, but I also caught up...

Review: Oh Land @ Babylon Bomonti

I have to admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Oh Land... until last Tuesday when I listened to her perform live on...

Lost in Turkey: Lake Bafa

This little pocket of salty sea water trapped inland by ancient sediment accumulation has managed to retain all of its Aegean culture, with a...

“The Water Diviner”: Dancing with the Last Samurai’s Braveheart Horse Whisperer

No, that headline is not a misprint. It was my impression upon seeing The Water Diviner (Son Umut), a new film that opened in...

Review: Pink Martini @ İş Sanat

Going to a Pink Martini concert is essentially embarking on a trip around a stimulating mix of cultures, languages and instruments. Pink Martini doesn't...

Star-studded Chamber Music with Kopatchinskaja, Gabetta, Leschenko

Among all the fine music and impressive artists that are and have been part of the 43rd IKSV Music Festival this month, there was...

Retrospective – Expat Spotlight #12: Architecture @ ATÖLYE

In collaboration with ATÖLYE, Yabangee continues to present Expat Spotlight, a monthly series showcasing the freshest, most inspiring contributions being made by Istanbul’s diverse...

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...

A Pleasant Evening with Monica Molina

It seems that the staff at the Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Amphitheater had me in mind when scheduling this month's program. It feels as if...

Walk Across Turkey: Peace

Wednesday, 26 September The next morning, about forty-five minutes into that day’s walk, I pulled off at a gas station for a morning break. I...

Persian Play is Highlight of the 20th Theatre Festival

As we transition into summer from spring, so have begun the series of IKSV Festivals: the just over Theatre Festival, the ongoing Music Festival,...

Review: Dhafer Youssef @ Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre

Perhaps he is not the kind of musician you hear about that often; you won’t see his pictures on billboards, nor can you watch...

Review: Anish Kapoor @ Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Of all the materials known to be used by artists, stone is one of the most impressive and foreboding. This is what ran through...

Through the Lens: Street Art Edition

One day while walking through the streets of Kadıköy searching for inspiration, I stumbled upon a magnificent art piece just ahead of me on the...