Columns & Conversation

Yabangee has had a number of columns through the years…

Recap of the Istanbul Marathon

At least it wasn't too hot. That's what I was thinking to myself as I lined up for the 15 km run this past...

Review: Oldies But Goldies – Serious Nostalgia @ Babylon Bomonti

Saturday 26 September saw Babylon’s classic “Oldies But Goldies” night, a throwback mash-up of primarily 80s and 90s hits, making its debut at the...

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,...

The Contemporary Flood

I keep thinking about waste these days. Why don’t we recycle enough? Why? People at my office prefer consuming water from 0.5 liter plastic...

Tiger Lillies: The Crack of Doom Comes Again to Istanbul

Of all the bands to have a dedicated and rowdy following in Istanbul, the Tiger Lillies would be among the least likely. At least...

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...

Ask an Expat: Melanie Mehrer

Meet Melanie Mehrer, an artist who is gearing up for an exhibition in April. She has traveled all over Turkey, including to Hasankeyf, where...

In Conversation with Filmmaker Serhat Karaaslan (Part 1)

Sampling several pieces of work from an artist can give one insight into his or her philosophy. I’ve recently had the opportunity to perform...

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...

In Conversation with Raw Food Cook and Coach Elçin Oflaz

In my most recent piece, I tried to give you some tips about shopping healthy ingredients in Istanbul based on my personal experiences and...

My Dinner With Gökhan

A friend of mine, whom I’ll call Gökhan, loves eating. It is one of his great passions in life. As the son of an...

The Golden Hour

Nizam walked quickly and nervously through the twilight. The fences and houses along Limon Paşa Boulevard were dark silhouettes beneath the rapidly aging sun....

Retrospective – Expat Spotlight #13 – Social Innovation

In collaboration with ATÖLYE and imece, Yabangee returns with Expat Spotlight, a monthly series showcasing the freshest, most inspiring contributions being made by Istanbul’s...

ATÖLYE Spotlight: In Conversation with İpek Yeğinsü, Contemporary Art Professional

Istanbul's art scene is rich with possibility, but can also be as daunting as it is impressive. For more than a decade, İpek Yeğinsü...

Retrospective – Open Call: ATÖLYE Designer-in-Residence Program

The Designer-in-Residence program of ATÖLYE, provides designers with the necessary equipment, material and expertise to develop their designs. The theme of the third edition...

Retrospective – Expat Spotlight: Cultural Heritage

A collaboration of ATÖLYE and Yabangee - we proudly continue with an exciting season of Expat Spotlight - a monthly series showcasing the freshest,...

Through the Lens: Four Corners of Istanbul

For best results, click to enlarge images. As you walk here, you would feel that you are followed by a soul wherever you go. It...

Walk Across Turkey: Charly’s Pansiyon

30 September through 7 October at Charly's Pansiyon I stayed at the pension for over a week, sleeping by the lake, taking showers with hot...

Buried Treasure Beneath Our Mind’s Bosphorus: Reflections on Zeynep Beler’s “Beachcomber”

Living as a millennial in a cosmopolitan city, I know I’m not alone in admitting my smartphone is an extension of me. The selfies...

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...

Tophane-i Amire Culture & Arts Center

Tophane is a very pleasant area to spend an afternoon smoking nargile and playing tavla. Or, if you are more into art than the...

Notre Dame de Paris: Timeless for a Reason

“Belle” is the only word I know that suits her well When she dances oh, the stories she can tell.... She dances naked in my soul...

Exploring the Princes’ Islands: The Kınalıada Mosque

The Princes' Islands (Adalar) are a chain of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara, about 20 km east of the center of...

Joshua Bell: From Childhood Crush to Global Superstar and into Istanbul…

The year is 1990. I am a fifth grader at the American International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and a first year violin student...