Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan, A Mystery of the East
Being the largest of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is Istanbul’s most extraordinary tourist attractions in the Sultanahmet district.

Experience Istanbul: Unique and Alternative Things to Do in the City
. When we travel abroad, we want to be a part of the local daily life and start searching for things to do... In this post, we will inspire you with your Istanbul itinerary.

Istanbul Modern Café Offers Artfully Crafted Cuisine
Istanbul Modern, the city's first modern art museum, sits over the deep-blue waters of the mythical Bosphorus and hosts many of the country's premier art exhibitions and events.
The Captivating Style Of Istanbul
"In Istanbul, remains of a glorious past civilization are everywhere visible. ... The great mosques and other monuments of the city, as well as the lesser detritus of empire in every side street and corner -- the little arches, fountains and neighborhood mosques -- inflict heartache on all who live among them."

May 30, 2011
Sisli Mayor receives Constantinople Patriarchate Order
Istanbul's Freshtival Hosts Legendary Groups
The main stage hosted Leftfield and their electronica songs, which were accompanied by a light show.
This year festival’s groups ranged from soul to electronica and to different kinds of indie-rock styles.
Freshtival is known as one of the few festivals in the country to combine music and art under one roof.
This year’s Freshtival only lasted one day, but there are plans to expand the event in future years.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Istanbul's Freshtival Hosts Legendary Groups
Turkish Miniaturist Depicting Aura of Istanbul's Conquest
“I aimed to reflect the spirit of the conquest,” miniaturist Özcan Özcan said of the work he started to compose two months ago. “I did it to make our people experience that moment and to offer more knowledge. I tried to fulfill the mission of art. You can only convey people’s spirit through art.”
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Turkish Miniaturist Depicting Aura of Istanbul's Conquest
Anniversary of Istanbul's Conquest Celebrated with Light, Laser Show
The celebration started with voice and light shows before continuing with a movie, “The Conquest of Istanbul,” which was projected on a water curtain. The show took place on a platform made especially for the conquest celebration in Balat. The show included Mehter musicians from Janissary bands re-enacting the conquest and Mehmed the Conqueror’s entrance into the city.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Anniversary of Istanbul's Conquest Celebrated with Light, Laser Show
Istanbul Becomes a Shining Star in World Congress Tourism
Extreme Sailing Series Act 3 close battle for The Wave Muscat
May 28, 2011
Gourmet Cooking, Hip Decor and Decent Prices: Karaköy’s Lokanta Maya
Byzantine Encounters
Liveable, Lovable – and Lauded
Read more on Financial Times: Liveable, Lovable – and Lauded
Istanbul - A Tale of Two Cities
As my friend and I climbed some higgledy-piggledy steps to the top of the ruined fortification on a clear winter morning, a man with a suspicious moustache and an armful of piping called to us: 'Hayir!' That means no. He pointed out that the staircase we were climbing ended in a sheer drop: an Escher-esque optical illusion had blinded us to this abrupt fact. 'Better!' he said, gesturing towards a steeper ascent, though one that at least had the benefit of not throwing the triumphant climber to an absurd and painful death.
Read more on This is London: Istanbul - A Tale of Two Cities
Giant Pink Snails to Bring Slow Living Concept to Istanbul
The snails will first be exhibited on May 31 at Bebek Park before moving on to Nişantaşı, Bağdat Street, Yeşilköy and Bahçeşehir, reaching the Tuscan Valley in Büyükçekmece (a project developed by Emaar Turkey) on June 3.
Read more on Today's Zaman: Giant Pink Snails to Bring Slow Living Concept to Istanbul
Festival Brings Different Art Disciplines Together in Istanbul, Vienna
The festival was founded by young artists from different countries and different disciplines, including visual arts, dance, writing and drama, and young participants who work in these fields. The second part of the festival will take place in Vienna in October with an aim to serve as a bridge between these two cities.
Admission to the events are free. For further info please visit aradafest.com.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Festival Brings Different Art Disciplines Together in Istanbul, Vienna
Turkish Delight
Much has been made recently of the bubbling up of this exotic East-meets-West city from historic site to bona fide hip and happening hotspot (see Paula Reed’s top addresses for the city here) but now something has happened to confirm the city’s stellar status: the Chanel juggernaut has landed.
Last night Chanel held a glittering show of its Byzantium-inspired pre-fall collection in the opulent rooms of the Ciragan Palace on the Bosphorus. Lagerfeld lovely Kirsten Dunst was in attendance, where she joined a host of VIP guests in reclining on luscious Oriental divans to view the show.
Read more on Grazia Daily: Turkish Delight
Papergirl: The Art of Giving
Turkish Dessert: The Proof is in the Puddings
May 26, 2011
Istancool Bringing World Culture to Turkey's Biggest City Again
Istancool is a fascinating and unique cultural experience bringing together some of the world’s most talented writers, designers, editors, actors, poets, filmmakers, dancers and musicians in the city. Festival organizers said they were committed to creating a dynamic arts diplomacy program in the world and forging greater cultural relations between Turkey and the international artistic community.
The event, which is being organized in association with AnOther Magazine, has been made possible by British international cultural diplomacy festival organization Liberatum and Turkish creative agency Istanbul’74, which has previously brought other global events to Istanbul from the world of culture, art, film and fashion.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Istancool Bringing World Culture to Turkey's Biggest City Again
Topkapı Palace Welcomes Works from Istanbul Greek Painters

“Greek Painters of Istanbul at the Topkapi Palace” Exhibition Opens, Istanbul
Read more on Greek Reporter: “Greek Painters of Istanbul at the Topkapi Palace” Exhibition Opens, Istanbul
US Hamburger Chain Opens First Branch in Turkey
“Our eye was on Turkey for a long time,” said Ned Lyerly, the senior vice chairman of CKE Restaurants, the owner of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands which operate a total of 3,159 restaurants around the world.
Earlier this year, the company used Gizem Memiç, Miss Turkey award winner in 2010, as a model to promote its turkey burgers. Some cartoon mockups of Memiç eating a hamburger were placed at over 1,000 Carl’s Jr. stores across the U.S.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: US Hamburger Chain Opens First Branch in Turkey
Marianne Faithfull Delights Istanbul Modern Audience with Date
The concert, highlighting Faithfull’s latest album “Horses and High Heels,” also featured artists from the age of 19 to 60. Faithfull, who sang 17 songs in all, was accompanied by guitarists Doug Pettibone and Mark Krammer, along with a drummer and a female musician playing instruments such as the saxophone, clarinet, accordion, piano and harpsichord.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Marianne Faithfull Delights Istanbul Modern Audience with Date
Istanbul's Çırağan to Host Special Commemorative Concert for Liszt
Legendary Swedish duo Roxette performs in Istanbul
Review: Orchestra life in Istanbul
The musical energy here is fresh and exciting. Sometimes a performance isn’t perfect, but I’d rather hear a concert that’s surging with vitality and a few bloopers rather than one that’s note-perfect and dull. That was the case with the İstanbul CRR Symphony Orchestra on May 21.
Read more on Today's Zaman: Review: Orchestra life in Istanbul
Istanbul: Mini Guide
There are many ferry operators on the Bosphorus, and the most popular for day trips is the one that departs from Eminönü daily at 10.35am from June to September and costs about £4 return (turn up at least half an hour early to get a seat). The final stop is Anadolu Kavağı, just under two hours away, but Ortakoy is a good stop for a drink or meal en route (see below), or you can enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice on board.
Hagia Sophia, a one-time cathedral, basilica and mosque bears architectural features of all of three. Go upstairs to see the crumbling and elegant gold-leafed mosaics and a view from the balcony of the vast central hall and haunting archangels. It costs about £8 to enter and the best time to go is when it opens at 9am.
The Grand Bazaar is an Aladdin-inspired dream of bright carpets, aromatic spice, twinkling jewellery and persuasive salesmen. You will be offered Turkish Delight (lokum), which is at its best in its home country. There’s also nuts, tea and nougat tasters on offer - a veritable afternoon tea at no charge.
One of the best shops for classy souvenirs is Abdulla, famous for its Turkish soaps, sometimes packaged in a fez. There’s also good quality towels and linen. Head to Sofa for antiques and jewellery, and Erdun Collection for lanterns.
Then it’s time for a hammam (Turkish bath) - most are unisex but there are a couple that have mixed sessions, however if you go for one of these it’s unlikely to be a historic establishment - best to go to the relevant section then meet up after to compare stories of steam, scrubbing and massages. Try the Cagaloglu hammam, one of the oldest in the city and dripping in marble.
Read more on Skyscanner: Istanbul: Mini Guide
Extreme Sailing World Series Team Red Bull ready for Istanbul
Extreme Sailing World Series 2011 third stop is being held in Istanbul, Turkey from May 25th to May 29th 2011. Starting on Wednesday there will be up to six races each day. The grand finale is set for Sunday.
The world’s 11 best sailing syndicates will set sail starting on Wednesday on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. This year’s surprise package, Austria’s Red Bull Extreme Sailing team led by double Olympic champions Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher, will again be battling the world’s elite for championship points.
Read more on Sail World: Extreme Sailing World Series Team Red Bull ready for Istanbul
Assassin's Creed: Revelations Locations have been Revealed
Viking Longship to Sail to Wirral on Maiden Voyage
May 25, 2011
5000-year-old Cycladic art exhibit opens at Sabancı Museum
May 21, 2011
Istanbul Modern Hosts Marianne Faithfull on Saturday
Turkish-Style Design Exhibition Opens in Istanbul
Created by young talents from the Rafineri Advertising Agency, the collection – on display in central Istanbul until May 30 – plays with Turkey’s popular artists, cult song lyrics, habits, cultural values and indispensable parts of daily life in a surprising, humorous way.
A Rub with History in Istanbul's Hammams
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by Chris Orrell |
Istanbul to Become World Center for Hydrogen Energy
May 20, 2011
Satellite Image Reveals Spread of a Megacity
Read more on MNN: Satellite Image Reveals Spread of a Megacity
May 19, 2011
Destruction 2011: An Art Event Full of Celebration
New Atatürk Memorabilia on Display at Istanbul's Rahmi M. Koç Museum
The addition was made to coincide with the May 19 Youth and Sports Day, which marks the date in 1919 when Atatürk launched the struggle for national independence.
As well as photos that have never before been revealed and March 1923 and February 1927 issues of TIME magazine featuring Atatürk on the cover, objects from Atatürk’s office, his personal belongings and clothing are among the new objects added to the section.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: New Atatürk Memorabilia on Display at Istanbul's Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Documentary Days Come to Inform and Entertain Istanbul
The films on offer at this year’s festival explore themes in a number of categories, including “The World We Consume,” “Human Portraits,” “International Panorama,” “Post Communism Term,” “Focus Romania,” “From the Arab World,” Anthropology – Documentary” and “Music Films.”
The films will be screened at the French Institute for Anatolian Research and Akbank Sanat; 40 foreign guests including directors, producers, festival representatives, project owners and educators are expected to participate in the event.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Documentary Days Come to Inform and Entertain Istanbul
The Cinematic Orchestra Playing Two Concerts at Tamirane This Weekend
Turkish Magnate Puts His Passion on Display
The show, through June 19, features more than 430 works by 18 painters and two sculptors, accumulated by Mr. Kocabeyoglu and selected and arranged over three floors in collaboration with the writer and art critic Ferit Edgu.
At first, visitors may think they are seeing earlier works by Picasso or Klimt, but many of the paintings are by Turks who lived in France after 1940 as part of the École de Paris wave, working, studying and carousing with the Westerners creating masterpieces.
Read more on The New York Times: Turkish Magnate Puts His Passion on Display
Istanbul Becomes Top City in Turkey's Foreign Trade in Jan-Mar 2011
Nearly 44.6 percent of Turkey's export activities, amounting to 14.04 billion USD, was conducted from Istanbul during the first three months of the year, according to the data released by Turkey's statistics authority, TurkStat.
Read more on World Bulletin: Istanbul Becomes Top City in Turkey's Foreign Trade in Jan-Mar 2011
Five Unforgettable Experiences in Istanbul
Istanbul Photography Museum to Open in June
Irresistable Istanbul Attracts Growing Tourist Interest

Istanbul on the Hop

May 18, 2011
'Spiderman' Climber Saved by Safety Ropes
Known for illegally climbing some of the world's tallest buildings without ropes, Mr Robert was lucky that this time he was wearing a harness while attempting to climb Istanbul's Sapphire building.
It was at the top of the 261 metre high building that the Frenchman encountered trouble: "On the last 15 metres of the building unfortunately there is some grease, there is some oil inside the groove, that becomes impossible to jam the right foot."
After recovering from his slip, Mr Robert went on to complete the climb in one hour 50 minutes.
Read more on The Telegraph: 'Spiderman' Climber Saved by Safety Ropes
Istanbul Still Top Migration Destination, Figures Show
Experts’ opinions however diverge regarding possible effects of urban projects, such as the construction of a third Bosphorus bridge, adding two new cities to Istanbul and the Istanbul Canal, could have on net migration rates in Istanbul.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Istanbul Still Top Migration Destination, Figures Show
Turkey to hold 12th Istanbul Biennial
The Biennial will be held in a space conceived by Tokyo-based architect Ryue Nishizawa of Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates (SANAA) who won the prestigious 2010 Pritzker Prize.
The graphic design will be developed in collaboration with Jon Sueda of Stripe, San Francisco.
Read more on PressTV: Turkey to hold 12th Istanbul Biennial
Have A Holiday In Turkey – A Place Not To Miss Out On
Read more on UK News Reporter: Have A Holiday In Turkey – A Place Not To Miss Out On
May 17, 2011
Turkish University to Offer Armenian Language Course
Serdar Dinler, director of the university’s Center for Lifelong Learning, said by telephone that the course would be taught by a doctoral candidate from Armenia as part of a cultural exchange between countries whose ties have been fraught for a century.
“Turkey is becoming an energy-transit corridor and a center for diplomacy in the region,” Mr. Dinler said. “Also the Turkish government has a new ‘zero problems’ policy with its neighbors, so we believe that the new generation in Turkey needs to have more dialogue with neighboring countries, including Armenia, Russia, Iran, Greece, etc. Knowing the language can only help.”
Kadir Has is a private university established along the Golden Horn in 1997 and named after its founder, a Turkish automotive magnate.
Read more on The New York Times: Turkish University to Offer Armenian Language Course
Nardis Prepares to Celebrate 10th birthday
During preparations of its anniversary, owner Zuhal Focan told Hürriyet Daily News how a small performance hall in Istabul’s Tophane district turned into a successful jazz club despite lacking support from both from the government and big corporations, which often fund big jazz festivals. She stated the importance of the club for Turkish jazz history.
New projects are being prepared for the 10th anniversary, said Focan, adding that they are working on a documentary to tell the story of Nardis.
Nardis continues to host prominent names from Turkey and abroad this month. For example, Danny Lerman, a popular saxophonist, was on stage on May 13. Huseyin Badilli, the son of an Anatolian traditional composer and singer İsmail Badilli, and his band will play on May 31.
John D’Eart & Bob Hallahan & Francesco Anguili & Emre Kartarı Quartet will take the stage on May 25. Turkey’s first singer who had a master’s degree in jazz vocals, Ece Göksu will sing beautiful jazz standards on May 19.
Read more on Hurriyet Daily News: Nardis Prepares to Celebrate 10th birthday
Istanbul Prepares for Cuban Legend Valdes
