This city captured my heart because it has a great energy, probably created by the different people from all over the world who mix and mingle by the Bosphorus. After two days I found my way around and as you can imagine, one acquaintance leads to another and suddenly you feel at home. Here is our quick edit of what to see (and there was more) for a weekend getaway in early summer or autumn.
FEY
This shop will never be the same, as the elegant owner, Fatos Yalin, a former editor of Marie Claire, Turkey, changes the decor every six months. You will find a selection of well-curated vintage pieces, unique handmade fabrics and her collection, which she puts together with effortless elegance. Fatos runs her shop like a magazine editor, constantly bringing in new ideas and completing a perfect edit of things you will love to add to your wardrobe and home.
NACKIYÉ
Named after the founders’ grandmother, Basak & Defne Kocabiyikoglu. The two sisters design a collection for the modern, globetrotting woman. You can see and buy the collection in their showroom in the Nisantasi neighbourhood.
BEGÜM KHAN
After growing up in Istanbul, Begüm began her studies at Bocconi University in Milan. Her passion for creativity drew Begüm further east, along the historic Silk Road, to Shanghai, where she completed a Master’s degree in Chinese Culture and Art. Inspired by the rich heritage and future promise of these two modern style capitals, the Begüm Khan brand was born and she has collaborated with shoe designers Aquazzura and Guerlain, among many others.
NAUNA LINEN
Nauna Linen’s beautiful hand-printed and painted linens are a journey into the art of fabric design, make an appointment via @naunalinen to meet textile designer Neslihan Algünerhan in her Istanbul studio and be inspired by her work on beautiful napkins, tablecloths and bed linen.
HOME MADE AROMA TERAPI
Homemade Aromaterapi was found in 2012 by Aslı Bilgin after a decade of passionate study and work in the field, with an aim to preserve the ancient practice of aromatherapy. Learn more about the benefits of essential and base oils for your mind, body and soul and their healing powers. All products are manufactured in the company’s laboratory in Icadiye, Istanbul.
OMAR BABAN DESIGN
The interior and graphic designer lives and works in the style he is so well known for in his native Istanbul: colourful prints and combinations, all made in Turkey. Visit his shop in the Kuzguncuk neighbourhood and enter his world.
CASA COOKLIFE
Head to this minimalist café and meeting place in the Bomonti district for afternoon tea and delicious cakes, and enjoy this slow food concept that stands in contrast to the bustling city of Istanbul. They also produce Cooklife magazine, which gives you an insight into their tastefully curated world of home and food.
SPICE BAZAAR
To buy your herbs and spices, but make sure you buy from a good merchand and always take things that are well packaged and not straight from the showcase. Also good for skin care tools, like stones, natural sponges and all sorts of other useful things you will learn about.
ISTANBUL MODERN
The museum is located in the historic district of Galata, a commercial centre dating back hundreds of years.
In addition to hosting prominent national and international exhibitions, the museum has organised educational programmes for children, youth and adults, film screenings, social projects and more. With a contemporary approach to museology, Istanbul Modern has changed the public’s perception of a museum by creating a cultural living space that includes a cinema, library, restaurant and design shop as well as exhibition halls.
