wanderlust

A guest room at the new Cotton House Hotel, Barcelona
WANDERLUST
Designer destinations
WANDERLUST / Istanbul
Istanbul
Fast facts
Country: Turkey / Region: Marmara / Airport: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST)
Time: UTC +2, daylight savings during summer / Currency: Turkish Lira (₺ / TRY) / Population: 14 million
Country Code: +90 / Area code: 216 (Asia side), 212 (Europe side) / Official language: Turkish
Power: 230V, plug types C and F
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The Süleymaniye Mosque. Image by Stefan Holm/Shutterstock
WANDERLUST / Istanbul
About
I
stanbul is a city of nearly unparalleled historical and cultural significance. Spread across both banks of the Bosphorus
River with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, the city has long played a strategic role in, quite literally, bridging
the cultures and traditions of East and West, while its unique geography has thrust it into the centre of world history
time and again. Capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, as it was first known, flourished as the western terminus
of the Great Silk Road. Evidence of this legacy is still visible today in the bustling bazaars that brim with exotic spices,
and the crumbling walls that once enclosed the world’s most heavily fortified city. Later, under the Ottoman Empire,
the city was renamed and rose again in prominence, this time as the epicentre of Islamic culture with its rich artistic and
architectural forms. The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and traditional hammams, all teeming with lavish textiles, mosaics
and calligraphic art, recall this rich heritage.
To visit Istanbul today is to walk thrugh history, both ancient and contemporary. Mediaeval city planning, arcaded avenues
and cobblestone streets give visual record to its inheritance while housing an array of modern galleries, boutiques and
cafes. Sumptuous sweet shops will tempt you with their cases brimming with colourful Turkish delight, marbled halva and
geometric baklava; at night, historic passages clamour with patrons commanding trays of meze and bottles of raki while
buskers on accordions and clarinets fill the air with their melancholic melodies. We highly recommend a read of Orhan
Pamuk’s Istanbul, considered the unofficial memoir of the city, to fully prepare your senses for the delight that awaits you
here, at the crossroads of history and world traditions. Enjoy!
When to Go
Istanbul’s climate is not easily categorised due to the city’s size, location, diverse topography and many coastlines.
There are several microclimates that fall somewhere between Mediterranean, humid subtropical and oceanic. Winter
(December to February) in Istanbul is substantially colder than other cities in the Mediterranean region, with average
temperatures dipping as low as 3°C (37°F). The weather in spring and autumn is milder, but can be wet and windy.
Summer ( June to August) temperatures reach as high as 41°C (106°F), with an average high around 26°C (79°F). The
most ideal times to visit are mid-May to the end of June and September to mid-October.
The burgeoning design scene is reason enough to visit; here are a few events you might like to plan your trip around.
The Istanbul Design Biennial was first organised by the
Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts in 2012 with
the idea of promoting the importance of design and
culture for the economy. During the two-month period
(October to December) the city comes alive with a series
of curated exhibitions, design walks, seminars, film
screenings and much more.
istanbuldesignbiennial.iksv.org
Since 2013, ArtInternational has brought together
leading local and international galleries. An impressive
programme of exhibitions, events and forums complete
the week-long event held in September.
istanbulartinternational.com
The Istanbul International Architecture and Urban Films
Festival is part of the Architecture and Urban Festival
organised annually by the Chamber of Architects
of Turkey. The week-long event starts with World
Architecture Day on the first Monday of October. The
films, as you can imagine, focus on the built environment.
archfilmfest.org
Contemporary Istanbul is now in its ninth year, and is
the city’s first international contemporary art fair. Close
to 100 exhibitors from around the world showcase their
work, plus there is a series of talks, conferences and VIP
events over a period of four days in November.
contemporaryistanbul.com
Istanbul Design Week will be celebrating ten years this
October. Over five days a variety of venues play host to
exhibitions, installations, conferences, workshops, panels
and conferences. istanbuldesignweek.com
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Top: The Golden Horn, Istanbul. Image by Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock
Bottom: Decorative tiles inside Topkapi Palace. Image by saiko3p/Shutterstock
WANDERLUST / Istanbul
Where to Stay
4Floors Istanbul
Çukurcuma neighbourhood, which is known for its
antique shops. The design of the building was inspired
by the leader of the Arts & Crafts movement, William
Morris, and includes many of his wallpaper designs
throughout. All the materials are natural, and use of
chemicals has been kept to a minimum.
Tercuman Cikmazi 20, Tomtom Mahallesi, Karaköy, Beyoğlu /
4floorsistanbul.com
As the name suggests, this boutique accomodation in the
creative neighbourhood (that used to be called Galata
and sometimes still is) is laid out over four floors, one
apartment per floor. Owner Sema Topaloğlu also happens
to be a designer, so you know the spaces are tastefully
decorated. Furnished with a mix of her own designs, as
well as pieces by a roster of international designers, the
apartments are spacious with high ceilings and feature
panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
House Hotels
Abdi İpekçi Caddesi 34, Harbiye Mahellesi, Nişantaşi, Şişli /
thehousehotel.com
The House group of hotels, the same group as the House
Cafe (see Where to Eat and Drink), has four different
locations, all unique. The Nişantaşi outpost is located in
the middle of one of Istanbul’s chicest neighbourhoods,
surrounded by high-end shopping and dining locations,
while the Karaköy outpost has its own in-house art
concierge. The group was founded by three friends, one
the brother of local design talent Seyhan Özdemir of
Autoban (see page 76), so it’s no surprise that Autoban has
designed several of the hotels and cafes. The group’s ethos
is affordable luxury, and they deliver this in spades.
Four Seasons
Tevkifhane Sokak 1, 34122 Sultanahmet / fourseasons.com
This luxury chain actually has two locations in the city
where east meets west — one on the Bosphorus, one
in the old town of Sultanahmet — but the Sultanamet
location is particularly special. Here you’ll find 65 rooms
housed in a charmingly restored, century-old neoclassical
former prison. The hotel is only minutes’ walk from the
most treasured architectural and religious relics — the
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul EDITION
Büyükdere Caddesi 136, Levent Mahellesi, Beşiktaş /
editionhotels.com/istanbul
Georges
Eight years after NYC-based Gabellini Shepherd first
designed it, the Istanbul EDITION hotel still looks as
modern and fresh as ever. The modern tower is home to
78 guest rooms plus a luxurious full-floor penthouse. Two
restaurants and a club, plus full spa, business centre and a
screening room round out the facilities.
Serdar-I Ekrem Sokak 24, Müeyyedzade Mahallesi, Galata,
Beyoğlu / georges.com
This small hotel is tucked away on a quiet lane, and on first
entry you’ll feel you’ve walked into the most glamorous bar
in town. The building is historical, but the interiors have
tastefully been brought into the 21st century. There are 20
rooms in total, some of which have sea views. The ground
-floor lobby/bar is also a restaurant, and management will
be happy to organise in-room yoga sessions if you feel
the need.
SOHO House
Meşrutiyet Caddesi 56, Evliya Çelebi Mahallesi, Beyoğlu /
sohohouseistanbul.com
Located in the heart of Beyoğlu and spread across four
impressive buildings, one of which was built in 1873 as the
home of a Genoese shipbuilder and later housed the US
Embassy. The hotel has 87 rooms, all designed by CEO
Nick Jones and in-house design director Vicky Charles,
whose inspiration was taken from the city and its mixed
design traditions. Many of the furnishings were sourced
from local craftsmen. On site are the members’ club, several
restaurants, Cowshed spa, gym, two rooftop pools and a
screening room.
Heirloom
Adile Naşit Sokak (G-4 Sk.) 6, 34433, Kuloğlu Mahallesi,
Cihangir / heirloomistanbul.com
Heirloom, a relatively new boutique hotel of only five rooms,
is eco-friendly and design-oriented. Housed in a fivestorey Ottoman-era building that has been painstakingly
renovated by husband-and-wife team Dilek Çamli and
Ender Sezgin, the hotel is located near the charming
Top: The new Soho House in Beyoğlu
Bottom: The EDITION Hotel
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WANDERLUST / Istanbul
WANDERLUST / Istanbul
Where to Eat and drink
360Istanbul
The House Cafe
Istiklal Caddesi Misir Apt 163/8, Beyoğlu and others /
360istanbul.com
Asmali Mescit 9/1–2 Beyoğlu and others / thehousecafe.com
The numerous and reliable House Cafes are scattered
throughout the city, with seven locations in total. The Tünel
outpost in particular, situated in a century-old passage,
is quite atmospheric as well as conveniently located. The
basement has been converted from a wine cellar and doubles
as a private venue space. The menu, the same throughout
the outlets, offers a selection of Turkish and international
flavours, catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paired with
great coffee and a tempting selection of cakes and desserts, a
meal in one of their locations will be hard to avoid.
This award-winning bar, restaurant and club is situated in the
penthouse of a 19th-century apartment building on Istiklal
Caddesi, one of the city’s most popular thoroughfares. The
views are spectacular and, as is alluded to in the name, provide
a 360-degree panorama of the city. An extensive menu is
available for those who wish to eat, but it seems most of the
patrons are here to drink and be seen. The latest outpost by
the 360 team is 360Istanbul East Moda (360istanbuleast.
com), where you can enjoy equally breathtaking views from
the eastern shores of the Bosphorus.
Hünkar
Alancha
Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi 21, Nişantaşi, Şişli /
hunkarlokantasi.com
Maçka Kempinski Residence, Hüsrev Gerede Caddesi, Şehit Mehmet
Sokak 9, Maçka, Beşiktaş / alancha.com
If traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine is what you seek,
then find yourself at a table at Hünkar. Founded by Talip
Ügümü in 1950, the restaurant is now run by Ügümü and his
three sons plus a few grandsons who still serve the same quality
meals in their simple and unpretentious restaurant. Typically a
meal here starts with soup and will involve some sort of meat
dish; however, vegetarians need not worry as there is also a
wide variety of vegetable dishes available — in fact, Hünkar is
said to be the only restaurant in Istanbul to be approved by the
Vegan Society in the US.
Alancha, one of Istanbul’s latest and greatest gastronomic
outposts, is the brainchild of progressive Turkish chef Kemal
Demirasal. The hip modern interior, designed by Gürcan
Dere of Cacti Architecture and Design, plays the perfect
backdrop to a delicious, theatrical and contemporary multicourse tasting menu — if you allow yourself. Go on, do it —
it’s an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. And get the
wine pairing while you’re at it!
Cezayir
Meze by Lemon Tree
Hayriye Caddesi 12, Galatasaray, Beyoğlu /
cezayir-istanbul.com
Meşrutiyet Caddesi 83/B, Asmali Mescit Mahallesi, Beyoğlu /
mezze.com.tr
Cezayir consists of a series of spaces, both indoor and outdoor
— a lounge, bar and dining salon, an undercover garden room,
and a series of meeting rooms of varying sizes. Occupying
most of an impressive historic building that was formerly an
Italian school, the cosy spaces are deceptively large. The menu
consists of contemporary Turkish cuisine and an intriguing
list of cocktails. Apparently a favourite after-work hangout
for architects, designers and other creative types.
In this small meyhane (the word for a traditional restaurant or
bar in Turkey) opposite the grand iconic Pera Palace Hotel,
the dining concept is of course meze — a succession of small
dishes, warm or cold, that are typically consumed with some
type of alcohol, which in Istanbul would be raki. The meze
here represent a modern take on traditional dishes and are
produced with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. There are
only seven tables, so be sure to make a reservation.
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Mikla
enough to dine here, so make a reservation and make sure you
get a table by the window to see the sun setting behind this
iconic landmark.
From the top floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel, at almost
any table (thanks to the mirror-lined walls) you will dine
overlooking one of the best views of Istanbul. Thankfully the
food and the service are as memorable as the view. Choose from
prix fixe, a-la-carte or the innovative multi-course tasting menu
by Turkey’s most recognised celebrity chef, Mehmet Gürs.
Alancha’s modern interior provides
the perfect backdrop to its menu
The Marmara Pera Hotel, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, Asmali Mescit
Mahallesi, Beyoğlu / miklarestaurant.com
Park Şamdan
Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi 18/1, Nişantaşi, Şişli / parksamdan.com
Set within a lush green park in the fashionable Nişantaşi
quarter is Park Şamdan. The rather elegant restaurant belongs
to Chef Hüseyin Gürsoy, who specialises in classic Turkish
cuisine with a European touch. The perfect spot to celebrate
a special occasion — or just a regular weekday lunch with
Istanbul’s high society.
Pierre Loti Hill
İdris Köşkü Caddesi 34050, Eyüp / pierrelotitepesi.com
Literally off the beaten track, a visit to Pierre Loti Hill’s hotel
and restaurants requires more than just a little detour, so make
sure you have plenty of time before you make the diversion.
The view over the Golden Horn from its hilltop vantage
point — particularly the Teras Cafe —is certainly worth the
trouble, and is reason alone to make the cable car journey or
the walk through the cemetery. The area is named for the
French naval officer-turned-novelist Louis-Marie-Julien
Viaud, who used the pen name Pierre Loti and frequented
the spot for inspiration, though it has seen extensive upgrades
in facilities since his time.
Yeni Lokanta
Kumbaraçi Yokuşu Sokak 66, Kumbaraci Mahallesi, Beyoğlu /
lokantayeni.com
Rami
Utangac Sokak 6, Cankurtaran Mahellesi, Sultanahmet /
ramirestaurant.com
After a stint at one of Istanbul’s first fusion restaurants,
Changa, chef Civan Er opened Yeni Lokanta (yeni meaning
‘new’, lokanta meaning ‘canteen’ or ‘diner’) just a few years ago.
Despite its newcomer status, Yeni Lokanta has been hailed as
a game changer in the local dining scene. Enjoy a selection of
meze that combine traditional and fusion in a French bistrostyle interior that manages to balance elegance and comfort.
Rami is located in a charming Ottoman-era weatherboard
home in the historic neighbourhood of Sultanahmet, and
overlooks the Blue Mosque. The food is based on traditional
Ottoman cuisine, and lamb features extensively. The interior
is as charming as the exterior, and is decorated with pieces
by the restaurant’s namesake, Turkish impressionist painter
Rami Uluer. The enviable view from the top floor is reason
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WANDERLUST / Istanbul
WANDERLUST / Istanbul
Where to Shop
I
stanbul is widely regarded as a shopper’s mecca. Bazaars are a must, starting with the Grand Bazaar (Büyük Çarşi),
which happens to be one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Here you’ll find a wide variety of
goods. A slightly less crowded and pushy alternative is the Arasta Bazaar. Meanwhile, the Spice Bazaar specialises in
spices, dried fruits and legumes, while most neighbourhoods hold their own weekly markets selling everything from food
to kitchen equipment. If that’s not enough to keep you occupied, here are a few of our favourite stores around the city.
A La Turca
Ayşe Orberk
Quite simply a must-see. Owner Erkal Aksoy has created
an antiques emporium like no other in a charming fourstorey townhouse in Çukurcuma, Istanbul’s most beloved
antiques district. The experience of entering the store is akin
to Alice getting lost down the rabbit hole. You may never
find your way out, and we’re betting you won’t mind one
bit. The store is merchandised to resemble a house — one
of a frenzied but elegant and knowledgeable collector. Here
you’ll find furniture, lighting, ceramics, art and of course
rugs. You are in Turkey, after all…
Not far from A La Turca, in both location and style, is Ayşe
Orberk’s outstanding eponymous antique store. Set in a centuryold building, each of the three floors is charmingly cluttered
with furniture, silverware, crystalware, antique books, paintings
and other treasures.
Faikpaşa Yokuşu 4, Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu / alaturcahouse.com
Turnacibaşi Sokak 51, Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu
BNG Design
Müze Sokak 34, Piri Mehmet Paşa Mallahesi, Hasköy, Beyoğlu /
bng-design.com
Founded by Turkish fashion designers Bülent and Nilgün
Gülen in 2004, BNG was the first Turkish brand to show at the
prestigious Milan Fashion Week. Their designs have a modern
yet timeless edge which we love and can be purchased directly
from their boutique, located inside a restored 18th-century
building in the Beyoğlu district.
Antijen Design
Lüks Apt 9B, Yeni Carşi Caddesi, Galatasaray, Beyoğlu
Designer Nilüfer Karaca’s boutique Antijen Design is located on
the fashionable Yeni Carşi Caddesi strip, just a few steps from
the uber-trendy Munferit bar and restaurant. All of the pieces
are made on site — in fact, her atelier is visible at the back of
the boutique. We particularly loved the dresses, which have an
urban, architectural edge to them.
Deniz Tunc
Ada Apt 22/2, Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi, Nişantaşi, Şişli /
deniztunc.com
Autoban Gallery
Gönül Paksoy
TAR TAR
Turkish designer Dr Gönül Paksoy is more likely to be
described as an artist than a fashion designer, choosing to
display her new collections in museum-like spaces rather than
on a catwalk. Most of her pieces are one-offs, and are created
using antique Ottoman-era fabrics and carpets or hand-woven,
hand-dyed textiles (she completed her PhD on natural dyes),
which are all hand-sewn. Her boutique is another must-see,
displaying her unique experimental creations: clothing, shoes,
accessories, jewellery and books that Paksoy has authored or
edited, all in a stark but elegant space.
This is a small, unassuming store that might easily be missed,
but trust us, you don’t want to do that. Jewellery designer
Pinar Gercek founded the company in 2011 and based the
name and logo on the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of
her favourite artists. Working with a wide variety of materials
(including rope, fabric, leather, brass, wood, metal, semiprecious stones, crystal and resin), Gercek makes each piece
herself by hand. Her work is modern, playful and accessible,
and is inspired by a variety of sources from ethnic/tribal dress
to everyday found objects.
Atiye Sokak 1, Harbiye Mallahesi, Nişantaşi, Şişli
Boğazkesen Caddesi 66/A, Tophane, Beyoğlu / tartargoods.com
Nyks
Yastik by Rifat Özbek
The name of this lovely candle boutique is derived from the
Turkish spelling for the Greek Goddess of the Night —
Nyx, creator of both brightness and day. Co-founders Merve
Tatari and Deniz Yurtkuran opened the store just last year
but are already attracting a lot of attention. Their candles
are hand made from organic materials — they’re olive oilbased as opposed to being made from paraffin wax, so you
won’t be inhaling any chemicals — and contain pure essential
oils sourced locally like laurel, thyme, bergamot, mandarin,
rosemary, lavender and cinnamon. The candles are sold in
beautiful reusable containers of either copper or naturally
pigmented glass. Guilt-free shopping — you have to love that.
Turkish designer Rifat Özbek, who studied fashion and
architecture at what is now known as Central Saint Martins
College in London, turned his skills to producing cushions
(yastik is the Turkish word for cushion or pillow) in 2005.
Özbek is known worldwide for his use of exuberant colours
and traditional hand-woven silk ikat and hand-embroidered
suzani textiles. His flagship store in Istanbul is a clean, gallerylike space that will have you lusting after all the merchandise.
A La Turca
Yastik by Rifat Özbek
Serdar-i Ekrem Caddesi 49/1A, Şahkulu Mahallesi, Karaköy,
Beyoğlu / nyks.com.tr
Şakayik Sokak, Olcay Apt 13/1, Teşvikiye, Nişantaşi, Şişli /
yastikbyrifatozbek.com
Local designer Deniz Tunc studied both set design and industrial
design, and calls herself an ‘ambience consultant’. Tunc opened
her Nişantaşi boutique in 2000, when she launched her first
furniture collection Neo-Ottoman. The name says it all — her
work is a contemporary take on the rich culture and history of
her home country.
Süleyman Seba Caddesi 16–20, Sinanpaşa Mallahesi, Beşiktaş /
autoban212.com
Seyhan Özdemir and Sefer Çağlar, the creative duo behind
Istanbul’s most famous design firm Autoban, are also responsible
for some outstanding pieces of furniture and lighting design,
produced predominantly for the De La Espada brand. You’ll see
their designs around the city, notably in the House Cafes and
House Hotels, and here you have the opportunity to purchase
something for yourself.
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WANDERLUST / Istanbul
Cultural Destinations
Arter
will have you wandering the streets looking at everyone
and everything, trying to spot the protagonist, his lover
and the apartment block that was the backdrop to their
regular trysts. It’s essential for a visit to this museum, and
the museum should definitely be on your list.
İstiklal Caddesi 211, Beyoğlu / www.arter.org.tr
Arter, a contemporary art institution, was founded in 2010
as a platform for exhibiting contemporary art. The space
hosts regularly rotating exhibitions by the likes of Marc
Quinn and Kutluğ Ataman.
Pera Museum
Borusan Contemporary
Meşrutiyet Caddesi 65, Tepebaşi, Beyoğlu / peramuzesi.org.tr
Ever since its opening in 2005, Pera Museum has
brought a massive programme of curated exhibitions
including Rembrandt, Joan Miró, Akira Kurosawa, Marc
Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero, Frida Kahlo
and Francisco Goya. More recently, the private museum
organised the first major exhibition of sculptor and painter
Alberto Giacometti in Turkey, in collaboration with the
Giacometti Foundation in Paris.
Baltalimani Hisar Sokak, Perili Köşk 5, Rumelihisari, Sariyer /
borusancontemporary.com
Located in the ‘Haunted Mansion’, one of the most
significant historical buildings in the charming
Rumelihisari neighbourhood along the Bosphorus,
Borusan Contemporary is one of Istanbul’s most
successful art spaces. The site-specific installations and
well-curated new media and experimental pieces help
propel Borusan towards its ambition — to place Turkish
art in an international context.
C
M
Pilot Galeri
Siraselviler Caddesi 83/2, Cihangir, Beyoğlu / pilotgaleri.com
Istanbul Modern
Y
CM
MY
Pilot was founded back in 2011 to function as a multifunctional art space, and it has become an established art
institution in no time. One recent outstanding exhibition
consisted of the latest works by Halil Altindere, a
successful contemporary artist focusing on the resistance
to repressive structures and marginalisation within official
systems of representation. The space next door, Co-Pilot,
regularly organises talks, forums, screenings, performances
and workshops.
Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Liman İşletmeleri Sahasi Antrepo 4,
Karaköy, Beyoğlu / istanbulmodern.org
CY
CMY
Istanbul’s first private museum dedicated to modern art
occupies a large warehouse on Galata Pier, and is always
worth the trip. Its waterfront location makes a visit even
more worthwhile when the weather is sunny, and is best
enjoyed at the museum’s outdoor terrace overlooking
the Bosphorus. Istanbul Modern teams up with the
MoMA each year to bring the YAP Istanbul Modern:
Young Architects Programme.
K
Salt
Museum of Innocence
Bankalar Caddesi 11, Karaköy, Beyoğlu / saltonline.org
Çukurcuma Caddesi, Dalgiç Çikmazi 2, Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu /
en.masumiyetmuzesi.org
Salt is a non-profit, experimental and innovative art
museum located within the former Imperial Ottoman
Bank headquarters designed by the French architect
Alexandre Vallaury in the 19th century. The museum is
directed by Vasif Kortun, who is listed among the 100 most
powerful figures in the contemporary art world.
We highly recommend you read the book of the same title
by renowned Turkish author and Nobel Prize recipient
Orhan Pamuk before embarking on a trip to Istanbul, let
alone the museum. It’s a desperately tragic novel that
Design Anthology’s flights to and from Istanbul were kindly
provided by Turkish Airlines.
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WANDERLUST / Istanbul
Seyhan Özdemir & Sefer Çağlar’s Istanbul Favourites
W
hile Istanbul has certainly become a design city on an international level, Autoban is still arguably the country’s
best-known design studio. Responsible for some of Istanbul’s most achingly hip dining destinations and hotels,
Autoban has also designed several collections of furniture and lighting for international brand De La Espada.
Their style is instantly recognisable and has helped catapult them beyond hometown stardom. Founders and creative
directors Seyhan Özdemir and Sefer Çağlar share with Design Anthology some of their favourite Istanbul destinations.
Magnolia Culture: A bookstore and more, since there
are also decorative objects on sale. We were delighted to
see our own book Autoban: Form. Function. Experience.
published by Gestalten displayed in the window of this
beautiful store. Hüsrev Gerede Caddesi 94, Teşvikiye, Nişantaşi,
290 sqm: This is the Istanbul outpost of the Amsterdambased lifestyle store. Alongside hard-to-find Nike Airs
and apparel from the likes of Raf Simons x Fred Perry, the
store also offers magazines and coffee table books. Serdar-i
Ekrem Caddesi 27A, Karaköy, Beyoğlu / 290sqm.com
Şişli / facebook.com/magnoliaculture
Bey: Bey means ‘man’ in Turkish, and this contemporary
menswear store located in Karaköy carries brands like
A.P.C. and SANDRO, to name a few. Mumhane Caddesi
Münferit: Opened in 2010, Münferit (see top of facing
page) brought a contemporary and international approach
to the traditional Turkish meyhane culture, and has quickly
become a classic among the city’s fine diners. Best food
ever. Yeni Carsi Caddesi 19, Galatasaray, Beyoğlu /
54/1, Kemankeş Mahallesi, Karaköy, Beyoğlu / beykarakoy.com
Gaspar: Housed in an early 20th-century building that
was originally erected to function as a letterpress printing
house, Gaspar (see bottom left of facing page) is the
sibling restaurant/bar of Münferit, overseen by the same
self-taught chef Ferit Sarper. The food is a well-blended
mix of local and international flavours designed for
sharing. Necati Bey Caddesi/Arapoğlan Sokak 6, Mueyyetzade
munferit.com.tr
The bar with no name: There is this tiny bar tucked away
in one of the many side streets of Beyoğlu. The owners,
one a self-taught mixologist, the other an entrepreneur of
all sorts, didn’t even bother to name their bar. Serving oldschool cocktails in a very intimate space, the bar is one
of the best-kept secrets in the city. Gönül Sokak 7B, Asmali
Mahallesi, Karaköy, Beyoğlu
Gram: We wouldn’t know what we were having for lunch,
if Gram, with whom we share the same street, didn’t exist.
This is a small, lunch-only eatery offering a wide range
of cold dishes as well as a few hot dishes, which rotate
on a regular basis depending on what the season offers.
At Gram, the food is always good and healthy. Meşrutiyet
Mescit Mahallesi, Beyoğlu
Coming soon and we are very much excited about…
Autoban Bomonti Design Base: Towards the end of the
year we’re moving our head office to the Bomonti Culture
and Entertainment Center, which is a complex being
converted from a historic brewery. We will not only move
our offices but also will create a design base featuring a
design library, workshop areas, design market, etc.
Caddesi 107D, Asmali Mescit Mahallesi, Beyoğlu
MaeZae: This store, also in Karaköy, feels like you are
at a friend’s apartment and going through his or her
belongings. From Marvis toothpastes to handmade
ceramic objects and vintage one-off furniture pieces,
there’s so much you’d want to borrow from that friend.
Hoca Tahsin Sokak 6/A, Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi,
Karaköy, Beyoğlu / maezae.com
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Clockwise from top: Münferit, Nopa and Gaspar, all designed by Autoban