Istanbul is full of turmoil and charm, with a colorful past and a vibrant present. Ambitious architectural projects such as the upcoming Renzo Piano-designed Istanbul Museum of Contemporary Art and Emrearorato-designed Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture are pushing the city forward.
Over the years, five of Istanbul’s most celebrated chefs have defined modern Turkish cuisine, earning Michelin stars in 2022 and extending the city’s fine dining scene to international prominence. In addition, Istanbul has been actively restoring abandoned historical buildings, from Ottoman fountains to dilapidated neoclassical apartments, and transforming them into public cultural spaces, the Milas ( heritage) facing the past in the project.
Here are four design-led tours of Istanbul, travel writers and guidebook authors, Istanbul’s 500 Hidden SecretsFeride Yalav-Heckeroth shares some of his favorite finds in his favorite cities.
Things to Do in Istanbul: A Guide for Design Enthusiasts
Floria Ataturk Marine Mansion
(Image credit: Photo by Elif Savari Kızıl)
A structure that rarely makes it onto the list of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions, Ataturk’s secret summer residence in Floria is a Bauhaus dream that seems to float above the sea. Built in 1935 in Berlin by Turkish architect Seifi his Erkan, who worked with Hans his Pelzig, the house served as a getaway place for the first president of the newly formed republic. Today, the sea mansion is a museum, displaying impeccable Bauhaus furniture, personal belongings and photographs of Ataturk. A true journey back in time. Another nostalgic experience is his restaurant, the best kebab in the city, housed in his stunning 1970s brutalist structure with Ottoman details by renowned Turkish architect Yılmaz Sanlı. waiting at Beyti.
turkishmuseums.com (opens in new tab)
@Bayty Lokantasi (opens in new tab)
Sendere Sanat
(Image credit: Cendere Sanat)
Old Cendere Hamidiye Pumping Station, part of the Milas Restoration Project in Istanbul City – Built in 1902, it supplied water to about 100 fountains in the city during the Ottoman era. – It has been restored to become the Cendere Sanat art gallery and cultural center. The garden with its historic plane trees includes a glass pavilion created by Istanbul-based company Zemberek Design and features a modern café with a sunny outdoor terrace.
@cenderesanatmuzesi (opens in new tab)
@ibbmiras (opens in new tab)
Kutna
(Image credit: courtesy Kutnia)
aiming for revival Kutnu – Traditional Gaziantep silk and cotton blend fabric once worn only by Ottoman Sultans – Kutnia was founded in 2017 by Jülide Konukoğlu. Designer She collaborates with Günseli Türkay and SelenŞahin to create both a modern ready-to-wear collection for women and home her textiles for the sustainability-focused brand. With all fabrics produced by skilled Gaziantep artisans, Kutnia’s luxurious collection is rich in color and craftsmanship.
kutnia.com (opens in new tab)
@kutnia_official (opens in new tab)
Mulver
(Image credit: Courtesy Marber)
Overlooking the Bosphorus and historic peninsula, Mürver is the gastronomic sanctuary of Michelin Young Chef Award winner Mevlüt Özkaya, where ingredients from Turkey’s land and sea are cooked on an open-fire wood-fired grill.Ash octopus with sumac, isoto pepper and sour pomegranate, thracian Kvrkukslow-roasted lamb shoulder with smoke Philic Wheat, spicy apricot compote, and salty yogurt are staples, as are the restaurant’s signature cocktails.
murverrestaurant.com (opens in new tab)
@murverkarakoy (opens in new tab)
anatolian craft
(Image credit: Courtesy Anatolian Craft)
Inspired by the hand-embroidered shoes she found in her grandmother’s antique wedding chest as a child, architect and designer Bilge Khan founded Anatolian Craft in 2016 to create her own wearable heirlooms. . A collection of branded slow fashion shoes handcrafted from. Kutnu The fabric is hand embroidered by talented female artisans from Anatolia. Each bespoke pair is one-of-a-kind with colorful motifs of flora and fauna that express timeless elegance.
anatolian-craft.com (opens in new tab)
@ Anatolian Craft (opens in new tab)
fari consolos
(Image credit: Courtesy of Fahri Konsolos)
Tucked away in Kadikoy’s bustling bar district, Istanbul’s premier cocktail bar is an experimental venue that combines unexpected ingredients to create unforgettable cocktails. Mixologists Burak Ayaz, Eren Sönmez, and Engin Baysal create cocktails such as Maldini, an amalgam of gin, poisonous pomegranate molasses, and parsley, and Leb-ü Derya, made with mezcal, beet shrub, mustard buds, and agave nectar. offers.
@fahrikonsolosluk (opens in new tab)
Six Senses Kokatash Mansions
(Image credit: Courtesy Six Senses)
Built in the late 19th century, the Turkish and Ottoman-style Site Pasha and Kokatash Mansion has been restored by Six Senses to become one of the city’s most unique accommodations. The heritage mansion, with interiors designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, offers unobstructed views of the Bosphorus from its rooms and suites, offers guests meals, spa treatments, private boat tours, and the hotel’s There are more than 2 acres of scenic trails to explore. Crowded Turkish megacities.
sixsenses.com (opens in new tab)
@sixsenseskocatasmansions (opens in new tab)
Chukuru Kuma Hamami
(Image credit: Courtesy of Çukurcuma Hamamı)
Dating back to 1830, this historic Turkish bath became famous in the 1990s. The famous film by Italian-Turkish director Ferzan Ozpetek, hammamAfter closing in 2007, this historic building underwent a period of extensive renovation and reopened in 2018 in a more luxurious setting. Çukurcuma Hamamı offers traditional Turkish baths including body scrubs, bubble washes and massages in a more sophisticated and private setting. Guests can relax with a cup of tea and dried fruit in the lounge.
cukurcumahamami.com (opens in new tab)
@cukurcumahamami (opens in new tab)
Wallpaper* City Guide: Istanbul
(Image credit: Phaidon)
Check out our Wallpaper* City Guide to Istanbul for more information. £8.95, Phaidon.com (opens in new tab)
