Sultan Abdulhamid II, who took his personal passion for carpentry a step further after ascending to the throne, practically turned introducing and teaching Western-style furniture across the empire into a state policy. From Traditional Interiors to Western-style Furniture In the Ottoman Empire, which had sustained its traditional interior design identity for centuries, modernization brought a rupture: there was now a …
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe and serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has been a major hub of trade and culture for centuries, with its islands, architecture, and natural beauty. The city’s impact on artists can be seen in countless works of art. In this article, you can explore Old Istanbul paintings …
For centuries, Istanbul has been not only a crossroads of trade and culture but also a meeting point for lovers of sweets. The refinement of the Ottoman palace kitchen, the craftsmanship of neighborhood confectioners, and the elegance of Levantine patisseries have all come together in this city. As you stroll through its historic streets, the confectionery shops you encounter are …
The “rooftop churches,” built on the inns constructed at the end of the 1800s in Istanbul to accommodate Russians traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, still open their doors today to those who wish to worship. Throughout the ages, Istanbul has been known by many names. After becoming a settlement during the Roman Empire, it turned into one of the most …
Do you know the meaning of “Istanblue“? It is best to discover the city just in sunset blue specific to Istanbul, with views from the best rooftops. From breathtaking panoramic views to chic atmospheres, these rooftop bars and lounges offer the perfect escape above the city’s energy. Sip signature cocktails while soaking in the Bosphorus, the historic skyline, and the …
This guide combines Istanbul’s major annual festivals with district-specific cultural events. Each entry includes name, location, topic, organizer, and website (if available). Major Annual Festivals in Istanbul 📅 January – March 2026 Artists’ Film International & BIENALSUR – Istanbul Modern When: 23 Dec 2025 – 16 Jan 2026 Where: Istanbul Modern (new building, Karaköy) About: International artists’ film/video programs from …
Politics, football, art, cinema, love, passion, anger, wealth, poverty, and history; Istanbul embodies all aspects of life and naturally becomes an indispensable setting in Turkish literature. Since the Tanzimat literary era, countless novels have been set in this culturally rich city. However, in some novels, Istanbul transcends its role as a backdrop and emerges as a central character; almost the protagonist of …
History of Beer in the Ottoman Empire The history of beer in the Ottoman Empire can be traced back to the 19th century. Sultan Abdulhamid II ruled the empire from 1876 to 1909, a period marked by both modernization and increased centralization of power in the hands of the sultan. During his reign, Western cultural influences permeated various aspects of …
The food culture of a city actually includes both food and beverage. That’s why the more varied and complex settlement pockets there are in a city, the more ethnic varieties in food and beverages that one can find there. Istanbul has many different street foods a visitor can try and feel the culture.
The First World War revealed a huge devastation that caused both the winner and the loser to face a great economic storm. Before the end of the First World War, Russia, in 1917, gave up and found itself in the middle of internal conflicts. On the one side were the Tsar and the defenders, on the other side, the communists. …