PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Ortaköy Mosque


İSTANBUL


IS THE NEW COOL!


With its millennia-spanning historical heritage, wide array of vibrant cultural off


cuisine and breathtaking vistas, İstanbul is a destination guaranteed to inspire visitors f


erings, mouth-watering rom all walks of lif


T


ake a closer look at the city where cultures and continents unite…


As the capital city of some of history’s greatest empires, spanning the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman eras, İstanbul has long served as a crossroads combining contemporary culture and deep-rooted traditions. As one of the most happening locations in Europe, the city is a cultural hub drawing hipsters, culture vultures and classicists alike. From art exhibits to cocktails, cutting-edge designers and live music, İstanbul is a fashionable cultural hotspot drawing inspiration from thousands of years of cultural heritage.


OLDIES BUT GOLDIES


The best place to begin exploring this bustling treasure trove is undoubtedly the Historical Peninsula. The area served as the social and political centre of the Eastern Roman and Ottoman empires and is thus teeming with stunning architectural delights at every turn. Some of the must-see landmarks are within walking distance of each other – from the iconic domes of Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque to the grand minarets of the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Meanwhile, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapı Palace, gives visitors the chance to discover the splendor of the empire’s court and the mystical beauty of harem, the sover- eign’s private chambers.


F TRAVEL TIP: Just a five-minute stroll from here takes you deep underground to the recently restored 6th-century Basilica Cistern – a mystical ancient heritage site that served as a water reserve for the city for centuries and also as the location for various Hollywood blockbusters, including 1963 Bond classic From Russia with Love and the 2016 Dan Brown adaptation Inferno, featuring Tom Hanks. The recently renovated İstanbul Archaeological Museums, on the other hand, pay tribute to the masters of antiquity, and could be a nice stop during your Sultanahmet stroll with its refreshing garden.


e.


BEYOĞLU: A CENTURIES-OLD CULTURE HUB


Right across the Golden Horn waterway, one cannot fail to miss the imposing Galata Tower. Constructed in 1348, the tower stood as the tallest structure in the city for most of its history. Today, it still offers an impressive 360-degree view of the metropolis and lies a stone’s throw away from Galata Mevlevihanesi, which has served as the site for Türkiye’s famous whirling dervishes to hold their Sema ceremonies since the 15th century here. Visitors can behold their spiritual display every Sunday. Upon exiting this mystical arena, you can quickly expect to be jolted into the hub of the city’s contem- porary life along the pedestrianized İstiklal Avenue, which offers a wide array of independent coffee shops, design studios and art galleries lining up.


F TRAVEL TIP: On the other end of İstiklal Avenue, Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (Atatürk Cultural Centre) stands as a feat of modern archi- tecture and a state-of-the-art median for the performance arts in Taksim Square, with its main Opera Hall designed in the shape of a giant sparkling-red globe. Alongside the opening of the new AKM last year, the whole neighborhood was also celebrated with the Beyoğlu Culture Route, which opened with a festival hosting special cultural events spread over 84 unique venues, including some of the city’s most important cultural heritage sites.


A THRIVING SCENE OF ART, DESIGN AND CULTURE


İstanbul is home to a constant flow of talented up-and-coming designers and artists. The city’s cool, contemporary side showcases amazing art and fashion, with a particular talent for object designs inspired by the heritage of a city that marries Asia and Europe. To see the works of Türkiye’s best contemporary artists, İstanbul Modern is the right place to start. The city’s pioneering center of contemporary art is still in the process of reopening its doors in a new sleek building designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano. If you’re lucky enough to have your trip coincide with the prestigious İstanbul Biennial, which occurs every two years, you can look forward to a bevy of art exhibits from new and upcoming artists across the city. Art aficionados will also enjoy the annual Contemporary İstanbul, which offers a hub of works at an event eagerly attended by artists, curators and culture buffs alike.


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