arts

8 Books about Turkey that you should read

A country of the magnitude of Turkey, the diversity, and history is sure to have many a book written about it throughout time. From travel guides, to romantic fiction, to historical events, there are hundreds of books for you to read about Turkey to get a flavour of what this magical country is all about. In this blog, we have gathered eight books that we have personally read and think expats and tourists would enjoy a read also.

culture , arts life in turkey
2015-July-24

Why the world's watching Istanbul's contemporary art scene

Istanbul's contemporary art is bold, beautiful and breathtaking. It's little wonder that the creative output from Turkey's largest city is beginning to be recognised around the world. Explore Turkey's most prominent modern artists, and discover the prime places to soak up the contemporary art scene while visiting Istanbul.

istanbul arts
2016-October-31

Famous Handicrafts of Turkey

It is inevitable that when man perfects an art skill, a stream of respect and admiration follows. This is true in particular areas of Turkey well known for developing certain handicrafts because many skilled artists and craftsmen, use simple tools or construct an item purely by hand. Despite the onslaught of modern machinery, skilled artisans still make a roaring trade in Turkey, and some of this can be credited to tourism and people’s desire for authentic souvenirs. It is worth looking at these trades history though because many flourished during a glorious era of the Ottoman Guild system.

arts , culture , life in turkey , tourism in turkey shopping in turkey
2016-August-06

The Persian poet: our enduring fascination with Rumi

Rumours that Leonardo DiCaprio might play Rumi in an upcoming biopic has prompted a surge of interest in the Persian poet. The Sufi scholar lived and worked quietly in Rum - modern-day Konya - until a chance meeting changed his life forever, prompting a huge body of poetry and the whirling dervish movement and dance that still captivates audiences today.

arts , Turkish history culture
2016-June-20

Istanbul's Street Art: Graffiti or Talent?

Some of the most creative designs, motifs, logos and stencil drawings are seen across a variety of districts, but the stand out neighbourhoods are usually around Istiklal Avenue, in Taksim Square; Tunel, Karakoy; Sishane; as well as Maltepe, Kadikoy and Moda. Is Istanbul street art graffiti or talent? Have a read of this blog and discover some of the best street art of Istanbul.

istanbul , tourism in turkey , arts culture
2016-March-30

6 strange festivals in Turkey

In Turkey, you will always find a celebration, whether that is a birthday, a family occasion, or a whole town coming together in a festival - Turks pull out all the stops to celebrate events successfully. Yearly there are several festivals that raise an eyebrow, and in this blog we present to top 6 weird and wonderful festivals that you simply have to see when you go Turkey.

tourism in turkey , culture , arts life in turkey
2015-August-13

10 blockbuster films shot in Turkey

Here is something for the film buffs: can you name 10 blockbuster films shot in Turkey without reading this article? Before you click in, note down how many movies you know were filmed in say Istanbul or other locations in Turkey. We shall give you a clue to start with: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie featuring Hercule Poirot was shot in 1974.

culture , arts , fethiye istanbul
2013-November-29

Turkish Winter Sleep tipped to win Cannes Film Festival

The prestigious and glamorous Cannes International Film Festival kicked off last week with the expected buzz generated in the film world whenever Cannes comes around every year. Amongst movies from all over the world, critically acclaimed Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan has returned with another well received drama, Winter Sleep - can Winter Sleep win the Cannes Film Festival 2014? In this blog we give you a quick overview of Turkish cinema and Ceylan’s work so far, before offering up our pick of the films to make sure you catch a glimpse of at Cannes. With some extraordinary cinema and film experiences on offer, the festival is one not to miss this year.

arts
2014-May-19