Istanbul blog posts

Best Markets in Istanbul: Bazaars, Food, and Antiques

The best markets in Istanbul are a perfect introduction to this city, which is globally famous yet still misunderstood by many. There is a staggering 200 markets (pazar) happening around the city each week. Locals and tourists flock to buy locally and nationally manufactured goods.

tourism in turkey , istanbul , shopping in turkey
2015-October-20

What to Do in Fatih: Exploring Districts of Istanbul

Anyone looking at what to do in Fatih, Istanbul will not be short of ideas. Often called the historical peninsula because of the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, and its many Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, other lesser known places present ideal opportunities to see Fatih beyond the guidebooks. Explore the Fatih area of Istanbul in this blog.

istanbul
2019-March-06

Istanbul Regeneration: Reforms & Turkey’s Investment Window

Istanbul’s Urban Regeneration Zones are becoming one of Turkey’s most important property investment themes. With 2026 investor reforms, proposed mortgage changes, Turkish residency and citizenship thresholds, and the Istanbul Finance Center, districts such as Kagithane and Eyup Sultan could sit at the centre of Turkey’s next investment window.

Istanbul , Invest in Turkey
2026-May-06

Istanbul Financial Center: 2026 Guide for Investors

The Istanbul Financial Center is Turkey’s flagship attempt to create a genuine regional financial hub in Istanbul’s Ataşehir district. The project includes 1.3 million square metres of office space, a 100,000 square metre mall, a congress centre, hotel, and major parking capacity, while also offering tax advantages.

Istanbul , Invest in Turkey
2026-May-01

Turkey R&D Growth: Why Investors Should Pay Attention

Turkey’s stronger-than-Europe R&D growth is a useful long-term signal for international investors because it points to a country still building productive capacity while parts of Europe slow. OECD data shows Turkey among the faster-growing R&D spenders in the developed world.

Invest in Turkey , Invest , Istanbul
2026-April-29

Luxury Districts in Istanbul: Where the Wealthy Live

A quick glance at the wealthiest districts in Istanbul for foreigners to live in, and you will soon discover that this city can easily match the likes of the prestige of Paris, the high-end culture of Rome, or the quintessential living of London.

istanbul , luxury living
2017-April-18

Turkey for HNWIs: Safe Haven and Citizenship in 2026

Turkey makes sense for a HNWI in 2026 because it combines: strategic geography, a large domestic economy, multiple lifestyle bases, internationally relevant real estate markets, and a real citizenship route through property investment. Turkey is a functioning G20-scale market with a population of more than 86 million.

Invest in Turkey , Investment , Istanbul
2026-April-08

Investing in Istanbul Property: Full 2026 Investor Guide

When investing in Istanbul property, you need to be clever. To clarify, real estate investment in this city is comparable to the speed of the market in other major cities like Rome, Paris, and London. Istanbul is an official alpha city and is also the heart and soul of Türkiye, despite not being the capital.

istanbul , investment
2015-November-10

Best Green Parks in Istanbul: Top Nature Spots

The green parks of Istanbul are essential to its charm. They reflect a legacy from Ottoman society, which cherished groves and gardens. Today, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality commits to preserving these historic spaces. They aim to expand green areas and improve air quality.

istanbul
2016-July-04

BlackRock in Turkey: Istanbul’s Property Investment Signal

In March 2026, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink met privately with President Erdoğan in Istanbul, alongside senior government officials responsible for finance and energy policy. Around the same time, global investors gathered in the city for high-level economic discussions focused on Turkey’s future positioning.

Investment , Istanbul , Invest in Turkey
2026-April-03

Commercial vs Residential Property in Istanbul for Turkish Citizenship

If you are investing $400,000 USD to $500,000 USD for Turkish citizenship, commercial property in Istanbul is often the weaker choice. At that level, you are usually buying secondary retail or lower-grade commercial stock. Residential property in affordable central Istanbul usually offers a stronger investment profile.

Invest in Turkey , Investment , Istanbul
2026-April-01

What Is the Best Istanbul Property Investment for Turkish Citizenship?

For CBI buyers, affordable central Istanbul offers a stronger investment profile than many suburban projects because the exit market is broader, rental demand is deeper, and supply is more constrained. The best-performing stock is not ultra-luxury. It is well-located, mid-market, city-centre property that appeals to Turkish buyers.

Istanbul , Investment , Invest in Turkey
2026-March-26

Istanbul Tulip Festival Guide: Best Places to See Blooms

The coming of spring in Istanbul means the appearance of millions of brightly coloured tulips. The beautiful flowers carpet parks and green spaces around the city, bringing city dwellers out in droves to stroll around the parks and enjoy the sunshine. We give you the lowdown on the best places to enjoy the Istanbul Tulip Festival.

istanbul
2016-March-18

Dubai Investors Seeking a Plan B Are Turning to Turkey

In today’s geopolitical climate, a growing number of international investors are beginning to think about diversification – not only across asset classes, but across countries. And increasingly, those investors are looking towards Turkey. Not as a replacement for Dubai, but as a strategic Plan B.

Investment , Istanbul , Invest in Turkey
2026-March-09

Istiklal Caddesi: A Guide To Turkey’s Busiest Street

Stretching for more than 1 mile, from the tunnel funicular to the independence monument in Taksim Square, Istiklal Caddesi is the busiest street in Istanbul and a must-see for anyone visiting. Its primary function is shopping and entertainment but old buildings still stand among modern and new builds. More than 3 million people walk it every day - let us take you through the best things to see and do on Istiklal.

istanbul , life in turkey
2016-February-22

Urban Regeneration in Istanbul: Property Impact and Key Areas

Urban Regeneration is one of the most powerful forces shaping Istanbul’s property market today. Across the city, ageing building stock is being replaced by modern, earthquake-resilient developments. Entire districts are being redesigned with new infrastructure, transport links, and residential towers.

Investment , Invest in Turkey , Istanbul
2026-February-10

Istanbul City Guide and General Information

Istanbul’s iconic status makes it a high rolling global metropolis. Ranking alongside the likes of Rome, Milan, Paris and New York, its title as Turkey’s most significant and busiest city sees millions of tourists descend on it every year. Its vibrant history has a notorious reputation, and while these days are more peaceful, it is still a bustling hub of tourism business, educations, arts, culture, fashion and food.

istanbul , istanbul investment , invest in Istanbul
2018-September-23

Raining Cats, Dogs & Capital: Property in Turkey and Dubai

Investors comparing Istanbul and Dubai must stop asking which market is “better” and start asking which market suits their objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Both cities reward capital differently and applying the same logic to each often leads to underperformance, mispricing, and avoidable liquidity risk.

Investment , Istanbul
2026-January-08

Airbnb Income in Turkey: Danıştay Ruling Changes Tax Rules

December 2025 marked one of the most important legal turning points for short-term rentals in recent years. Turkey’s highest administrative court, Danıştay (Council of State), suspended the Turkish Revenue Administration’s practice of automatically classifying Airbnb income as commercial business income.

Istanbul , Investment , Invest in Turkey
2025-December-19

Sense Levent: Istanbul’s Standout Property Investment for 2026

As Istanbul’s property market prepares to enter its next growth phase, savvy investors are no longer chasing speculative developments. Instead, attention has shifted towards prime, centrally located projects with proven demand, lifestyle appeal, and long-term rental strength. Sense Levent in Kağıthane stands out as one of the city’s most exciting investment opportunities in 2026.

Investment , Istanbul
2025-December-17