Tag: holidays

Istanbul; a metropolis full of contrasts that unites eastern with western culture. However, as it happens with many unions, not everything is perfect. Mass media keep on bombarding us with news that promote clashes and terror, giving a wrong impression about the daily life of the locals, but Istanbul will never seize to be the city with a thousand faces, an ideal destination throughout the year and especially during Christmas holidays. I assure you!

Every corner in this city, hides a unique story…Many stories actually, my mother’s memories who was born, raised and still lives in “Poli”. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for me to describe exactly how life was back in the 70’s, with the Armenians, Jews, Greeks and Turkish peacefully co-existing in a city that didn’t even have half of the population and having only a few shops where locals used to sell their goods. However, I can talk about modern Istanbul, that still cherishes its past, for the eldest to remember and the youngsters to learn. I’ve said enough; a picture says a thousand words, so I decided to grab my camera and capture moments, people and spots of the city, so that you can travel with me, through your screen.

Short Stories…

Ara Cafe: Probably my favorite choice when I visit Istanbul during winter time. An artistic café-bistro with the best jazz music selections and a small photo exhibition by its owner, the famous Turkish photographer Ara Güler. The visitors always see Ara sitting at a small table, talking with young people, although he is over 80 years old! Ideal choice for cold winter days. You should definitely try espresso macchiato or Indian tea with spices and milk!

 (Tomtom Mahallesi Tosbağa Sokak No:2. Galatasaray)

Βig Chef’s/ City’s

City’s is a small, cozy mall- compared to the huge malls around the city- that not only offers a variety of retail shops with top brands but hosts a unique and affordable café-restaurant with a view to Bosphorus! It’s actually one of the few places that celebrates Christmas, you can listen to jazz Christmas songs and eat “kurabiye” shaped like a Christmas tree.

 ( Teşvikiye Cad., No:162.Nişantaşi, 34365 Şişli)

Κόκκινα (kokina)

No matter what time of the year you visit Istanbul, you will find seasonal plants and flowers to decorate your home or offer them to a good friend. Street florists sell the most common to the most unusual plants. During Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the streets are filled with mistletoe , locally known as “kokina” (means red in Greek), as “Romioi” used to call them back in the day and as the locals call them even to this day. You can hear the Turkish florists yell “Gelin, kokina!” (Come, kokina!).

Mabel Chocolaterie

We have all heard of “Mabel” but only a few know that the first shop of this company was founded by a Greek resident of Istanbul in 1947, a shop that is still open and now is one of the most historic spots of the city. During Christmas holidays they decorate its window with all kinds of chocolates, Christmas ornaments and chocolate “coins” (fluria)! If you happen to pass by the shop, it is worth visiting it, even to wander around the shop and admire the wonderful decorations!

 (Valikonağı Caddesi 38/a, Nişantaşı)

Also published at ThinkFree Magazine