TURKEY
LET’S DO THE TURKISH TWIST
We’ve got a crush on Turkey, a country with a rich and complex history and the unique geographical positioning of being part of both Asia and Europe. It’s a destination for those seeking something exotic.
Istanbul is a must see for its cuisine, energy, architecture and history but in a city of 14M people, over 2,000 hotels and 22,000 (!) restaurants, we think you need a little intel to navigate Istanbul and the rest of this amazing country the right way.
Find out more about our Turkey Tastemakers and how they can help you navigate the country like a (very chic) local.
Meet our Turkey Tastemakers
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EXPERTISE | Istanbul + Bodrum
PROFILE | Bahar, a native of Istanbul, studied in the US before spending many years as a concierge for luxury hotels in Turkey and Dubai. She is chock full of contacts in the restaurant and tourism industry and travels practically weekly to undiscovered regions in and around Turkey.
She is based in Istanbul but has traveled to and lived in over 22 different countries over the past 7 years and has become an expert in travel planning. She enjoys sailing, exploring uncharted territory, diving, fine dining and riding motorcycles.
Favorite locals-only spot in İstanbul? If you're looking for an escape from the crowds and a bit of fresh air, I would recommend a half-day trip to Bebek, a charming seaside village along the Bosphorus Strait. Just beware on the weekends as the locals may have the same idea as you!
What's not to miss in Istanbul? The Basilica Cistern. The cistern is a massive underground water storage facility built during the Byzantine Era in the sixth century; it is a sprawling 100,000 square feet and can hold more than 2.8 million cubic feet of water. It has exquisite carvings and ornamentation, including two Medusa heads that serve as the bases of 336 marble columns, each of which is over 30 feet tall. It’s beautiful!
IG | @bahar_sa