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Writer's picturemarleneluce

Day 20 – Istanbul on the European Side

After spending concise time in the historical district of Istanbul, I came to join my friend, Soraya, to experience today’s European side as opposed to the Asian side of this incredible city. Little did I know and I presume it’s because I have not seen the modern part of Istanbul, like many people who have not been here before. I was impressed by the contemporary aspect of Istanbul fused with its historical past.


I have the privilege of staying in the Nişantaşı district, thanks to my friend, an upscale residential area popular for its fashion boutiques selling international and prominent local labels. It is the ultimate shopping district of Istanbul combining luxury and authenticity, offering both the typical European atmosphere and a neighbourhood-type feeling. There are trendy restaurants and the architecture of the buildings is Art Nouveau. Facing the huge windows of the building where I’m staying is the Istanbul Teknik Univertesi, which is described on its website: ‘Since 1773, ITU represents the deepening of knowledge, inspiring innovation through discovery and successful progression of humankind.’


Among the places we visited in the last few days, the Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus

Described as a timeless palace between the continents. Standing on the shores of the scenic Bosphorus in a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace brings together Istanbul’s ancient architecture, warm Turkish hospitality and contemporary accommodation.


We treated ourselves to a beautiful dinner at the Sunset Grill & Bar to celebrate life, friendship and the biggest ‘supermoon’ of the year on July 13. Located in Ulus Park and overlooking the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus, the Sunset Grill & Bar serves a great selection of Mediterranean, Turkish and Japanese cuisines, as well as a Sushi Bar. Apart from the delicious meal, the design of Sunset Grill & Bar is quite amazing, art in itself from the food to the service and the plate collections.


As part of their collaboration with Villeroy & Boch in 2007 and 2011 Sunset has released two limited edition plate collections decorated with patterns from the world-renowned Turkish artist Burhan Doğançay’s Ribbons series of paintings. Some of the plates are offered for sale for the benefit of the Doğançay Art, Culture and Education Foundation with the mission of promoting Turkish painting both in Turkey and abroad.




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