Istanbul Now: Where The Contemporary Thrives
Istanbul always defies expectation for me. A city layered in history, myth, and memory, it could easily be overwhelmed by the weight of its own millennia. Yet Istanbul refuses to stand still. Instead, it constantly pushes the narrative forward - through art, food, architecture, and the restless current of conversation flowing between its European and Asian shores. From concept stores in Galata to rooftop cocktails in Pera, here's a look at contemporary Istanbul.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 18: A view from Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Turkiye's first museum of modern and contemporary art and designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop as the new building has been opened on May 4, in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 18, 2023. (Photo by Arife Karakum/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The heart of contemporary Istanbul is Istanbul Modern, the city's landmark for art. The museum originally opened in 2004, but in 2023, the collection took up residence in a gorgeous glass box syle building on the water's edge at Galataport. Designed by Renzo Piano, the three level museum is a celebration of sustainability. The shimmering façade is made of 3D-formed aluminum panels that reflect the changing light of the Bosphorus, creating high-efficiency lighting and heating systems, while the panoramic terrace doubles as a water collecting pool which then cools down the museum in the hot months, and it's a great spot to catch the sunset.
İstanbul,Turkey October 25,2024:Istanbul Modern is known as Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum. I
'The serenity of its terrace is something I always appreciate after work,' says Ümit Mesci, Curatorial Director of Istanbul Modern,
Istanbul Modern's collection shows off the progression of modern and contemporary Turkish art, from early 20th-century masters to today's artist including pieces by Fahrelnissa Zeid, Sarkis, Ayşe Erkmen, Gülsün Karamustafa, Nil Yalter, and İnci Eviner, as well as international artists like Mark Bradford, Alicja Kwade, and Haegue Yang.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 18: An interior view of Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Turkiye's first museum of modern and contemporary art and designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop as the new building has been opened on May 4, in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 18, 2023. (Photo by Arife Karakum/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
"Artists today are not just making paintings or sculptures — we are creating new languages for a world that doesn't exist yet,' says Refik Anadol one of Türkiye's most celebrated contemporary artists. Internationally known for pioneering work at the intersection of art, technology, and memory, Anadol returned to Istanbul for his groundbreaking installation Inner Portrait, at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). Created in collaboration with Turkish Airlines, Inner Portrait is an immersive 'data sculpture'. Translation? The visual translation of the emotional responses of four first-time travelers to Tokyo, Istanbul, and Petra into an ever-shifting landscapes of data, cascading light and color. AKM is jut the first stop on Inner Portraits global tour.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - NOVEMBER 27: Inner Portrait, Refik Anadol Ataturk Cultural Center in Istanbul, Turkiye on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The city's contemporary spirit reaches a crescendo each September with Contemporary Istanbul, the city's flagship art fair. Now celebrating its 20th edition, the fair brings together more than 50 galleries from around the world, showcasing a dynamic mix of local and international talent. Bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Contemporary Istanbul has become a key East-meets-West stop on the global art circuit — perfectly positioned after New York's Armory Show and just before Art Basel Miami Beach. This year's edition takes place September 25-28.
'I try not to get lost in nostalgia,' says Mesci, reflecting on the ever-shifting character of Istanbul. In a city of nearly 20 million, where centuries-old streets collide with constant reinvention, every neighborhood tells a different story and everyone has their own favorite corner.
On the Asian side, Kadıköy and neighboring Moda pulse with creativity, where street murals, vintage shops, and waterfront cafés hum with new ideas. Across the water, Beyoğlu, home to Istanbul Modern and a constellation of galleries and theaters, feels, in Mesci's words, 'the most contemporary face of the city.'
Istanbul Turkey Beyoglu Istiklal shopping street daytime with a crowd of people walking around. Several stores line the street.
Writer and creative consultant Lucy Scovell is drawn to the intimate ateliers and concept stores tucked into Galata's winding streets, the playful cafés of Balat, and the breezy, leafy calm of Bebek, where the Bosphorus shimmers just beyond elegant storefronts.
To slip into the city's creative personality, Scovell suggests a coffee at Minoa Bookstore Café in Pera, where writers and designers spill across tables, or a sunset cocktail at Soho House Istanbul's rooftop, where the Bosphorus glows gold and blue at dusk.
getty
In Istanbul, food is another art form whether it's bakeries, street vendors, restaurants or esnaf lokantası, shopkeeper's restaurants. And frankly, it's timeless. 'Türkiye has a multidimensional 'ordinary' richness, from Balkan to Caucasian to Arabic cuisines,' says Mesci, who prefers lokantası, to any fine dining.
Scovell cuts to the point and lists Smelt & Co. in Balat for its inventive, playful dishes, Yeni Lokanta in Beyoğlu, for Turkish classics with a fresh, elegant twist, and for skyline views and refined dining, Mikla, does not disappoint. I love them all but also find myself queuing for midye dolma (mussels) at every street vendor. Eager to dive deeper? Culinary Backstreets leads tours through Istanbul's edible history.
Anadolu Hisari (Anatolian Castle) in Istanbul, Turkey
In spite of my love for contemporary Istanbul, its boundary-pushing art, and endless reinvention, I can't help but stay in the past. There is nothing quite like Çırağan Palace Kempinski, with its Romanesque grandeur and gilded Ottoman halls. The palace floats along the Bosphorus, and is a reminder that in Istanbul, you can hop off the tram, slip past the crowds, and step back in time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
5 vineyard restaurants to visit in England
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). In the UK's dynamic wine scene, seasonally led vineyard restaurants are becoming as much of a draw as the wine itself, ideal for languid summer afternoons. Here are five of the best to whet your appetite — from Michelin-starred venues getting creative with locally foraged ingredients to an East Sussex hotspot where wood-wired pizzas are paired with the perfect natural wine. Operating since 1952, Hambledon is the UK's oldest commercial winery. Its award-winning sparkling wines include the classic cuvee and, new for 2025, its first blanc de blancs. There's a beautiful tasting room and the new restaurant is already a destination in its own right; overseen by head chef Nick Edgar, seasonal menus feature chalk stream trout with watercress, best end of lamb or Old Winchester cheese souffle. Blending his South African heritage with classic European cooking, executive chef Jean Delport has helped Interlude, the elegant restaurant with rooms at the heart of the Leonardslee Estate, earn both a Michelin star and Michelin Green star. Foraged ingredients from the local landscape include wild garlic, bracken fiddleheads and hazelnuts, while the estate rears its own venison. Sip and overlook the vines at this rooftop bistro-terrace above Chapel Down's tasting room. Two AA Rosettes have been awarded for British-Mediterranean dishes, which are paired with feted wines from the 1,000-acre estate. Seasonality reigns and the menu might include Romney Marsh lamb with Moroccan mint yoghurt that sings when accompanied by a 2022 bacchus from Chapel Down's Kit's Coty North Downs vineyard. A glass of the rosé brut pairs well with the Kent rhubarb parfait. Founded in the 1980s, Sharpham Wine has recently shifted its focus to low-intervention wines. Set on the Sandridge Barton estate, the winery is home to rustic-chic tasting barns and a restaurant in the old milking parlour with a menu centered on Devon produce. Try the likes of estate beef fillet, red chicory and anchoiade, or a range of Sharpham cheeses, perfect with its medal-winning pinot noir. Tillingham has made a name for itself (and earned a Michelin Green star) thanks to its biodynamic approach to viticulture and bucolic setting in the Sussex High Weald. At the estate complex, flavourful natural wines sit alongside wood-fired pizzas and the likes of goat's cheese mousse with charred peach, seared local scallops with black pudding crumb, and Pevensey lamb rump. There are stylish bedrooms in a converted hop barn as well as bell tents in the summer. Published in Issue 28 (summer 2025) of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Cosmopolitan
2 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
Rhodes travel guide: Where to stay, what to do, and where to eat on the Greek island
It's no secret that Greece's waters are peppered with gorgeous islands that are home to sandy beaches and classic white stone building. In fact, one of the hardest parts about holidaying in Greece is knowing exactly where to go. As one of the biggest islands, Rhodes is an ideal choice for anyone looking to strike the perfect balance between sizzling on a sun lounger sipping Aperol Spritzes and putting on your cap and trainers for a bit of old-school exploring. From Rhodes Old Town, littered with quaint tavernas and old churches, to Faliraki, known for its high-octane nightlife, Rhodes is a Greek island which can, seemingly, do it all. Cook's Club Kolymbia has the typical perks of your standard all-inclusive, without the throngs of kids bagsying the best loungers or getting sand in your spicy marg. The five-star hotel is super luxe, with billowing fabric hanging from the ceiling of the bar, swimming pools that stretch for metres and metres (and metres!), and live DJ sets nearly every night. It's an ideal destination to feel well and truly spoilt, whilst also getting that 'value for money' feeling that so rarely comes with a summer holiday in peak season. The food at Cook's Club is also standout. With a range of different restaurants to try throughout the hotel, boredom of the same old all-inclusive buffet is out of the question. Hop from their Asian restaurant one night, to their alfresco pizza place the next, and of course, you'd be doing it all wrong if you missed out on dining at their classic Greek spot. It's not just dinner that'll lead to the happy food dance either, their breakfast buffet is extensive. Whether you're a sweet or savoury person first thing in the morning, Cook's Club have every preference catered to with meats, bread, yoghurts, pancakes, and eggs every way you can think of. The resort also boasts a tennis court, outdoor gym, and not one, but two swimming pools. And, if that's not enough, you can access Kolymbia beach on foot in just 5-10 minutes. The beach is fairly small, so probably not ideal for a long afternoon of sunbathing, but it's definitely worth wandering down to as you may spot a goat or two navigating the surrounding cliffs. Rooms start from £450, find out more here There is little you will be left wanting at the Mitsis. Much like Cook's Club, the resort offers a range of cuisines, allowing you to dine around the world during your stay. They have live entertainment most nights, so no matter whether you're on a family holiday or a much-needed girls' trip, the staff here will be sure to get you on your feet. They have plenty of room on their beachfront, so there's no dreaded rush to secure your sun lounger with a towel before the crack of dawn. Their beach bar is right next to a pizza oven too; ideal to sate the 4pm hunger sunbathing so easily brings on. Now, living in your swimwear, going from pool, to beach, to buffet all week might not be up everyone's alley, so if you're itching to get out and see some sights, the Mitsis team are also more than happy to arrange a tour or two for you. Lindos is only a short drive away and full of restaurants, bars, and hidden streets to get lost down... Rooms start from £177, find out more here Visiting a seafood restaurant when holidaying by the beach is a rite of passage, and the dishes being served up at Limanaki are definitely worth tasting for yourself. A special shout-out goes to the shrimp and scallop tomato risotto, a hearty, well-seasoned dish full of meaty and tender fish. Time your booking well and you can sit al fresco and watch the sun set behind the neighbouring mountainside - true holiday bliss. Ronda is the ideal lunch spot for chilling by the beach. The first impression of this restaurant is one of grandeur, as it's found a home in an old circular building with a vaulted ceiling, but if you continue outside and down the stairs it becomes the ultimate chill zone. The Japanese-inspired menu boasts great sushi with fish as fresh as they come, and what better setting to enjoy a few California rolls then chilling on the plush sofas listening to lo-fi hits? Holidaying in Rhodes and not visiting the Old Town is like going to M&S and *not* buying a pack of Percy Pigs… it would be rude not to. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town are full of history. Give yourself a couple of hours to meander through the lanes, admire the medieval architecture, pop into local shops, and hop from cafe, to bar, to restaurant. There are a few museums you can visit, or even walk the ancient walls yourself, to really immerse yourself in the history of the place. Kallithea Springs is a blend of remarkable architecture and natural beauty. The unique balance that has been struck between structure and scenery is well worth a visit, as you'll find yourself wandering through arched buildings and tiled walkways before you take a dip in the crystal clear waters around. A good holiday isn't complete without a little exploration. The hike up Tsambika Mountain promises astonishing views and a feeling of accomplishment. I'd head up early to avoid the heat, especially if you're travelling in the height of summer. You might even want to set you alarms for the small hours, so you can catch the sunrise over Rhodes mountain range. The hike is easy enough to find as it is to follow, but make sure you bring enough water and follow a guide, as it can get seriously hot! Pack a picnic for the summit (points if you nicked it from the hotel buffet) and bask in your physical accomplishments - honestly, you might be one of the few people who actually gets their 10,000 steps on holiday! In need of a good night out? Faliraki is the place to go. Full of young groups and vibrant bars, letting off some steam is an easy feat here. Bounce from bar to bar chasing happy hour and two-for-one cocktails, until you end up heading to the club, dancing on a stage and meeting your new bestie in the girls loo. Or, if day trips are more your style, Anthony Quinn's Bay is just round the corner. Hop on a short boat trip, soaking up the sunshine and listening to the waves lap as you venture out of the bay. The crystal clear waters are a sight to behold in and of themselves, but the narrow bay is a great view to look back on. Lindos is another town worth a trip to. It's home to the classic white-washed walls Greece has become so famous for as well as local restaurants and quaint market stalls. The mainstay though, is at the top of a winding path (I'd opt for the donkey up to avoid the sweat!): a 14th-century acropolis giving Athens a run for it's money. The best time to travel to Rhodes is between May & October. This is when their tourist season is in full swing, and coming at the start or very end of the year may mean that certain hotels, restaurants, and bars aren't open. May-October is also when the weather is best. Rhodes has typical Greek weather: think dry and *hot*. It's the perfect escape from the UK's typically disappointing summers. However, if you struggle in the heat, it might be best to avoid late July and August, as it can reach up to 40-50 degrees and becomes difficult even for the locals. No one wants to spend their summer holiday in the shelter of their air-conditioned room! Unlike other, smaller Greek islands, Rhodes has an international airport, so you can fly directly from the UK, which takes around 4 hours. If you're lucky enough to be island hopping, you can arrive in Rhodes by boat, or take a flight from Athens which is only around 1 hour. Browse flights from the UK to Rhodes here
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Undercover Traveler: The Essential Guide to Traveling Anonymously
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The concept of anonymous global travel may sound like a relic of a pre-digital world, but in 2025, it's not only possible—it's actively being pursued by dissidents, political refugees, whistleblowers, privacy activists, and high-risk professionals worldwide. Despite biometric surveillance, AI-powered immigration systems, and interconnected watchlists, a growing number of individuals are successfully navigating the world without being seen—or at least, without being identified. A new report by Amicus International Consulting reveals that the global landscape for anonymous, legal travel is more complex and counterintuitive than ever. With the right combination of legal strategy, jurisdictional insight, and identity protection, individuals can move across borders without leaving a trail, without violating the law. In a time when every digital action can result in being flagged, banned, or surveilled, this report offers a rare glimpse into how some travellers are legally flying under the radar. What Is Anonymous Travel in 2025? Anonymous travel doesn't mean using fake passports or smuggling across borders. In 2025, anonymity is about controlling who sees you, what data they collect, and what conclusions they draw about you. An anonymous traveller uses legitimate documentation and legal methods but avoids detection by automated profiling systems and preemptive behavioural vetting. This includes: Limiting exposure to biometric surveillance Avoiding algorithmic flagging by immigration databases Reducing metadata trails linked to your identifiers Travelling through jurisdictions with weak surveillance integration Masking political, social, or financial affiliations 'Anonymity today is not a costume—it's an architecture of decisions,' said a senior analyst at Amicus. 'It's the difference between showing up in a database and flying below the predictive threshold.' Case Study: The Whistleblower Who Vanished In 2022, an Eastern European cybersecurity expert released classified details of a regional surveillance program linked to foreign intelligence. Facing arrest and asset seizure, she went into hiding. Her steps were carefully coordinated: Exited legally under her national ID to a non-extradition country. Used a second passport—legally acquired through investment in the Caribbean—to travel under a different identity. Deleted all social media, encrypted her devices, and rerouted communications through decentralized protocols. Entered Southeast Asia via non-biometric land crossings and settled under residency by investment. Today, she lives openly under her new legal name. No extradition request has succeeded. Biometric Systems: Who They Flag and Why In airports, embassies, and ports worldwide, biometric systems scan millions of faces per day. But what triggers a flag? According to Amicus, travellers are flagged by U.S. and European agencies based on: Previous travel to 'high-risk' countries (e.g., Yemen, Iran, Syria) Online or in-person affiliation with dissident groups Encrypted or erratic communication patterns Social media comments flagged by AI sentiment analysis False matches on global watchlists In 2024, over 85,000 travellers were stopped at biometric checkpoints due to algorithmic suspicion, despite holding valid travel documents. Techniques for Travelling Anonymously Amicus divides the tools of anonymous travel into three categories: 1. Legal Identity Obfuscation Second Passports from countries with low biometric scrutiny (e.g., Vanuatu, Dominica, Grenada). from countries with low biometric scrutiny (e.g., Vanuatu, Dominica, Grenada). Name changes are conducted legally through gender transition laws, religious conversion, or marriage. conducted legally through gender transition laws, religious conversion, or marriage. Naturalization in Neutral Countries with Diplomatic Distance from Global Surveillance Networks. 2. Biometric Evasion and Distortion Face morphing techniques to confuse facial recognition systems. to confuse facial recognition systems. Iris-blocking contact lenses to prevent retina scans. to prevent retina scans. Synthetic fingerprint gloves to alter prints. to alter prints. Travel through terminals or ports lacking facial recognition infrastructure. 3. Digital Shadow Management Anonymized device routing , using burner phones and encrypted SIM cards. , using burner phones and encrypted SIM cards. Metadata destruction , ensuring travel data isn't linked to financial records or cloud accounts. , ensuring travel data isn't linked to financial records or cloud accounts. Cloudless booking , using non-digital travel agencies or cash-based reservations. , using non-digital travel agencies or cash-based reservations. De-indexing tools, such as Fawkes and Nightshade, are used to corrupt online images. Case Study: The Journalist Flagged for Tweets In 2024, a Lebanese-Canadian journalist was denied boarding to the U.S. despite holding a valid ESTA. The reason? DHS software scanned his social media and flagged critical posts made during the Gaza conflict. Though never charged with a crime, he was banned from entry. Amicus helped the individual: Erase his digital footprint and obtain a new Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in a neutral jurisdiction. and obtain a new Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in a neutral jurisdiction. Obtain St. Kitts citizenship through economic investment. through economic investment. Relocate to a non-extradition nation with a new legal name. with a new legal name. Travel across Asia and Latin America under new credentials without detection. What Countries Still Allow Movement Without Surveillance? Amicus has identified a list of jurisdictions with limited biometric enforcement or non-cooperation with INTERPOL and Five Eyes data-sharing: Nicaragua Paraguay Mali Uzbekistan Madagascar Turkmenistan Parts of Northern Iraq and Kurdish regions Tribal zones in Southeast Asia While not all are safe long-term refuges, they serve as key waypoints in complex exit strategies. The Role of the Dark Web in Anonymous Travel While Amicus does not endorse or facilitate illegal activities, its cyber monitoring team reports a thriving underground market for: Synthetic identities linked to real SSNs or birth registries Pre-verified passport templates embedded with biometric data Covert flight bookings using crypto Forged visa appointments and application records Prices range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the quality and origin of documents. Biometric matching kits are now sold openly on encrypted forums. Second Passports: The Cornerstone of Anonymous Legal Travel Obtaining a second passport legally remains the most effective tool for maintaining legal anonymity. These programs allow individuals to: Change names and birth dates lawfully and birth dates lawfully Separate identities across jurisdictions across jurisdictions Avoid travel bans and flagged country of origin issues Travel to over 140 countries visa-free Open new bank accounts and obtain tax IDs in privacy-friendly countries Amicus specializes in acquiring second passports through programs in: Grenada – ideal for U.S. E-2 Treaty entry – ideal for U.S. E-2 Treaty entry Antigua and Barbuda – strong passport ranking, low profile – strong passport ranking, low profile Vanuatu – fast-track processing and minimal disclosures – fast-track processing and minimal disclosures Turkey – a bridge to EU markets and Middle East flexibility – a bridge to EU markets and Middle East flexibility St. Lucia – discreet processing for high-risk individuals Case Study: The Tech Entrepreneur Who Preempted His Arrest A Hong Kong-based crypto developer anticipated a state-led crackdown after whistleblowing about financial misconduct in early 2023. Within six months, he had: Applied for and received St. Kitts citizenship Changed his legal name using religious exemption laws Moved wealth into decentralized crypto custodial wallets Booked exit travel via ferry and private aircraft Travelled through countries with no U.S. extradition treaty By early 2024, he was living in South America with a new life and identity, one that was no longer traceable by traditional databases. Amicus International's Role in Anonymous Travel Amicus International Consulting provides ethical and legal services for individuals seeking anonymity for legitimate reasons, including: Survivors of domestic violence or persecution Individuals facing politically motivated criminalization Activists, journalists, and whistleblowers at risk of reprisal Privacy advocates wishing to remove themselves from surveillance systems Services include: Second passport acquisition and identity restructuring Anonymous travel route mapping Digital shadow analysis and online presence removal Pre-departure audits for border red flags Emergency extraction or advisory support during surveillance events In 2024 alone, Amicus supported over 700 individuals across 28 countries seeking new legal lives through anonymity and relocation services. Conclusion: Invisibility Is a Right—If You Know How to Claim It In 2025, airports will scan your face. Governments monitor your metadata. Social platforms expose your politics. But the power to move without being profiled, tracked, or stopped is not dead—it has simply changed. Anonymous travel is no longer a loophole—it's a legal strategy. With proper planning, lawful documentation, and privacy-first protocols, Amicus International Consulting helps individuals reclaim their freedom of movement in a world built to watch them. Contact InformationPhone: +1 (604) 200-5402Email: info@ Website:
