Ready to journey to a significant Turkish metropolis brimming with modern spins on rich heritage? A beguiling blend of East and West beckons travelers to Istanbul, at a crossroads of history, culture, and modernity. Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, this enchanting city offers a treasure trove of opulent experiences and culinary delights. The significance of skilled artisans shaping Istanbul’s identity remains emphasized today, highlighted in contemporary twists on the city’s cultural fabric. Curious about where to start? Read on!

Artisanal Renaissance

While other cities went dormant during the pandemic, Istanbul made significant investments in revitalizing for future tourists. Galataport, Istanbul’s waterfront complex, opened in late 2021 and formed an essential milestone in the city’s evolution. We find the revamped Ottoman-era post office particularly noteworthy, dedicated to homegrown Turkish brands and some 250 stores. The open-plan retail hub reflects a tradition dating back to Istanbul’s 500-year-old Grand Bazaar, where artisans, or “usta” as locals call them, were so lauded that streets were named after them. Today’s visitors are treated to signage with odes to Hahcilar (carpet makers), Kuyumcular (goldsmiths), Aynacilar (mirror makers), and the many craftspeople whose wares line the arcades.

Shopping extravaganza

This elevated craftsmanship offers plenty of opportunities for some retail therapy? In 2020, Turkey ranked as the fourth largest exporter of textiles worldwide. Local talents leverage the infrastructure to create innovative designs today. For example, sisters Defne and Basak Kocabıyıkoglu founded Nackiyé in Besiktas, combining traditional prints with modern silhouettes in wearable statement pieces.

In Beyoglu, Misela’s handbags combine contemporary styling with conventional Turkish techniques, emphasizing individuality and personalization. In Nisantası, Fey by Fatos Yalın showcases chic, locally-made collections, while Begüm Khan’s flagship boutique offers dramatic jewelry pieces inspired by botanical and animal motifs. Aslı Atamer’s House of Junk in Zekeriyaköy presents eclectic accessories and vintage finds housed in a family villa turned into a unique shopping destination. 

With so much going on, brands make their way abroad. Three years after receiving investment, Les Benjamins, the Istanbul-based streetwear brand, has significantly expanded. They have opened physical stores across the Middle East and Asia, mirroring the path of the Silk Road. ANIM and Mehtap Elaidi produce modestly styled Istanbul apparel items. AnatolianCraft uses local craftsmanship to create signature slides that benefit clients in hot climates and those observing the five daily prayers. Atelier Rebul, founded during Ottoman times, stands out as a beloved beauty brand offering bespoke fragrances. In Çukurcuma, A La Turca showcases Anatolian kilims and traditional crafts curated by Erkal Aksoy. Meanwhile, Dank! offers modern and retro home furnishings with a sustainable twist, encouraging visitors to consign items having fallen out of favor.

Culinary delights

Hungry after all that shopping? Istanbul’s culinary scene celebrates a nucleus of gastronomy representative of Turkey’s diverse regions and culinary traditions. The influence of celebrity chefs redefines cuisine with modern flair. For example, Yeni Lokanta stars at a Michelin restaurant simply named Yeni. For the adventurous, try TURK for experimental Anatolian dishes and Neolokal for creative cuisine overlooking the Old City. For quintessential Istanbul dining experiences, Kıyı has become renowned for fresh fish and rakı, while Mahir Lokantası offers no-frills Anatolian dishes like lahmacun and pide. Escape tourist traps and explore hidden gems like Lokanta 1741 for exceptional Turkish food with a view, or indulge in Turkish street food reimagined at Basta Street Food Bar in the trendy Moda neighborhood. 

Cultural exploration and exceptional accommodations

Those seeking to immerse themselves in contemporary art and stunning architecture should venture to the ARTER Museum or admire iconic Istanbul photographs at the Ara Güler Museum. Learn about Turkish cinema history at the Istanbul Cinema Museum, housed in the iconic Atlas Cinema. For unique experiences, consider curated private tours with Istanbul Tour Studio or explore bustling markets like Kadıköy Market for authentic Turkish ingredients and handicrafts. After a busy day, discover historic hotels transformed into luxurious accommodations, such as the Six Senses Kocataş Mansions and Ecole St. Pierre Hotel. Indulge at the Adahan DeCamondo Pera and live like royalty at the historic Splendid Palace Hotel!

Explore Istanbul for luxurious accommodations, cultural revelations, and gastronomic wonders that will leave a lasting impression on your heart. Weigh in on your favorites! Surely, you will long to return.

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History of mint

Do you associate a mint julep with warmer weather and the Kentucky Derby? We know why you are making this natural connection. This beverage began in the Mediterranean when indigenous mint replaced the rose petals in an Arabic drink called julab. Greeks and Romans flavored drinking water with refreshing mint and steeped the leaves in their baths. They even crowned themselves with mint leaves. They had found out that its stems and leaves could help with insect bites and digestive problems. Ancient Hebrews used the aromatic herb to freshen synagogue floors. Want to learn more minty-fresh facts? Read on!

Nature’s versatile herb

The United States, India, and China produce the most significant amounts of mint. Among them, the United States lead in mint oil, with nearly forty-five percent. Chewing gum manufacturers use it to flavor their products. Another forty-five percent stands for flavor dentifrices, such as toothpaste and mouthwash products. The remaining ten percent gets utilized for various products, such as the confectionery, pharmaceutical, and aromatherapy industries.

Flavor of the year

Mint works well for all the aforementioned purposes, including health consciousness, mental wellness, and immune system care. Beck Flavors became so enamored with mint’s ability to decrease anxiety and improve sleep they named Garden Mint their botanical flavor of the year (FOTY 2023). Centered around mindfulness principles and capable of stimulating the senses, mint speaks to Gen Z and beyond.

Culinary wonder of Summer 2023

Good taste and wellness abound in mint releases. Desert-style drinks include Chick-fil-A’s Seasonal Watermelon Mint Lemonade and Starbucks’ summer edition Chocolate Java Mint Frappucino^®. In addition, UK f’real introduced a Limited Edition Milk Choc Chip blend-blend-it-yourself milkshake. A classic example forms the original Mint chocolate chip ice cream, which gained popularity in 1973 under the name Mint Royale. 

Baskin Robbins recently added a 2023 twist with Non-Dairy Mint Chocochunk, made with coconut milk. Pierre’s Ice Cream Company added a new Lactose-Free Mint Chocolate Chip to their lineup. Braum’s introduced four new cookie sundaes and one flavor combination named Triple Chocolate Almond Cookie Sundae finished with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Classic Oreo^® debuted Mint within their Frozen Treats Scoopables Collection. 

If you crave a new chocolate bar, try UK’s Cadbury’s new Mint Flavoured Twirl. On a healthier note, consider GoMacro^®, known for its organic, plant-based protein and nutrition bar, which introduced Mint Chocolate Chip MacroBar. 

In terms of refreshing summer drinks, at the Tangierine Café, the Flavors of Medina menu for the 2023 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts added a non-alcoholic Chai Tea Mint Sparkler, featuring Twinings^® Chai Tea with Sprite^®, along with Chai Tea Mint Mimosa.

With plenty of options to add mint into your lifestyle, consider versatility, refreshing taste rewards, and potential health benefits. Let us know how you plan to get minted this summer!

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