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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A beer state of mind

Beer lovers unite! With the leaves changing color and a chill in the air, new brews offer options to also attract beer avoiders. While craft beers continue to dominate, innovative flavors and creation techniques cater to diversifying palates. With sustainability at the forefront, breweries prioritize local ingredients and eco-conscious packaging. The intersection of health and enjoyment has also given way to lighter and low-alcohol brews, appealing to balanced lifestyle enthusiasts.

If you truly love beer, you already know the 188^th Oktoberfest Festival from September 16 in Munich, Germany. Along with traditional costuming of loferls (calf warmers), dirndl skirts, braids, and charivari (trinket chain accessories), Oktoberfest ushers in emphasis on beer. Germany holds first place for beer production, with over 1,500 breweries and 5,000 beer brands in the country.

If you join the festivities – Prost! If you have to stay away, you may invite friends for a global brewtastic celebration in your home.

Craft beer brewers are craving chocolate

What tastes better than a cool beer? Beer plus chocolate. Several major craft brewers have incorporated chocolate into their latest offerings. Firestone Walker Brewing Company, with roots in winemaking, distinguishes itself by aging beers in oak barrels. The company now offers canned options, including their fall beverage, the Mocha Dolce Nitro Stout. The brew aims at “warming your soul for the fall and winter seasons.” This smooth, creamy beer made with coffee, cocoa nibs, and vanilla beans will put some pep in your step! Alesmith’s Speedway Stout comes with dominant flavors of chocolate and roasted malts, finished with toffee and caramel.

Variety packs and options are trending

Variety remains the spice of life. Little surprise that 2023 has become the year of craft beer variety packs. Hong Kong-listed Budweiser Brewing Asia-Pacific recognizes that Chinese consumers shift away from luxury, craft beer, and high-priced specialty packaged beer, with gift boxes selling well. One tasty, affordable option to consider —Tröegs Canthology Volume 2. Brewed in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the pack features an assortment of Perpetual IPA, Sunshine Pilsner, Field Study IPA, and Lollipop Double IPA. IPAs are also trending, which stands for India Pale Ale, rooted in a long British history of beer production.

Refreshing the beer market

Top beer brands seek a refresh as Gen-Z and other generations embrace sober curiosity in their drink choices. Heineken launched Heineken Silver, a 4% alcohol premium lager option that caters to a younger audience with a crisp taste in a can. Heineken also connects gamers on a new worldwide digital platform called Beer Matchmaking. The initiative forms a part of Heineken’s “Not All Nights Are Out” campaign. It recognizes that many young adults may engage more in gaming than drinking beer. Heineken released collectible editions of packaging inspired by different types of games. They are featuring a QR code that directs consumers to the platform. To appeal to techies, Guinness released Nitrosurge (powered by a USB cable), only available in Ireland for now. Stella Artois meets customers at their location. They partner with Uber Eats for a USD 50 gift card when consumers purchase a Stella Artois on UberEats. Additionally, booking a table through Yelp gives customers a complimentary round of beer!

Innovative applications of beer and brewing

As environmentalists speak to water consumption, Japanese brand Suntory released a Beer Ball containing a 16% brew. Consumers can dilute it to taste with sparkling mineral water. With Japan early to innovate, become the first among your friends to try! Japanese sportswear group Goldwin prepares to launch a group of beer-brewed lab-grown materials from biotech start-up Spiber this fall.

Beer makes beauty headlines 

Last year, in a pitch to Gen Z, Coors Light launched Chill Polish. It turned from slate gray to Coors Light Blue at the ideal beer-drinking temperature. The marketing wanted to engage women beer drinkers and “a growing cohort of young men who have embraced nail polish.” Interestingly, beer-infused beauty has become directional, according to Trendhunter. You might have heard about the benefits of beer for your hair care. This includes a wave of new shampoos, including anti-dandruff. The Craft IPA Shampoo by Duffy’s Brew works perfectly with dry autumn locks. Finally, watch for Beer by Pisello Parfum, a gender-neutral, beer-inspired woody aromatic fragrance. Similarly, Peroni released beer cocktail perfumes with Ellis Brooklyn, with its favorite Super Amber, intended to conjure an evening in Roma!

With options to appeal to every taste and flavor preference, consider all the innovative ways you can try beer this fall season. Share your favorites in the comments below!

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