Iskender Kebap is one of the most favuorite kebaps in Turkey. In simple terms it’s made of thin-sliced meats (doner) with yoghurt, pita and butter sauce. But, obviously it’s more than that!!

1 – Kebapci Iskender
The founder of iskender kebap having the privilege to legally use the name “Iskender” comes from the family owning this restaurant since 1867. The restaurant origins from another city – Bursa, and most of the materials from yoghurt to pita comes from Bursa. The only choice in the menu is iskender kebap. It is located in Kadikoy close to the harbour, next to the main post office and has also branch in Erenkoy – Bağdat Street.

2 – Uludag Kebapcisi
Another restaurant originating from city of Bursa specialized on Iskender Kebap considered as the best for some of the gurme in Turkey. Boiling butter dressing the kebap is said to provide this unique taste. Some people used to travel more than 200 km from Istanbul to Bursa just to eat this phenomenol iskender kebap, but now it has a branch in Istanbul. One of the branch is behind the Carrefour in Kozyatagi, and there is also a branch in a popular street – Nispetiye in Etiler.

3 – Niyazibey Kebap
Another Anatolian-side iskender kebap restaurant Niyazibey is considered to offer one of the best iskender kebap in Turkey. The menu is varied, you can try Niyazibey special – a larger size of iskender kebap with various type of meat. Here is the list of branches.

4 – Uludag Et Lokantası
This first branch of this restaurant is founded in Ankara, and this restaurant has a branch in Florya – a neighbourhood close to Ataturk Airport. The restaurant has a huge garden with a capacity of 2.000 – sometimes full of people – giving you a hint how delicious the iskender kebap is.

Known as one of the best live performance stage, Babylon has an extensive program in December with worldwide known artists. You can see the whole program of Babylon here.

1 – Delinquent Habits
Delinquent Habits made it to the top of Latin-Hip Hop in the latter half of the 90’s. Their debut “Delinquent Habits” combined Hip Hop beats with Funk trumpets and sold over 1 million copies and has achieved “hip hop classic” status the success. Their new album “The Common Man” is more critical and harsh but the hot groove and the catchy lyrics make it clear: Delinquent Habits knows how to party.

Warm-up & After Party with DJake
Standing 30TL, Students 20TL, December 4th 22.00

2 – Nigel Kennedy Quintet ” Jimi Hendrix Experience”
Music world’s rebel souled punk artists Nigel Kennedy is performing at Babylon for three nights! Accepted as one of the best living violinists, Kennedy commemorates Jimmy Hendrix songs with his last project. His “Vivaldi The Four Seasons” album which was realeased in 1989, sold over two million records and took place in Guiness Record book. Performed with The Who, commemorated The Doors and Jimi Hendrix, don’t miss this unique classic performance!

Standing 60 TL Student 50 TL Table 90 TL, Dec 9th 21.30, Dec 10th 21.30, Dec 11th 23.00

3 – SMADJ featuring Erik Truffaz & Talvin Singh “Selin”
Fusion expert, lute player & electronic music producer Smadj released his new album “Selin” where he will perform with trompet master Erik Truffaz and Talvin Singh. The album reflects Smadj’s impression of Istanbul. Hear the new songs from Smadj with Truffaz and Singh at Babylon.

Standing 25 TL Student 15 TL, Dec 17th 21.30

4 – İlhan Erşahin’s İstanbul Sessions featuring Erik Truffaz
İlhan Erşahin’s Istanbul Sessions project, which is going to be released soon, makes a quick entry to 2009/2010 season. World wide known musical identity “İlhan Erşahin” with his style created by saxophone and Rhodes, enriched with groovy bass of Alp Ersönmez and accompanied by drums of Turgut Alp and agile rhythms of İzzet Kızıl, will be will be performing with surprising guests at Babylon such as Erik Truffaz.

Standing 35 TL Student 25 TL, Dec 18th 21.00 and 00.00, Dec 19th 21.00 and 00.00

1 – Miss Pizza
A small pizza house in Cihangir with a cosy atmosphere serving delicious thin crust pizza. Pizza with zucchini and pizza with artichoke(!) are the most recommended ones. Turn left when you come to Cihangir from Taksim Sq. through Sıraselviler; it’s just on the second left street.

2 – Pizzeria 14
Another small pizza house offering tasty pizza with various choices from marine (with crab, smoked salmon and rocket) to marinara (no cheese, only tomato , pesto and thyme). It’s in Nisantası – Guzelbahce Street No.14 very close to American Hospital.

3 – Pizzeria Pidos
Pizza house with menu of great variety of delicious Italian food from salad to deserts. Pizza Filetto – with filet, rocket and mozarella – is highly recommended. It’s very close to Taksim Square, in Dunya Saglik Street No 13 Gumussuyu.

4 – House Cafe
Choose pizza from the extensive menu of House Cafe – Ortakoy and you won’t be sorry at a “feel at home” atmosphere and a wonderful sea view. House Cafe has many other branches for example in Beyoglu – Tunel, Tesvikiye and on the Anatolian side in Caddebostan (also a seaview). Check here for all branches.

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Most sections of Istanbul are not very suitable for cycling because it’not a city located on a plain ground and also the motorways do not allow cyclers to ride safely in all that mess. But we can stil recommend you a few routes to enjoy a bike tour, but you should be careful because the car drivers are not very familiar with bikers. Always wear your helmet and ride safely.

1 – Buyukada (Princess Islands)
You’ll see many bike renting shops in the center of Büyükada close to the marina. There are two routes for biking: One of them is Büyük Tur, which tours around the coast of the island (12 km), and Küçük Tur which is about half of the other one. With the longer route; you will have the chance to see the non-residential area of the island with a wonderful Marmara view. If you are couple, you can choose the tandem bikes. The cost is around 10 TL for a couple of hours.

2 – Kartal – Fenerbahce
The 10 km coast on the Anatolian side, has a designated road on the pavement for bikers, so you can enjoy the view of the Princess Islands and the Marmara Sea while riding your bike.

3 – Beşiktaş – Belgrad Forest
It’s a difficult route first strating in Beşiktaş from the harbour passing through Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy, Bebek and Istinye on the motorway with a wonderful Bosphorus view; then from Ferahevler to the inside of Belgrad Forest. The route takes about 3 hours one-way with a few breaks to rest; and you should better have a mountain bike to ride in the pathways of Belgrad. There are many cafes in the coast to chill on the way back to Beşiktaş.

4 – Polonezkoy BMX Cycle Track
If you like adrenaline and would like to jump on the hills and ramps of a cross track built inside the forest of Polonezkoy, this place is for you. Official races are also held here from time to time. Please find more information about the track here and about Polonezkoy here.

1 – Pano

The place is the main attraction area for wine loving students and young people who go out with their crowded group of friends. The Pano No.10 is the popular house wine and if you are also hungry, shrimp casserole and butcher meatballs are recommended. It is located in Galatasaray, Kalyoncu Kulluk Street no.4 – the street just in the opposite of Galatasaray College on the right of Istiklal Avenue from Taksim.

2 – Viktor Levi

The neighbour of Pano serving various wine, which is most famous for Viktor Levi No.59 made of Bogazkere/Okuzgozu grapes. Most people prefer this winehouse not only for drinking but also for a dinner. This winehouse has also a branch in the Anatolian side – Kadikoy Moda Damaci Street.

3 – Isis

The fourth floor of Isis which is also a cafe bar is a wine house having a variety of more than 150 wine choices with origins of more than 10 countries. The most preferred local wines are Sarafin Merlot and Antik. During the winter, you can also sip your hot wine in front of the fire place. It’s on the right end of Kadife Street (The street of bars) in Moda – Kadıköy.

4 – Şarabi

Having a great variety of wine choices, Sarabi is a well-known wine house Beyoğlu with a modern decoration. Pasaj – a white wine is a popular choice, and Sarabi steak is another recommendation from the menu. The age gap of the crowd is wide, but mostly  young people prefer this wine house. It’s on the right of Istiklal Avenue just close to the entrance of “Cicek Passage”.

1 – Ağva

Ağva is the first place that comes to the mind for those who want to get away from the chaos and the noise of Istanbul to have a break and relax. The best time for Ağva is spring and summer, but the prices of the boutique hotels are also high at this season if you’d like to have an overnight stay. You can do trekking, swimming, canoeing or nothing but enjoy the green nature. Choose the weekdays to avoid crowds. It’s about 2 hours driving on the Northeastern part of Istanbul.

2 – Sapanca

It’s a place where Istanbul people go especially on weekends for eating fish by the lake of Sapanca in the open air. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy a relaxing time. It’s less than 1,5 hours drive on the East of Istanbul.

3 – Edirne

Being a capital of Ottoman Empire till the conquest of Istanbul, Edirne is a small city where great mosques, museums, monuments and history remains. Selimiye Mosque which has the highest minarets in Turkey, Beyazid II Kulliye Health Museum, Meric Bridge Alipasa Bazaar are must-visit, famous fried liver served with onions is must-eat. Edirne is in Thrace having a border to Greece and Bulgaria 200 km from Istanbul – less than 2 hours from the highway.

4 – Abant

Abant is a natural beauty – a lake among the mountains in Bolu – 250 km from Istanbul. The place is beautiful in all times of the year, but the best in winter – with the wonderful landscape under white snow. You tour around the lake on foot or by a coach, then have a lunch in one of the restuarants by the lake or do picnic in open air. The route to Abant can be difficult on winter days with hard snow.

Istanbul is a great metropol where public transport can be a torment for people sometimes, but there are ways to enjoy Istanbul in a local way.

1 – Ferry from Haydarpaşa to Eminönü
Get on the ferry and travel from the historical Haydarpaşa Rail Station to the Old Town Peninsula – Eminönü. Simit (savory roll covered with sesame seed) and tea are indispensable meal for Istanbul locals travelling by ferry. You can share your simit during your voyage with the friendly seagulls.

2 – Tram from Tunel to Taksim
Back from the beginning of 20th century, this nostalgic tramway takes you all over the Istiklal Street. It’s one of the symbols of Beyoğlu District and Old Istanbul.

3 – Fenicular from Tunel to Karaköy
Officially built as the second metro after London in 1875, it’s the shortest (about 2 mins) but one of the most useful public transport vehicle in Istanbul connecting Beyoğlu to the coast of Karaköy.

4 – Boat from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar:
It’s one of the most useful public transport route in Istanbul helping thousands of citizens travelling between the two sides of Istanbul. You can get to the other continent in less than 10 minutes with these boats. The Bosphorus view charms the citizens in the mornings before a challenging workday.

1 – Roxy

It’s a popular bar for a long time, playing music for almost everyone:  rock, jazz, blues, Latin, techno, underground. It’s so crowded especially on weekends that you’ll have difficulty in finding a space to dance. Though it’s a fun club, with a crowd of people around their 20s and 25s. The entrance fee is around 20 USD with a free drink, and with two entrance tickets, you can have a bottle of sex on the beach. It’s located on the Sıraselviler Street just before German Hospital, walking distance from Taksim Square.

Adress: Sıraselviler Caddesi Aslan Yatağı Sok. No:1-3 Beyoğlu

2 – Indigo

A popular night club in Istanbul with a crowd of young people who love electronic music. Worldwide known djs and festival groups perform here on special weekend parties. The music varies between techno, house, electro, disco, indie. Recommended for a moving night out.

Adress: İstiklal Cad. Tomtom Mah. Acara Sk. No:5/A Beyoğlu

3 – Otto

A popular bar in Asmalimescid – Beyoğlu with a crowd of young people (age group around 25-30) flowing into the street. Its outside is full of people standing as if they ara at an open-air coctail. It’s like a meeting place for gathering and planning the night with a vodka hazelnut before going to other bars. For the ones that stay, quality electronic music is available inside.               

Adress: Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi Şehbender Sokak No:15 Tünel Beyoğlu

4 – Nupera

Next to the wonderful Pera Palace Hotel, this is a bit costly place full of people with ages between 20 and 30 enjoying house music. The drinks are pricey, but the atmosphere is fun and worth seeing the beautiful girls and boys in Istanbul, if you can walk through the cocky doormen who are more likely to be helpful to the customers with Porsches.

Adress: Tepebaşı Meşrutiyet Cd. No:147-149Taksim

During the International Istanbul Biennial, many exhibitions are run parallel to the biennial all around Istanbul. Here are the highlights of them:

1 – Joseph Beuys at Sabanci

Sabanci University – Sakip Sabanci Museum hosts an exhibition called “Joseph Beuys and his Students – Selections from Deutsche Bank Collection”. The exhibition of one of the most important figures in German Art will be open for visit till November 1st. The exhibition shows some videos from his important performances and some of his patterns. The important aspect of this exhibition is that, works of Beuys’ student painters such as Anselm Kifere, Imi Giese, Jörg Immendorff, Inge Mahn are also brought here.

Click here for the location of the museum.

2 – Sarkis at Istanbul Modern

An important figure in Turkish Modern Art – Sarkis’ biggest exhibition held in his own town. It’s the first exhibition of a “living artist” held in Istanbul Modern. The name of the exhibition is “The Site” and lasts till 10th of January 2010. The exhibition holds big photographs, objects and installations of Sarkis’ half of a century old art life.

Click here for the location of the museum.

3 – 500 Yüksel Arslan Paintings

One of the most interesting figures in Turkish Art, Yuksel Arslan who has been living in Paris for a long time opened his most comprehensive gallery in Turkey. Arslan is mostly known for the series of “Kapital” inspiring from the book of Karl Marx, and five of the paintings from this series will be among the collection till March 21st of 2010.

Click here for the location of the gallery.

4 – One Shot Istanbul

Photography artist Alexander Berg will be exhibiting the portraits of Istanbul citizens on the walls of Taksim Metro. Alexander Berg’s “One Shot Istanbul” photography exhibition can be visited at the floor of moving walkways in Taksim Metro till October 25th.

Considered as one of the most prestigious biennials alongside Venice, Sao Paolo and Sydney, the International İstanbul Biennial aims to create a meeting point in İstanbul in the field of visual arts between artists from diverse cultures and the audience. The 11th International İstanbul Biennial takes its title from the song ‘Denn wovon lebt der Mensch?’ translated into English as ‘What Keeps Mankind Alive?’

The biennial is spread into different venues and will be open for visit till November 8th: Antrepo No.3 and Tobacco Warehouse at Tophane and Ferikoy Greek School at Sisli. Click here for their addresses.

1 – The Route

It’s better to start your visit at Antrepo, so that you would see most of the exhibition before getting exhausted. Keep in mind that, total length of the videos at the biennial are about 20 hours!

2 – The Shuttle

After Antrepo, you can see the works at Tobacco Warehouse, then walk back and take the free shuttle from Antrepo to Ferikoy Greek School. The shuttles depart every hour in weekdays and every half an hour in weekends.

3 – The Guide

Buy a guidebook from the box office and use the map to make an efficient visit.

Pay 10 TL and join guided tours at 11.00, 13.30, 15.00, 16.30 everyday.

4 – The Artists

These artists are highlighted by Radikal Newspaper, Turkey:

Jumana Emil Abboud, Rena Effendi, Vyacheslav Akhunov, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Aydan Murtezaoğlu-Bülent Şangar, KP Brehmer, Yüksel Arslan, Jesse Jones, Mohammed Ossama, Sanja Ivekovic, Cengiz Çekil, Ne Yapmalı?, Artur Zmijewski, Canan Şenol.