Marc and friends @ Orange street parade in Istanbul. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

The annual celebration of the “Queen’s Day” in Istanbul once again will be held with the organization of the unique performance venue in the heart of Beyoğlu: The Hall under the auspices of The Consulate General of The Kingdom of the Netherlands. On 30th of April Monday, the celebration will begin with the parade on which Istiklal Street will be the background. The brassband and the street performers will carry the joy of the night to The Hall from the streets and the night will get warmer with the performance of Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo. Get ready for this huge event with the hospitality of the color orange and the fever of the entertainment.

Queen’s Day will be celebrated at The Hall Istanbul concurrently with Netherlands. Celebration concept will be with the same as the original in Amsterdam and the guest star of this year will be the worldwide popular Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo, hosted by Dj Discoman. For this night only Istiklal and The Hall Istanbul will be hosting the crowd who wants to feel like in Amsterdam for the celebration.

Queen’s Day will start with the parade on 30th of April with a stunning live performance “Qday Brass Band” that will lead the crowd through Istiklal Street to the entrance of The Hall. Peg-leg artists, acrobats and poi dancers will be attending the Qday Parade with their breath-taking performances for this unforgettable event.

Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo will mark the “Queen’s Day”

Queen’s Day will be celebrated with a never seen concept of entertainment until the sunrise.

Music will begin with DJ Discoman setting behind the decks at 22:00 warming the crowd for the Franky Rizardo. With his salute to Her Majesty, Franky R. will carry the night to its peak point.

Don’t forget to mark 30th of April on your calendars for this extra-ordinary event and  prepare your orange goodies to live the concept of the orange…

Ticket Price: 25 TL

PROGRAM

Parade starts at the gates of the Consulate General: 20:30

The Hall Istanbul door opening: 22:00

DJ Discoman

DJ Franky Rizardo www.frankyrizardo.com

THE HALL ISTANBUL

Web:    www.thehallistanbul.com

Mail:     info@thehallistanbul.com

Küçükbayram Sok. No:7 Beyoğlu – 0212 244 87 37

For Detailed Information:

Deniz Giray – 0533 656 23 56 / denizgiray@ontoiletisim.com

Seda Büyüklü – 0532 416 15 60 / sedabuyuklu@ontoiletisim.com

Front of Cezayir restaurant. Photo: Sally McDonald

After having been ‘taken for a ride’ the previous evening by a taxi driver, it came as a complete delight to be dropped confidently right at the door of the Cezayir restaurant by the driver. It seemed that he had clearly delivered many a patron to this establishment, indicating to me that the evening was going to be one to add to my favorites.

Invited in by the amazing Art Nouveau type stained glass façade of this building, that was constructed in 1901 as a school by the Italian Workers’ Society, we ascended the staircase into the foyer. Here it seemed a little confusing as to which dining area we were to head to, since we were unaware of all the various rooms available for reservation.

With an array of dining spaces to choose from (Restaurant, Lounge, Café/Bar, Garden, Garden Lounge), Cezayir offers a range of atmospheres, traditional, modern, casual, intimate and outdoor all to suit a range of group sizes from 14-150 people. On this occasion we were in the cozy Garden Lounge that sports an open fire, exposed beams, a dark wooden bar and simple yet elegant décor. The red carnation and gerbera centerpieces provided a striking contrast to the chic upholstered white high backed chairs with black piping and studding.

After our coats were taken and hung up on the rack inside the enclosed Garden room, we walked toward the bar to partake in an aperitif. With a variety of Turkish selections by the bottle, the wine list offered a limited range by the glass. With a rosé in hand, I was beginning to enjoy the ambience as we waited for all the guests to arrive.

To experience the whole range of morsels and to suit the large party of diners in our group, we had pre-arranged a ‘date’ with Menu 2, 85TL including 2 glasses of wine (there are two cocktail menus and two set menus to choose from and of course the a-la carte selections.)

Appetizers (mezeler). Photo: Sally McDonald

All the appetizers (mezeler) arrived with haste so it was possible to top our plates with the entire selection, let la dégustation begin!

I leapt into the levrek tartar (sea bass) with excitement. The unusual combination of green apple, ginger and lemon peel was enticing. The apple added a mild crunch, the ginger a refreshingly zing. Although the lemon seemed almost undetectable, the spring onion brought a welcome flavour to this well-balanced dish. But like any tartar for me a little was enough. The pairing of the Ancyra Narince with this dish complimented the flavours completely.

The Southern Anatolian paste of hot pepper was quite spicy on the tongue but pleasant and the Antakya style aubergines were soft, tasty and enjoyable with the hint of cumin. Unfortunately the vine wrapped haloumi cheese was very salty and although it boasted to contain sun dried tomatoes I couldn’t detect any. The best thing about it was the addition of the pine nuts.

Many others guests were extremely happy with the fava bean paste however for me the texture was just a little NQR (not quite right.) My dinner companion on the left suggested combining the harissa sauce from another dish. I concurred, as this created a more pleasurable taste sensation when teamed with the bean paste.

The best dish in my opinion was the chickpea balls with a condiment of hot tomato purée. These rustic falafels included a cheesy centre surprise and went well with the tomato sauce. This more chunky texture was a welcomed surprise from the usual smoothness and fine grain of most falafels. The harissa paste was the only interesting thing about the spinach börek giving it some well-needed ‘grunt’.  This condiment seemed to compliment more than two of the other mezeler. Or perhaps it was just my love of spiciness talking?

Chicken with dried plums. Photo: Sally McDonald

With a pleasant pause, time for reflection and more conversation, the mains came out to take center stage. The chicken looked colorfully presented with dried plums accompanied by the Istanbul style raisin and almond rice. I was told it was tender and juicy with mild complimentary flavors. My choice however, was the beef stroganoff. I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten stroganoff except for my recollection of a time when it was a regular member of my cooking repertoire.

Beef Stroganoff with crispy potato shoestrings. Photo: Sally McDonald

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but out it came with a contemporary flare to it, the crispy potato shoestrings adorning the top. Although the beef could have been a little more tender, the creamy sauce was a good consistency (not too thick) with flecks of chilli spiciness adding a picante touch. Quite a large portion enabled this crunchy, creamy and chunky combination to be savored for an enjoyable length of time, however the heavy hand on the crack pepper became more apparent as my plate diminished. I was also glad that I had swapped to the Ancyra red wine, working quite nicely with this dish.

Crunchy/creamy Rococo. Photo: Sally McDonald

With the evening coming to a close the waiting staff promptly produced the Rococo with carob Chantilly cream. This chewy, honey-sweet crunchy/creamy combination was delightful and not too sickly sweet. The merengue was the right balance of chewy on the inside and crispy on the exterior. Although it really didn’t need the addition of the Chantilly cream visually or gastronomically.

I can clearly say that I will be returning to Cezayir to explore more of the creative and contemporary Turkish cuisine. The enormity of the building with its excellent service, comfort and style make for potential uniquely different experiences in the other dining spaces on subsequent visits.

Sally McDonald

Amatrice de bons crus et grand cuisine

Cezayir is open every day from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

www.cezayir-istanbul.com

Portrait of Haesje Jocobsdr van Cleyburg. Rembrandt. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

On the occasion of the celebration of 400 years of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and Turkey the Sakip Sabanci Museum in Istanbul hosts a major exhibition of Rembrandt and his contemporaries.
It is the first time that these paintings, etchings and drawings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob van Ruisdael, Jan Lievens and other Dutch masters from the Golden Age will be shown in Turkey.

Highlights are five paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer’s ‘Love Letter’.

In the exhibition there are 110 works on display from the national Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: 73 paintings, 19 drawings and etchings, as well as 18 other works of art.

The exhibition highlights the richness and versatility of the 17th-century Dutch art and history. A selection of 110 paintings, drawings, prints and decorative arts objects (rugs, pottery, silver and glass) tell the story of the power and beauty of the young Republic in the Golden Age.

Landscapes by Jan van Goyen, Jacob van Ruisdael and Cuyp Aelbert. Still Lifes by Pieter Claesz and Adriaen Coorte. Genre pieces of Gerard ter Borch, Gabriel Metsu and Pieter de Hooch. And popular scenes of Jan Steen and Adriaen van Ostade.

Highlights from the exhibition ‘The Love Letter’ by Johannes Vermeer in (1669-1670) and five paintings of Rembrandt: Portrait of Haesje of Cleyburgh (1634), The Peacocks (1639), Portrait of Dr. Ephraim Bueno (1645-1647), The Music Allegory (1626), and Joseph explains his dreams (1633).

“With this exhibition we want to show how the novelty of Dutch art influenced European art, the master technique of light use, as well as providing a broad framework tackling the atmosphere of the period and its reflections on art”, says Dr. Nazan Ölçer, Director of the Sabanci Museum. “The exhibition shows a number of themes pertaining to the Dutch society, as well as urban and rural life in 17^th century Dutch Republic through the eyes of the masters of painting.”
The Director of the Collections of the Rijksmuseum, Taco Dibbits, said the exhibition in Istanbul “is a once in a life time opportunity”. The artworks are traveling because the Rijksmuseum is being renovated and until the spring of 2013 closed.

“Another feature of the exhibition is the dialogue of the paintings with the Ottoman period, and embracing both countries’ art scene correlatively”, says Dibbits. He mentioned in particular the famous “Dutch” tulips, which 400 years ago were brought from Turkey to the Netherlands, the Ottoman merchants who are seen on on Dam Square in Amsterdam on one of the paintings.

The Music Allegory (1626). Rembrandt. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Remarkable are the garments of the figures in Rembrandt’s painting “The Music Allegory” (1626). The old man and young woman dressed as Turks – with a turban and robes of oriental fabrics – and the old woman also has an Oriental scarf. Rembrandt was only 20 years old. Characteristic of his early work are the bright colors in this allegorical painting.

Jan Lievens also liked to portray Oriental heads. As a rule they were not real people from the East, but exotic dressed acquaintances of the artist, mostly older men with characteristic heads. It seems likely that this interest in other cultures was fuelled by the boom in intercontinental trade. It has even been suggested that the visit to the Republic in 1625-27 by the Persian ambassador Musa Beg was a factor in this.

In this exhibition there is a charming portrait of a boy in an Oriental dress by Jan Lievens. The boy wears a yellow tunic under a cape of gleaming orange fabric fastened with a golden chain. A sash around his waist and a turban with a feather complete the outfit. “Boy in a Cape and a Turban” (1631).

The exhibition opens on 22 February and lasts until 10 June at the Sakip Sabanci Museum in Istanbul.

Address

Sakip Sabanci Museum

Sakip Sabanci Caddesi 42

Shortly after the second bridge across the Bosporus

Emirgan

Istanbul

Tel. (0212) 277 2200

http://muze.sabanciuniv.edu

Atatürk Cultural Center in Taksim. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

The Atatürk Cultural Center in Istanbul’s Taksim Square will finally undergo a thorough restoration and renovation. The building has been closed for 8 years already while the bureaucrats, politicians, engineers, architects and other experts were unable to make an agreement on the project. The TL 30 million (€13 million) project will be sponsored by the Turkish business conglomerate Sabancı Holding.

The austere, modernist structure houses Istanbul’s state orchestra, opera and ballet since its opening in 1969.

Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay said: “This renovation is much more than a restoration, because it will bring the building in line with fire and earthquake codes, re-engineering the acoustics and the broader plan to pedestrianize Taksim Square.”

The restoration work of Atatürk Cultural Center is planned to start soon. The grand opening is planned for 29 October 2013, the Republic Day. The Grand Hall of Atatürk Cultural Center which hosts theater, opera and ballet performances will be named Sabancı Hall. The name of Atatürk Cultural Center will stay as it is.

Taking the floor at the signing ceremony, Sabancı Holding Chairman Güler Sabancı stated: “Atatürk Cultural Center is of utmost historical significance and value. It is a structure that symbolizes Republican values. Atatürk Cultural Center constitutes a very significant place in our hearts, in the art and culture events of the Republican history and in our beloved Taksim. We are grateful that we contribute to preserve a symbol of republican values for art lovers, staying faithful to the original yet with new technologies”.

Atatürk Cultural Center is an iconic multi purpose cultural center and opera house.The complex comprises the “Grand Stage”, a hall with a 1,307 seat capacity hosting theater acts of Turkish State Theaters and performances of the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, and the “Concert Hall”, a second hall with a capacity of 502 seats for concerts, meetings and conferences as well as an exhibition hall of 1,200 m² at the entrance. There are also the “Chamber Theater” with 296 seats, “Aziz Nesin Stage” with 190 seats and a cinema hall with 206 seats.  The center is home to the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra and Choir, Istanbul State Modern Folk Music Ensemble, and Istanbul State Classical Turkish Music Choir.

The plans for the restoration come as a wider project begins this year to pedestrianize Taksim Square, a project that will necessitate the closing of the square to traffic and the construction of underground roads for traffic and a series of bus stops.

It is all part of the “Taksim Project” that claims to make the square more pedestrian-friendly. Yes Taksim Square is a pedestrian nightmare if you are in a hurry and don’t want to wait for the traffic lights. But to rebuilt Ottoman Barracks – that were torn down in 1940 – on the spot where we now have a park? Crazy! Creative, cynical planners of Istanbul twisted laws to preserve a historic building (military barracks) that isn’t even there!

Authorities try to calm down protesting and worried residents by saying they want to turn the barracks into a cultural center. Aren’t there enough historical buildings in Istanbul that you can turn into a cultural center? I have seen more than enough empty and neglected Ottoman buildings that could be used for that purpose.

Taksim Suare will change. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

‘Taksim Platform’, a group of architects, civil servants, and representatives from civic organizations and concerned citizens, is creating awareness about the negative consequences of this project.

When I first mentioned it on Twitter I didn’t only get supportive reactions, but several negative one as well.

“The Turkish Government is just rebuilding our history, they are not demolishing green spaces”, wrote one. And “Excuse me; do you have any idea what happens at night at Gezi Park in Taksim? It’s not a safe place, it’s really dangerous”

Well, if it isn’t safe at night the municipality and police should take care of that. It cannot be a reason to erase it!

You can’t compare little Gezi Park with Central Park in the center of Manhattan (843 acres – 3.41 km2) or Hyde Park in London (350 acres). But it is a cozy oasis for young mothers with kids, old people who chat and sip Turkish coffee or tea, and others who just want to escape the constant noise of the city. This park, like all parks, is one of the vital components of urban existence.

What does the proposed Taksim Project involve?

It calls for the construction of enormous ramps –10 meters deep and 100 meters long– leading to subterranean tunnels directing traffic under Taksim Square. The ramps will be located at seven points near the square, including Gümüşsuyu, Sıraselviler, Mete, Tarlabaşı, and Cumhuriyet Boulevards. High concrete walls will be erected, and the existing sidewalks along the boulevards will be transformed into service roads. The trees in the hood will be cut down. And it will still be difficult to reach Taksim Square by foot.

Taksim Square. Gezi Park in the background. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

Am I against a transformation of the Square? No. But as in any public project, financed by citizen’s taxes, citizens should be informed of and consulted about it. Taksim Square will never be like San Marco in Venice or the Red Square in Moscow. But it can be improved and be made more pedestrian-friendly without destroying the Gezi Park. I would even argue that there are enough architects in Istanbul who can beautify the park up to modern day standards.

I have to admit that successive mayors did their best to improve the quality of living in Istanbul since the first time I visited the city in 1983. They cleaned the shores and the water of the Golden Horn. Heavy industry is gone. The water of this historic inlet of the Bosporus isn’t used anymore as an open sewage. There is much more public green in the city. Clean LPG engines in taxis were promoted. And since 2006 we got buses Euro III environment friendly engines. A new Metrobüs system was introduced in September 2007. A growing number of the current IETT fleet of approximately 2,800 buses is ‘green’.

Tramway T1 has been expanded and modernized. Since the 1990s there is a new and slowly expanding metro system. Much more should be done. We need more metro and tram lines in all directions, not only along the north-south axis from Atatürk Airport to Sarıyer on the European shore of the Bosporus.

One of my objections against the “Taksim Project” in its current form is also the lack of transparency of this transformation project of architect and mayor Kadir Topbaş. The municipality has invited the public to express their opinions about the color and the models of new ferries and trams. But the city’s authorities don’t give the public a chance to participate in more important decisions like the transformation of Taksim Square.

Dr. Kadir Topbaş, who was elected in 2010 as President of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) for a period of three years, is obliged to give an exemplary performance in handling transformation projects in his city in a democratic and transparent way. Therefore I urge the mayor and the Metropolitan Municipality Assembly to inform and consult residents, experts and civic organizations about the details of the project in public hearings. The authorities of the city should not ignore the voices of various groups and individuals who have the expertise to evaluate the effects this project will have on the urban fabric of Taksim.

Make your voices heard: protect little Gezi Park on Taksim from being destroyed.

Sign the petition: Taksim belongs to all of us! Save our green spaces!

http://www.taksimplatformu.org/english.php

The Bosporus. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

“Whether you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime Valentine’s Day trip, a honeymoon, or simply looking for love, Istanbul’s exotic mosaic of tastes, sounds and aromas will surely sweep you away.”

Top 10 romantic experiences in Istanbul:

1.)    Take a walk at Akinti Burnu (Arnavutköy) along the Bosphorous Straight

2.)    Blend into the local crowd at the Bebek Kahve

3.)    Experience the mysticism of the Basicila Cistern

4.)    Stroll in the Spice Market

5.)    Visit the Topkapi Palace museum

6.)    Haghia Sophia, once a basilica, then a mosque, now a museum

7.)    Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands

8.)    Watch the sunset from the Golden Horn

9.)    Take in the nightlife of Beyoglu

10.) Enjoy a Bosphorus Night Cruise

Read the whole story on The Huffington Post

http://huff.to/ADqppr

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

The Spice Bazaar. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

 In Istanbul’s old town, with all the touristic high lights, many public restrooms are not in a good condition. Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş recently announced a plan for 2012 to renovate existing facilities, including those in mosques, and construct new, modern ones.

“There are often questions surrounding the cleanliness of public restrooms, so the municipality will initiate a project to convert public toilets into modern ones, especially in touristic areas. The municipal workers assigned to deal with public facilities will be maintaining the toilets’ cleanness.”

The municipality plans to renovate 25 public restrooms and construct 15 new ones in touristic places in Istanbul.

Squat toilet. Photo: Slawomira Kozieniec

Rest rooms in mosques are all squat toilets, also known as a toilet alaturka. These kinds of toilets are also commonly used in Asian countries and France. The toilet is used by squatting, rather than sitting. It is basically just a hole in the ground. Put your feet on foot rests, facing the entrance to the cubicle. Beware that there is no toilet paper available, only a plastic watering can. After washing your hands you can take some paper at the counter where you pay – 75 or 1 Turkish Lira – to dry them.

Now they play at other venues as well. On Friday evening February 3^rd I was at their concert in the ‘Live Performance’, a club in the Ağa Cami Sokağı, between de mosque of the samen name and the new Demiroren shopping mall on Istiklal Caddesi.

Kirmizi was founded by Idil Çağatay and Aslı Polat in 2005 and consist of 4 women: Idil Çağatay (Voclas), Aslı Polat (Drums), Ecem Otgucuoğlu (Bass Guitar), and Saba Arat (Electro Guitar).

Kirmizi in concert. Photo: Marc Guillet

Kirmizi released their first maxi single in March 2010. Their debut album “Isyan” (Riot) was released one year later by RedRec Music, the band’s own record company.

Kirmizi was Ozzy Osbourne’s choice Istanbul Concert 2010. In that year they were invited to perform at the Festival Mundial in Tilburg (the Netherlands).

Last Friday evening their fans were mostly college students. Most heavy metal guys obviously preferred to stay at their favorite local hang out: DoRock bar. There the drinks are cheaper and they don’t have to pay for the music. While the tickets for the Kirmizi concert at ‘Live Performance’ was only 15 Turkish Lira.

Bass player Ecem Otgucuoğlu. Photo: Marc Guillet

The girls rocked! And the feed-back oft the male and female fans was more then enthusiastic. they were singing along and had a great time.

When: Friday, February 3

Where: Istanbul Live Performance (Club)

Address: Ağa Cami Sokağı (Taksim)

Phone: 0541-889 10 90

Time:  10:30 pm until 12:00 am

Tickets: 20.-TL, http://www.biletix.com/
18+
On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/page/222418918528

Full Details: http://www.reverbnation.com/show/6350423

The project will be built within two years and will connect the Aşiyan neighborhood, which is along the Bosphorus, to the main Istanbul metro line via a 730-meter funicular that will connect to the end of the mini-metro line at Hisarüstü, outside Boğaziçi University. The new metro will be able to transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour, Topbaş told daily Hürriyet.

“Heavy traffic and a lack of mass transportation in the area have made these changes essential,” said Topbaş.

“It will take only five minutes from Hisarüstü to Levent. Later on, we will increase the passenger capacity if needed,” said Topbaş.

The mini-metro is set to have five stops, according to the mayor.

Topbaş also said the project had been sent to the Transportation Ministry for approval and added that the municipality would not need to expropriate any land for the project.

Hürriyet Daily News

Speaking at a conference in Ankara yesterday, Günay said large hotels and holiday villages were cutting off the tourists from the local population and Turkey should now turn to a new kind of tourism that would capitalize on the attractions of smaller places across Anatolia.

“I must confess that we are lagging behind in this area,” he said, adding that one such project was underway in eastern Anatolia in the regions of Kars and Çoruh.

The minister also highlighted environmental protection concerns and stressed that more Turkish hotels were poised to receive the ministry’s “green star” this year. The Green Star certificate, introduced in 2009, is given to eco-friendly hotels based on environmentally conscious practices. Turkey already has 325 “Blue Flag” beaches, the third largest number in Europe, Günay said.

About 31 million foreigners visited Turkey in 2011, bringing in total revenue of nearly $25 million, the minister said, adding that more than 10 million tourists went to Antalya as part of mass tourism.

“I think this year [2011] we have come close to $25 billion of revenue,” he said. “If you add side factors, the figure rises to about $30 billion. This is not a figure that can be underestimated, but we do not see tourism as simply a way to [enlarge] economic size. It is also a tool for social development.”

Source: Hürriyet Daily News