In this article, we take a look at the art and culture that can be experienced in Istanbul. The metropolis on the Bosphorus has already been the subject of several of my articles. Take a look at the other parts of this series:

• 15,840,900 people - part 1
  
• 15.840.900 people - part 2
  

Historical

Istanbul is rich in historical buildings that are characterised by Greco-Roman antiquity, medieval Byzantium and modern Turkey. Among the most famous sights are the Hagia Sophia, an architectural wonder of the world built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, and the Topkapı Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman sultans. These monuments reflect the long and complex history of the city. In line with the two buildings is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its many blue and white tiles. I have already described all of these magnificent buildings in the first part of this series. The Pera Museum also offers a great mix of modern and historical art. In the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture, historical art is presented in an appealing and varied way in modern architecture. Again, a clear recommendation from me for every lover of historical works.

Musical

The sound of Turkish music is unmistakable. In particular, the saz (remotely resembling a guitar) and the zurna (woodwind instrument) characterise the sound of the mostly melancholic music. However, the music scene has long since grown far beyond traditional music. Techno and rock in particular are an integral part of Istanbul's culture.

The techno scene in Istanbul is a dynamic and growing subculture characterised by its unique blend of local and international influences. The scene is particularly big in the Beyoğlu neighbourhood. Bars and clubs such as Noh Radio characterise the local techno community. There you can enjoy wonderful cocktails to first-class sounds, which can be savoured in the bar or on the street in front of it. But hear for yourself:

For fans of a slightly harder pace, there are many venues with live rock music. The Karga Bar in Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul is particularly well-known. In winter, you can listen to first-class rock in a cosy fireplace atmosphere. Turkish rock has its very own, exciting sound colour and unmistakable style. Have a listen:

However, modern Turkish pop music, which is played live in many places, is and remains very special. Foreign artists are hardly ever played on the radio and only a few bars play it. It is played in taxis, on television and by street musicians. At https://www.shazam.com/ you can get a small impression of what the metropolis likes to listen to at the moment.

Artistic

The modern art scene in Istanbul deserves special attention. Throughout the city, but especially in Beyoğlu, many artists present their works in a wide variety of styles. A frequent theme: women's rights and equality. Art as an expression of human thoughts and a means of transporting everything that often cannot or must not be said openly. Three clear recommendations from me with absolutely unique modern art: Arter, a wonderful museum with first-class exhibitions and a lovely café, the İstanbul Modern, a large museum for contemporary art at Galataport and Mixer, a small gallery with changing exhibitions.

The aforementioned Pera Museum caters to the interests of those who prefer historical works. The Mosaic Museum in the Fatih neighbourhood (south on the map) is also definitely worth a visit. Just a few streets away, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art awaits interested visitors.

Antiques

Çukur Cuma Street in Beyoğlu is an absolute speciality of the city. Here and in the side streets, one antiquarian bookshop follows the next. Just browsing through the labyrinthine shops is a wonderful adventure in itself. In between are small, cosy cafés that invite you to linger and enjoy. This street is one of my absolute favourite places in the city.

Journey

Culinary adventures await on every corner, but are often well hidden. Spices, sweets, tea gardens. In between, barbecue restaurants, a bazaar with fruit, vegetables and spices from all over the world. Buildings from the Roman era next to modern steel and glass constructions. Aqueducts above the motorway. Cafés with San Sebastián cheesecake or would you prefer some baklava or lokum for tea?

No other city offers so many different things, so many adventures and new experiences. Tradition and modernity collide here and merge to loud techno beats in a maelstrom of cultural conflicts, spices from all over the world, centuries of history and even more unique people from all over the world, creating a colourful mosaic that undoubtedly casts a psychedelic spell over every visitor.