Every month architects and industry insiders share their recommendations for the best exhibitions and events to visit in Istanbul. Views expressed on this page are those of the author, and may not reflect those of the editors of the Architecture Diaries.
THIS MONTH:
Begüm Yılmaz Bilgin & Caner Bilgin
Founders of Bilgin Architects
Established in 2014 and based in Istanbul, the architectural practice led by Caner Bilgin and Begüm Yılmaz Bilgin aims to produce high-quality and distinctive designs at every scale. The services provided, where design and implementation supervision are managed as an integral whole, address issues such as economy, construction technique, sustainability, and spatial quality within the context of urban integrity, all balanced around the human experience. The practice has undertaken projects in various scales and diverse areas, including offices, transportation and infrastructure, individual and social housing, gallery and museum buildings, accommodation facilities, and cultural centers, focusing on architectural production in a wide range of fields.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilgin.studio
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bilgin
Here we are, nearing the end of 2024. November and December often feel like a time for closing old chapters and opening new ones. Resolutions, goals, fresh starts, and naturally endings take center stage.
During these days when Istanbul’s traffic and gray skies are at their peak, spending time with friends, enjoying heartfelt conversations, and savoring a warm drink can make all the chaos seem distant. As you might have noticed, snowfall has become a rare sight in Istanbul. The city’s snowy silhouette now lives only in memories.
For us at Bilgin Architects, the end of 2024 has been quite eventful. From November 6th to 8th, we participated in the 16th annual World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Singapore. Our Kalyon Karapınar Central Control Building has “won the ‘Completed Buildings – Production, Energy & Logistic” category! It was an incredibly enriching experience to connect with architects all over the world while gaining insights from their inspiring presentations. We returned from Singapore with both invaluable experiences and wonderful memories.
On December 6th, we’ll head to Athens for Caner’s Europe 40 under 40 award ceremony. It’s also the perfect chance to wander through Europe’s charming Christmas markets, soak in their festive atmosphere, and be inspired by their colorful worlds.
End-of-Year Recommendations for Istanbul
For those spending the year’s final days in Istanbul, we’ve compiled a few cultural suggestions:
Pablo Picasso: A Journey from Painting to Ceramics and Warhol’s World The Icon of Pop Art : These two remarkable exhibitions, part of the Turkey Culture Route Festival, are open until December 31 at Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). It’s a unique opportunity to see a curated selection of works from these iconic artists across different eras and mediums.
Inner Portrait : A digital art installation created in collaboration between Turkish Airlines and Refik Anadol will be on display at Atatürk Cultural Center from November 28 to December 8. This unique artwork shares the stories of four passengers travelling across four continents.
Sebastião Salgado: Genesis : Hosted at MSGSÜ Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center until the end of December, this photography exhibition is a collaboration between the Turkey Culture Route Festival and 212 Photography Istanbul. Renowned for his striking photographs capturing humanity and nature, Brazilian artist Salgado presents a breathtaking look at the untouched, pristine beauty of the world.
Leonardo da Vinci Discovery Exhibition : This exhibition at the Lale Museum in Emirgan is open until January 15, 2025. Featuring 108 invention models and 28 interactive designs, it highlights Da Vinci’s groundbreaking contributions to fields like medicine, architecture, engineering, defense, anatomy, and gastronomy. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a crisp, sunny winter day with a stroll along the Bosphorus, followed by a warm cup of salep. Who knows, you might even catch some snow!
The Designer’s Note : This exhibition at Salt Beyoğlu, running until February 2, delves into the evolution of graphic design in Turkey during the late 20th century. It examines the interplay of political, social, and economic changes and their impact on design processes, highlighting the relationships between designers, publishers, and printers. Free public programs, such as book cover design and publication design workshops, are also available and can be followed on saltonline.org.
Suppose You Are Not Here : Curated by Selen Ansen, this exhibition at Arter runs until December 29. Inspired by a private collection, it explores the connections between objects and how a collection can take on new meanings in public spaces. Featuring nearly 400 works, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on mortality, everyday life, and the practice of collecting.
Olafur Eliasson: Your Unexpected Encounter : This exhibition by the globally renowned artist Olafur Eliasson, hosted at Istanbul Modern, is in its final two months. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience it before it’s gone!
Nevzat Sayın’s Labyrinth Images: This exhibition, reproductions and variations of Nevzat Sayın’s sketches through printmaking will be displayed at Galata Rum Okulu from December 3, 2024, to January 19, 2025.
Bonus: Two Theater Recommendations
Set in a 150-year-old apartment on Pembe Çıkmazı in the heart of Beyoğlu, this immersive play blurs the lines between reality and fiction, transforming rooms into stages for stories inspired by real events. A fascinating interplay of space, history, actors, and audiences awaits.
Çirkin
Performed at Hope Alkazar, one of Istanbul’s oldest cinemas recently restored, this play is a must-see. Combining digital experiences with spatial storytelling, it offers a unique and memorable theater experience.
