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Nurgül & Nurullah

As you may know, Turkey was recently struck by a devastating earthquake, and our hearts go out to the affected cities and communities. Many of us with ties to Turkey have been searching for ways to help, and we encourage everyone to do what they can to support relief efforts during this difficult time. Despite the challenges, we are trying – more than ever- to be resilient and hopeful, and look forward to sharing all the inspiring events and developments happening in Istanbul with you this month.

The vibrant city of Istanbul is awash with inspiration and creativity, from the breathtakingly new design of the Istanbul Modern by renowned architect Renzo Piano, to a wealth of engaging panel talks and exhibitions. With so much to discover and explore, there’s no shortage of opportunities to be captivated by the city’s rich and diverse architectural and design scene. Whether you are a local or planning a visit, we highly recommend taking advantage of this amazing time to explore Istanbul and all it has to offer.

This month critic, curator, and founder and director of many contemporary art institutions Beral Madra curated an exhibition called “Art is the Highest Form of Hope” in Evliyagil Museum. The exhibition, which brings together the works of 49 artists, focuses on the concepts of urban, body and image by considering Modern and Contemporary Art produced in this geography in the axis of both collections. The exhibition is free to visit and runs until 16 July.

Istanbul Modern was founded in 2004 as Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art. The new building designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop replaces the original museum building at the same location, an old customs warehouse on the Bosphorus waterfront. It’s worth noting that the new Istanbul Modern building is situated on the European bank of Istanbul in Karaköy, where the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn. This location is a fitting tribute to Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene, and we highly recommend a visit to this stunning new addition to the city’s cultural landscape.

Don’t miss The Architecture Yearbook of Turkey – all day long panel- showcases outstanding work in the fields of architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, interior architecture, conservation/repair/restoration, and temporary construction/assembly. This is an event at the IPA Florya Campus for anyone interested in Turkish architecture and design; and to discover and engage with some of the most inspiring projects and practitioners shaping the field in Turkey today.

Over at the Anna Laudel Istanbul, Bilal Hakan Karakaya’s solo exhibition “Invisible Cities” taking place, where beautiful selection representing detached metropol cities with gloomy and mysterious highlights. Named after the well-known novel Italo Calvino, Karakaya focuses on the rising mega structures in metropolitan life and emphasises how desolate and unrecognisable the modern cities have become through the art of sculpture.

And finally, Space’23 is two-day event that is sure to pique the interest of architecture, interior architecture, design, and art enthusiasts alike. There will be panel talks, exhibition and collective initiatives that celebrates the intersection of creative disciplines and the power of collaboration. Space’23 will take place for the second time at Zorlu PSM on May 10-11, which is anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, our co-editor Nurgül will be hosting conversations under the roof of the Pop-up Zone. So, if you attend, be sure to say hello and engage in thought-provoking discussions.