May 19th is a big deal in Turkey commemorating the start of the War for Independence. I find that ironic, because today is another “May 19th” that is going to be remembered for a long time…this one for restricting a freedom that many Turks have enjoyed without restraint.  That of lighting up a smoke whenever and wherever the mood hit.

Starting today public smoking is being frowned upon in this great nation of nicotine loving Turks.  Already banned in airports and large offices today the ban sweeps into its purview the small shops, parks, entertainment venues and extends even to the ferries and taxis that troll throughout the metropolis. An estimated 15 million packs of cigarettes (300 million smokes) are  inhaled each day in Turkey.

Being a non-smoker it took some time to get used to the second hand smoke I was inhaling when we first landed here a few years ago.  Now when returning to Istanbul from abroad there is nothing that makes me feel more  “at home”  than the smell of cigarettes as soon as we step out of the airport.

I know…its bad for me, bad for you,  bad for all of us. I get it. I am not advocating smoking. However, when I see things that have been culturally endeared to me pass away there is an element of grief I experience. I cannot count the times that a Fiat-wielding taxi driver has held out a pack of smokes to me as he weaved and dodged through Istanbul’’s infamous traffic, before lighting up himself. The scent of tobacco has become synonymous with the Turkish hospitality that has courted and overwhelmed us during our time in Asia Minor.

No doubt we will all be much healthier and able to worry about whatever great health risk becomes popular in the future. For now though I am not too worried, once I see the ashtrays on the treadmills at the local sports salon go…I will know that the restrictions are here to stay.

Grrr, I missed the first day, but still there is much to see! Event’s website is here

The non-profit festival for youth NGOs, GePGeNc (Youthful) FeSTiVaL will be held the second time between April, 11-16th 2008 in santralistanbul. Theme for GePGeNc, is “being neighbours”. The festival that will wellcome international participants will involve many many activities,Workshops initiated by young peopleCultural activities and art performances Best Practice Conference on youth work Youth Organizations fair
Forum for youth organizations,and more…

A bomb was placed infront of a McDonalds in Kadikoy near Kazasker but didn’t detonate. It seems that there was a problem with the wiring and the cellphone it was attached to.
I wonder when we’ll be allowed to feel safe again.

I have unfortunately been in Berlin for the past two months which makes me appreciate my home town so much more.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure to some, Berlin is a great place to be. But there is no sun. There is no Bosphorus. There is no warmth. Istanbul is so addictive that I’m having  massive withdrawls. I can’t wait to go back. Hopefully I should be back home sooner than later.

Istanbul is having some wonderful spring days. I have to work on my paper, and i just have to watch the good day from my office window, but if you can, go out and have fun!

There will be five conferences on Istanbul in Istanbul Bilgi University. If you are interested in urban sociology, then, you are welcome. I haven’t translated the material as these will take place in Turkish- I assume.

İ s t a n b u l A r a ş t ı r m a l a r ı

Kent Çalışmaları Bahar Dönemi Sohbet Programı

santralistanbul kampüsü

12 Mart — (14.00 – 15.30 / E4 – 305) Erol Balkan (Hamilton College, NY/Sabancı Üniv.) “Sınıfın yeniden üretimi: İstanbul’da neoliberal politikalar, eğitim ve orta sınıf”

2 Nisan — (17.00 – 18.30 / E2 – 303) Murat Güvenç/Eda Yücesoy, “1990 ve 2000 nüfus sayımlarına göre İstanbul’a göç, İstanbul’dan göç”

16 Nisan – (17.00 – 18.30 / E2 – 303) Mimarlık Programı, “İstanbul Karanfilköy için kentsel dönüşüm senaryoları”

14 Mayıs – (17.00 – 18.30 / E2 – 303) Murat Güvenç/Eda Yücesoy- “20. yüzyılın başında Pera’nın sosyal coğrafyası”

28 Mayıs – (17.00 – 18.30 / E2 – 303) Sosyoloji Bölümü (F.Kentel/A. Duben) – “İşçi sınıfından kültürel cemaatlere: 1960-2008, Eyüp’ten Kağıthane’ye”

Have you noticed?

You must’ve.

I mean, it’s so pretty and obvious..

We’ve been painted over and now sport a funky new Metblogs Istanbul site!

Please register through the link on the side bar if you wish to comment, it only takes a couple of seconds and will make me so happy. Really.

Monopoly Word Edition is collecting votes to decide which cities will be listed in the new edition. Istanbul could not make it to top 20 yet:)

We’re momentarily blessed with beautiful weather so like the good Istanbulite that I am, as soon as I saw the sun this morning I set out to walk to Kurucesme for grocery shopping.
I was very pleasantly surprised when I got there because of the travel ads for Greece that were plastered all over the walls.
Don’t believe everything you hear, even though there is a supposed hatred between the two countries, I think it’s time for everyone to grow up, get over it and embrace each other before it’s too late.
Hopefully the ads won’t be defaced.

Cab fares in this country are becoming incredible. Yesterday, I was charged 60 YTL for a trip from work back home. I nearly hacked the driver’s head off.In a city where traffic is so hectic you could spend four hours to get from point A to point B, they should at least make cabs cheaper so that people would use them as an alternative to taking their cars out every day.
I hate you Mr Cab Driver.

If you’re anything like me and can’t spend a week without enjoying some Chinese or Japanese food, then you might find the following restaurants interesting. When I first moved to Istanbul four years ago, it was hard finding Asian food but now it’s so hype that you can even find sushi at most shopping malls.

Wagamama
Situated in the Kanyon shopping mall, Wagamama serves noodle and rice dishes that will make your mouth water and your palate feel in heaven. Beware, the flavours and spices used in these delightful dishes are addictive, you will be left wanting for more! The approximate price for a dish is around 15YTL.

Sushi&Noodle House
This small underground Sushi restaurant is my favourite in town. The freshly prepared sushis are exquisite and are guaranteed to leave you satisfied. The prices are much better than the rest of the Sushi restaurants in town. I’ve always found the S&N House to be more authentic than the rest which always makes my experience there very enjoyable. (I swear I’m not being paid for these comments ;))

Dragon
The Hiltons in house sushi palace is well known amongst celebrities and socialites alike. I’ve personally never been but I hear it’s nice and overpriced, whatever floats your boat.

Sushi&Co – Chinese in Town
This chain of Chinse food & Sushi are located in Nişantaşı and Kanyon (there might also be one on the Asian side) seems to be the most famous place to eat such foods. I’ve been a couple of times and apart from their overpriced sushi, I haven’t really enjoyed myself. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve got the whole decoration thing right but the food wasn’t as good as it should have been for the price we ended up paying.

Wan-na
Situated in Beyoglu, Wan-na is definitely one of the favourite asian-fusion venues in the city. They shy away from the classic chinese restaurant decoration to offer you a more valuable experience. Live DJs spin their tracks while you try dishes that you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else. This is a definite must-try location!

Cin Bufe
When I found the Cin Bufe with my friends a couple of years ago I was so very excited. We went a couple of times and then life happened and I didn’t go for a couple of months. When I did return to it though, I must say that the word disappointed doesn’t even start to explain how I felt. The food had become extremly salty and the vent system was terrible so we all ended up smelling like Cantonese ducks. It was such a shame. It’s always sad to see places full of promise sink due to high demand.

Little China
All those who live or love Bebek like I do will know of Little China. An adorable little restaurant with a friendly staff that serves quality food. You must try their Pekin Duck, it’s one of the best in town!

I know there are a couple more in Istanbul and maybe they don’t come to mind but in my humble opinion, I feel that these are the ones worth a mention. Enjoy!

Weather forecast: sleet showers and snow today and tomorrow.
Fact: İstanbul’s weather is radically unpredictable.
Another fact: Different weather conditions can be seen in different parts of İstanbul. Even in adjoining neighborhoods weather conditions differ: sunny next to snowy-that’s not even a bit surprising for İstanbul.
Another fact: İstanbul covered with snow is beautiful…So beautiful that it cannot be described. Yet snowy İstanbul is troublesome (to put it mildly).

So enjoy the snow…and be careful…

Benazir Bhutto was killed in a suicide attack a couple of hours ago. Please check the frequent updates on the Metblogs Islamabad page. Our hearts go out to her family and country.

The Media and Communication Systems Department cordially invites you to

Prof. BARBIE ZELIZER’s Talk

“Taking Journalism Seriously” at 2:00 p.m. at AKO Kuştepe on December 17