Last week, we celebrated the launch of Soli’s first issue in Istanbul with almost everyone who has dreamed, created, and imagined alongside us. After gatherings like these, I’m always left with a deep sense of gratitude for sharing this sprawling city with such incredible people. One of the most exciting parts of living in a city as layered as this is discovering new dreams, ideas, and passions—and connecting with the people behind them—at every turn. That day reminded me again why our first issue naturally found its theme: belonging. I can’t wait to meet everyone who’s been reading and exploring with Soli—whether it’s been since 2021, a year, or just a few months.September is a bridge, but October signals the city’s true return. Next week, the Monocle team and their guests are arriving in Istanbul for <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/BOs4gwfbs7C7?c=_aItMqfOt6eaA-4b2V8VU&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">The Quality of Life Conference.</a> As we eagerly anticipate new questions and answers on building more livable, accessible cities with satisfied residents, this week we’re focusing on urban transport and planning. We’ll be looking at how denser cities fuel social interaction, the role of small businesses in neighborhoods, and what could happen if bikes replace the cargo trucks responsible for much of the traffic. Meanwhile, we’re sharing arts and culture news from Istanbul, London, and Berlin as we celebrate the city’s return to life.This year’s dream winter retreat? <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/Y1KcxePI3rmS?c=_aItMqfOt6eaA-4b2V8VU&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">The Austrian Alps</a>. For those heading to Frieze or simply chasing autumn vibes in London, check out the latest openings in "What’s Happening?" Church of Sound’s upcoming agenda is <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/6saZZNx2F7Z2?c=_aItMqfOt6eaA-4b2V8VU&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">here</a>. And if you’re headed to Berlin for <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/YHt2yV9-jwHm?c=_aItMqfOt6eaA-4b2V8VU&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Miss Read</a> or the last dances at Watergate, there’s a <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/8_ia2QSsfXvH?c=_aItMqfOt6eaA-4b2V8VU&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">special treat</a> for antique lovers this weekend. The rest is in the Agenda.<a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/Ii4eH2G3kjKn?c=_aItMqfOt6eaA-4b2V8VU&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Accompanied by Beirut Daze.</a>With hope, &nbsp;Elif

Istanbul based urban culture magazine documenting cities through their neighborhoods and communities. 

A collective and traveling culture magazine uncovering the cities in neighborhoods, with their people. 

Soli

How can small businesses revitalize cities? Can architecture solve urban social issues? News from Istanbul, Berlin, London, plus this month’s culture, art, and food agenda.

10.24 Journal: How to build a happier city? 

Over the past few weeks, we have been thrilled to share Soli's first issue with readers and publishers at Indiecon in Hamburg. One of the most rewarding aspects of the fair—bringing together publishers, magazines, fanzines, and artists' books from around the globe—was connecting with a community of people who share similar passions, dreams, and challenges. Hearing fresh ideas and discovering new works that resonate with both mind and heart was truly the icing on the cake. So, why not find more ways to gather in our own city?This week, we’re excited to celebrate the debut issue of Soli with the Istanbul community for the very first time. Next week, we’ll come together at a beloved spot in Emirgan featured in the issue, alongside those who have been dreaming, creating, and making this city a better place together.In the meantime, we’d like to share a story from the first issue. Ferit Sarper, known for his work at Beylerbeyi İçecek and our beloved (old) meyhane Münferit in Firuzağa, tells us about his new office designed by Autoban in Emirgan and shares his favorite walking route in his notebook. Additionally, we've attached the events we have lined up for this week.Accompanied by <a fr-original-style="" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0A9YxBODS5rAv5UEhl8tvp?si=5QLZkPIgQ_WnSaoy6O3kfg" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Apollo</a>&nbsp;With excitement, Elif

Ferit Sarper, known for his work at Münferit, shared insights about their new office designed by Autoban in Emirgan and his walking route in the neighborhood. Big news: the first issue will be available both on shelves and online.

In Emirgan with Ferit Sarper

As tourists, locals, journalists, or travel editors, what topics should we bring to the forefront in the hospitality industry? How do we choose where to stay when revisiting a favorite city or escaping to a secluded island? Which hotels resonate with us, regardless of whether we are locals or tourists, and why do we keep returning to some places? Should we delve deeper into how hotels connect with their surroundings and communities? It might be simpler as a tourist, but as a local, how do we evaluate the services and the harmony hotels have with their regions?Hospitality is not just an industry that shapes tourism or fuels the economy in countries where tourism plays a key role; it's a transformative force for local life and the cities where tourism thrives. Hotels, in particular, don't just cater to tourists—they significantly impact the daily rhythms of local communities. Therefore, the relationships they foster with both visitors and residents are crucial for the future of cities. The tourism philosophies, missions, and investments of hotels and other industry players can often outweigh even the most ambitious moves made by city councils. While unique designs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and breathtaking views still matter, they are no longer enough on their own.This is why, in Soli’s first print issue, we are exploring the new priorities shaping the hospitality industry. The magazine will be on your favorite neighborhood bookstore or café shelves in late September, but first, we’re spending the week in Milos. Nausika Georgiadou, founder of <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/skinopilodge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Skinopi Lodge</a>, shares how it’s possible to balance the needs of visitors, the island’s delicate nature, and the lives of its locals on a resource-limited island. And for those setting sail for Milos before the season ends, she offers her personal recommendations.Full story in Soli 01, coming soon somewhere near you.Accompanied by <a fr-original-style="" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5CBYNDzBmEfHCWLEWX2hIt?si=d784d75498b14d62" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">not-to-be-missed</a>Elif

How much has luxury in tourism truly evolved? What does it mean for hotels to align with nature? A day with Nausika Georgiadou, founder of Skinopi Lodge in Milos. Excerpts from Soli's first print issue.

Reporting from Milos

It’s time to pack away the light, summer clothes still infused with memories of warm days, chase the last rays of sunshine to the south under clear skies, and dust off the dreams, ideas, and decisions shelved during the summer's chaos, now awaiting the calm of autumn. September has arrived—welcoming us to slow down, digest, settle in, and begin anew.At the start of this month, we’re thrilled to bring to life a long-awaited dream. Since the summer of 2021, Soli, an urban culture publication, has been reaching its readers through a newsletter. Now, it will also share its stories through a biannual magazine (with other surprise issues, books, gatherings, and pop-up ideas in between)—whether at home, in the park, on the go, or at the local cafe. <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/anlamarama/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Hazal (Yılmaz)</a>, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/orhuncanca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Orhun (Canca)</a>, and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/elifbay/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">I</a> embarked on this journey by asking, “What if we created a travel magazine that speaks to today’s needs, and ours?” Along this path, we’ve sought out the smallest and most characteristic units of cities—neighborhoods—and the people who live, create, and weave the sociocultural fabric within them. We've considered how we can culturally shape the cities we live in, how we can make our neighborhoods and cities more "livable" spaces, and why we now need shared spaces to live and create together more than ever. In both our hometown and the cities we visit, we’ve met neighbors, listened to the local challenges and needs, and invited those who are culturally building cities from the ground up to dream and think together with us. And now, we’ve grown. Throughout this first six-month season, we can’t wait to gather around the subjects we’ve been contemplating—neighborhoods, places that intrigue us, and tables we dream of sharing.Last week we were in Oberhafen, Hamburg, launching our first issue at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/indiemags/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Indiecon</a>. We discovered <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.indiecon-festival.com/events/neighbourhood-mapping-oberhafen" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Oberhanfen</a>, met curious publishers and brilliant minds. Meanwhile, we continue our reflections on cities in this month's Journal. In the Istanbul-London-Berlin triangle and beyond, we’re looking at the cultural, culinary, design, transport, and travel news that have found their way onto our agenda. We’re also eager to share a few exciting updates we’ve heard coming out of Istanbul. The city’s return feels different this time around.For those wondering where to find Soli’s first issue: it’ll soon be available at your neighborhood cafe, bookstore, and on our website.With gratitude and love to everyone we’ve dreamed and created with so far. And of course, to September,Accompanied by&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2ri5x7FgZxJUDjOUCNhpkU?si=hK4hSRNwSyip-DFH7mBKcg&nd=1&dlsi=4d3df109915549f3" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">How Many Clouds Can You See?</a>Elif

This week, Soli made its debut at Indiecon in Hamburg with its first print issue. Meanwhile, we’ve gathered notes from our September agenda, openings in our favorite cities, and much more.

09.24 Journal: Soli at Indiecon

Early morning hours, past the 8-5 or 9-6 commute. We're traveling the Hasdal-Okmeydanı route, winding through Kağıthane into increasingly green landscapes, feeling like we're leaving the city behind. <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/denizsabuncu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Deniz Sabuncu</a> and I are on our way to meet <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/sedenmestan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Seden Mestan</a> in Kemerburgaz.Deniz shares his move from Tophane to Acıbadem: “Taking the car ferry from Harem makes it so easy,” he says, describing his daily commute that spans continents. Like many over-30s in Istanbul, weary of the urban grind, Deniz seeks tranquility in green spaces amid real estate crises and urban transformation. Now four years since his relocation due to urban renewal, Deniz enjoys a fulfilling life as a street photographer, capturing the city's bustling tourist hubs.“How did Seden end up in Kemerburgaz?” Deniz asks, breaking the silence 20 minutes into our drive from Cihangir, with 10 minutes still to go. I send a quick text to Seden. “It’s not that far,” I reply, thinking about Deniz’s question: “Real estate crises, life expectations, choices. She’ll fill in the details.”Thirty minutes from Cihangir, Taksim, and the cultural heart of Istanbul, living amidst greenery in a small-town setting would have seemed improbable a decade ago—much like Seden, who once rebelled against suburban life in Kemerburgaz. Yet today, the allure of central living is less dazzling. Perhaps it’s now more sensible to enjoy the vibrancy of the city center for a day and then retreat to a space where we feel safe, fulfilled, and at ease. If transformation is inevitable in the city, can we not also be part of it, planting our own seeds?Leaving the big questions to the experts, we turn our attention to Seden's stories of moving twice within 20 years to Kemerburgaz. We discuss the nuances of proximity to the city and the evolving concept of centrality. As a cultural producer who daily navigates the bustling core areas of the European Side, Seden’s experiences offer valuable insights just as we pass under the belts of Kemerburgaz. Earthquake realities and housing rights linger in our thoughts as we approach a simpler, greener lifestyle. Just 30 minutes away, our dinner reservation and concert tickets await.Accompanied by:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6TuwvViNFgppqOvkXOxyJC" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">From Bali with love</a>Elif

We're traveling the Hasdal-Okmeydanı route, winding through Kağıthane into increasingly green landscapes, feeling like we're leaving the city behind. We are on our way to meet Seden in Kemerburgaz.

#7 Neighborhood: In Kemerburgaz with Seden Mestan

Our route takes us from the vibrant chaos of Taksim Square down to Sıraselviler, along bustling İstiklal Caddesi, through historical Pera, and towards the cultural mosaic of Galata and Karaköy. Passing by a slew of storefronts—India Gate Indian, Vardar Palace, Çılgın AVM, Taksim Meşhur Sarıyer Börekçisi, RX Istanbul, Sahaf Uğur, Kumbasar Fırını, Saatçi Adnan, Sephora, Hafız Mustafa, City Döner, Grand Pera, Atlas Pasajı, Espresso Lab, Zara, Taproomx, Zuhal Müzik, Saltbae Burger, Mahkeme Lokantası, İletim Elektrik, Üçer Boya, Lastik Pabuç, Kahve Dünyası, Galata Simitçisi, and many more—the signs catch the eye. "Where am I now?" The buildings strut their stuff, scents waft through the air, sounds arrive with exquisite sensitivity, evoking memories in their wake. Those who find their memories in Beyoğlu, and those who do not.&nbsp;In Beyoğlu, the dialogue between old and new is vivid among those who meet in its streets, reflecting today’s dynamic, not yesterday’s echo. It’s a narrative of today, pondering what tomorrow may bring. Reading the transformations through Beyoğlu’s shops and the characters within them narrates the tale of İstanbul itself—a city reflecting its economic, political, and cultural shifts right in its heart. To grasp the evolution of Beyoğlu and the reasons behind it, we delve into not just remembering the past, but understanding and imagining what the future holds.This week, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/denizyilmazakman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Deniz</a> (Yılmaz Akman) roams the streets of Beyoğlu, inquiring how the local shops and esnaf are crucial to preserving the city's memory. Instead of yearning for “old Beyoğlu,” she points to the risk of urban memory loss. She navigates through alternate routes, examining solutions at both micro and macro levels to highlight shifts in change. Visiting local businesses and probing figures behind the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality's "Beyoğlu Senin" (Beyoğlu is Yours) project, Deniz aims to explore the fate of these enterprises and foster efforts towards their sustainability.Accompanied by <a fr-original-style="" href="https://soundsslike.com/" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Soundsslike</a>Elif&nbsp;

Wandering through Beyoğlu with Deniz, we pop into local shops, sipping strong "esnaf" tea and diving into conversations about the neighborhood's transforming commercial scene, fueled by unity and ownership, not despair.

04.24 Observations: Beyoğlu’s cornerstones and collective memory

In Turkish, officially, a platform, bench, or stall, especially a place of sale within a market. A spot found in a market or street where retail sales are made or where craftspeople conduct their work. In everyday language, it's where one earns a livelihood, and where work is performed. Before offices, it was predominantly the place for business transactions, before shopping malls came into existence. After offices, it metaphorically replaces the term "workplace," fitting seamlessly into the informal and friendly conversation: dükkan.In Shoreditch, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/yalcoryalc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Ali</a> and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/yilmazmustafa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Mustafa</a>’s <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/dukkan.london/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Dükkan</a> is just that, opened in London both for themselves and for others who use food as a common language. It’s where, after moving to London for culinary training, the two chefs not only practice their profession but also provide space for guests engaged in this craft. It’s a hub for those who have moved from Türkiye to London and set up home, for chefs preparing to enter the London food scene, and for those longing to recreate the meals they miss. For some, it’s a meeting place; for others, an incubator, but the common language is food. In this context, the&nbsp;dükkan ideally matches both the informal and official senses of the word, its etymological roots, and the emotions it evokes. In English, there’s no single word that captures both these aspects. For Ali, the dükkan connotes locale, shop talks, one's bread and butter, and hosting guests. For Mustafa, the words that come to mind are shopkeepers, neighborhood, and regulars; which equals intimacy and family. It also intersects with longing and nostalgia. Not a store or shop, but a dükkan: a home extension always open to guests and a hub for craftsmanship. No customers here, but guests.<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2024/3/6/1713607158245.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="1.00" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"><h4 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">From Ali, "Dükkan. Locale. Shop talks. Bread and butter. Guests." Design: Elif Gengör </h4>The dükkan is truly the heart of the neighborhood. "Show me the dükkans in your area, and I’ll tell you what kind of place you're living in." That's why at Soli, we always peek into them whenever we arrive at a neighborhood; they're the neighborhood's megaphones, echoing the local vibe through their welcoming doors and vibrant interactions. Today, our intention as we step into this particular dükkan is to explore its role in serving various communities in London and to understand the significance of food in the stories of today's migrants. And of course, we'll also be tucking Ali and Mustafa’s Shoreditch guide into our bag.Accompanied by <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.nts.live/shows/asher-g/episodes/asher-gs-caribbean-memories-5th-june-2022" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Asher G’s Caribbean Memories</a>Elif

"Dükkan: A home extension always open to guests and a hub for craftsmanship." This week, we explore Dükkan, a spot in Shoreditch that weaves a story of migration, food, and solidarity. Plus, Ali and Mustafa's neighborhood index.

#6 Neighborhood: In Shoreditch at Ali and Mustafa's Dükkan

In a city sculpted over 579 years, where a cathedral that might stand as Gothic architecture's magnum opus commands the center stage; where the paths lead circularly to the 15th century, to 2026, to past and future, that's where I stand. Amidst the northern modesty, where one of the inaugural shopping centers, though not in today's terms, once rose, and where lexicons of design from textiles to automobiles, from materials to style were authored, the splendor sits well, justified by its grandeur. If the key to understanding the contemporary era and envisaging the future lies in acknowledging and sharing the narrative of design, then I am precisely where I ought to be, in Milan.Reflecting from a vantage point more akin to a design aficionado than a designer, I recall my inaugural Milan Design Week expedition. It was a year or so after my 2015 Expo visit. Despite the potential assertions of a diligent follower or design professional regarding its inflation or commercialization post-2015, its rising success among other European design weeks is undeniable. Yet, from an observer's standpoint, one can unearth alternative angles. Milan, a city adorned in the craft of design, weaving heritage and execution into its very fabric. Put differently, design, as a pivotal part of the city's cultural heritage, has naturally evolved into one of its most potent forms of expression, recognized historically as the embodiment of creativity and cultural diversity. This city, having discovered itself in layers through every external engagement during its developmental stride, and having attained its uniqueness, remains an indispensable junction for connection today, the formula in itself.This month, Soli Journal shifts its lens slightly as we rendezvous with two designers in Milan. We delve into the city's exhibition culture, the spaces ingeniously crafted not just for display but for living, propelled by a sort of creative instinct, and the significance of the Milan Design Week, marking its presence in our April calendars. We chat with Utkan about the design week and the city's design districts; we dissect one of the city's layers through Porto Venezia with Derin. We've packed Derin's index and Utkan's agenda. The journey has already commenced.Companion:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/Radio80K/keep-on-keepin-on-100823/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Keep on Keepin' On</a>Elif

Eleven steps forward from Porto Venezia, 579 years back, on the left after the imposing doors. In the second half of Soli Journal, we are in pursuit of the genius loci with two designers in the city of Milan.

04.24 Journal: In honor of Milan Design Week

In Istanbul and other beloved cities, Soli Journal brings hidden gems and tucked away events to light at the start of each month. Updates from culture, dining, and hospitality, sometimes intriguing, sometimes inspiring news from the metropolises, impromptu chats with local shopkeepers, and curated lists of essential spots by neighborhood and region; it's all here.What's on? This month in Soli Journal, we're zooming into cultural and artistic happenings in and slightly south of Istanbul, focusing on Milan Design Week. Last call before summer; we're savoring the final moments of our indoor enthusiasm. We're making stops in London, Bristol, Tbilisi, Cully, and Milan, gearing up to welcome the Venice Biennale and spring with festivals. And we're especially thrilled about Cappadox's return.What's happening? What has Istanbul's municipality done for culture and the arts in the last five years? How can pedestrian safety be ensured in big cities? How can old and new shops in the neighborhood collaborate? What happens when a neighborhood becomes a haven for galleries? News, openings, and more from Istanbul, London, Ayvalık, New York.And more:&nbsp;We continue to celebrate the arrival of spring. Our beloved neighborhood pub and listening bar, taproomx’s <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/somx_brewery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">SOMX</a>, is participating in the Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen on May 8. Heads up for those wanting to add it to their schedule. Not a day goes by without another venue in Istanbul being affected by the real estate crisis; <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/emi.istanbul/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">emi&nbsp;</a>is moving its home from Cihangir to another neighborhood in Beyoğlu, Müeyyedzade. Grand opening coming soon. Notes on Milan Design Week, and a chat with <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/utkang/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Utkan Günerkan</a> and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/derincantu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Derin Cantürk</a> about Milan and design, are up next in Soli Journal. If you're slowly making your way to Milan, drop us a line.Companion: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://soundcloud.com/user-637448757/high-jazz-290921?si=b161bf6e880a454ab1268ffe9ffc7fb3" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">High Jazz* w/Ill Dubio</a>To Istanbul, to hope, and once again, to spring,Soli

Spring's here! This month, Soli Journal features Milan Design Week, Cappadox, Venice Biennale's comeback, a pre-summer cultural agenda, plus updates from Istanbul to New York.

04.24 Journal: Rising arts and design districts, Istanbul in the last five years

Covering an area of 0,092 square kilometers and home to 1,368 registered inhabitants, this place carries a hint of the rest of Turkey at every street corner, nestled between Lüleci Hendek Street and Kemeraltı Avenue from top to bottom; it neighbors Tomtom, Bereketzade, Kılıç Ali Paşa, Şahkulu, Firuzağa, and Müeyyedzade. This is Beyoğlu's Hacımimi.Hacımimi stands out in Beyoğlu as a neighborhood where both trivial and significant matters intersect, unique in its blend of streets like Lüleci Hendek, Dibek, and Hacı Ali, leading to Kemeraltı Avenue. It's a place where a stroll can reveal snippets about Istanbul or Turkey, visible in its blend of old workshops, design studios, third-generation coffee shops, and traditional eateries, all hinting at deeper stories behind closed doors.April 2024. In Hacımimi, as across the nation, walls that were adorned with muhtar and mayoral candidates' photos and promises until last Sunday, highlight a period when the deeper responsibilities of local governance momentarily fade into the background, prompting reflection on the fundamental role and leadership of the smallest unit of local government. Indeed, what has the muhtar, responsible for the city's neighborhood unit, been doing since residence certificates became available on e-devlet? Why is the&nbsp;muhtar often pictured as an elder overseeing daily life, and why hasn't this image evolved? What overlaps exist between rural and urban community leaders in Turkey, and how connected are city residents to their muhtars, their work, or even their identity?Let's slightly sidestep knowing the muhtar: what does a muhtar do, and what are their duties and responsibilities? In such a vast city today, what local governance needs exist in our neighborhoods, the smallest units we've carved out for ourselves? If we can't talk about the same needs in every neighborhood in a city like Istanbul, who can facilitate communication between the micro and macro? Could that be the muhtar? Can we re-imagine the figure of the muhtar in our minds? This time, differently.This week, we talk with <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/agahuz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Agah Uz</a>, the newly esnaf (shopkeeper) of Hacımimi, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/dahafazlasimumkun/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">the muhtar&nbsp;candidate</a> for Müeyyedzade, founder of <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/tamamenorganiktost/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Tamamen Organik Tost</a> and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/nowhappens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Now Happens</a>, about Hacımimi, its relationship with the neighborhood, the roles shop owners can play in the neighborhood, his candidacy, and the connections between micro and macro scales. Can Hacımimi, a microcosm of Turkey, unite around a shared vision, and should it? What if we saw it as a home rather than a stopover; what could it become? Is any change inherently positive or negative? What does urban rehabilitation entail, and how can we apply a methodical approach to&nbsp;muhtarlık? These are the questions we're exploring.Editor’s note: Muhtar is an elected neighborhood community representative in Türkiye. Muhtarlık refers to the office or role of a muhtar. e-devlet is Türkiye's digital platform for e-government services.Soli

We talk with “Muhtar” Candidate and “esnaf,” founder of Tost and Now Happens, Agah Uz, about Hacımimi, his relationship with the neighborhood, his candidacy, and the connections between micro and macro scales.

#5 Neighborhood: In Hacımimi with Agah Uz

Seyahat

Kültür hakkında yayımlanan makaleler ve yayınlar

Kültür

Notes from our agenda on the Istanbul-London-Berlin axis.

October 2024

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Berlin’s iconic Watergate nightclub to close</h2>Urban cultureJust a month after Renate's closure, Watergate has announced it will shut its doors due to rising rents. In a statement on Instagram, the club revealed its final party will be on New Year’s Eve. Organizers shared that post-COVID recovery has been tough, with Berlin’s club scene struggling to survive. These closures have sparked calls from Green Party and Die Linke politicians for government intervention to protect Berlin’s nightlife. With other clubs like Grießmühle, Rosie’s, and Rummels-Bucht also closing in recent years, concerns are growing over the future of the city’s club culture.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Rome to introduce fee for Trevi Fountain visitors</h2>TourismIn an effort to manage the overwhelming crowds at the historical Trevi Fountain, Rome is planning to introduce a fee for visitors who are not city residents. Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s Tourism Commissioner, has proposed a timed entry system to limit hourly visitors. Under this plan, locals will continue to have free access, while others will pay a symbolic fee of 1 euro. This initiative, backed by Italy’s national tourism minister, aims to regulate visitor flow, with revenue generation as a secondary goal. It’s expected to roll out by 2025, just in time for the Jubilee Year.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.eriro.at/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Eriro</a></h2>Opening, EhrwaldNestled at 1,500 meters in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps, Eriro offers guests an immersive experience with nature and Alpine culture. Accessible only by cable car, this nine-suite eco-lodge is crafted from sustainable materials and features unique activities like barefoot hiking, wilderness meditation, and traditional Tyrolean “yodeling” classes. Chef David Franken leads a zero-waste kitchen, serving wood-fired meals made from local ingredients. The spa, tucked among the rocks, offers treatments using local medicinal herbs.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/fantomas_chelsea/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Fantômas</a></h2>Opening, LondonAfter Alley Cats and stints at 108 Garage and Fiend, Chef Chris Denney teams up with Royal Borough operators George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev to open Fantômas. Designed by Belgian minimalist Axel Vervoordt, the interior features wabi-sabi aesthetics—black and gray walls illuminated by Atelier Lighting’s custom fixtures. A striking blue Belgian stone counter takes center stage. Denney’s standout dishes include lamb heart ragù, farinata, and a signature foie gras parfait. Fantômas opens on October 21 at King’s Road, SW3 5UH.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/leydi.london/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Leydi</a></h2>Opening, LondonChef Selin Kiazim returns to the London dining scene with Leydi, following the closure of Oklava last year. Situated on the ground floor of the Hyde London City Hotel, this modern Turkish restaurant serves everything from breakfast to dinner. Highlights include classics like&nbsp;sucuk bread, pastırma hummus, and crispy börek. The cocktail menu features experimental options like clarified yogurt-washed rakı.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/sesta.dining/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Sesta</a></h2>Opening, LondonTaking over the former Pidgin space, Sesta is the new venture from Chef Drew Snaith and general manager Hannah Kowalski. This neighborhood spot focuses on seasonal dishes and boasts a robust natural wine list. With its cozy size, grabbing a seat wherever you can is the norm, but reservations are still recommended. The menu includes snacks, small plates, and larger dishes—perfect for sharing. For two people, ordering two dishes from each section is the way to go. Expect elevated comfort food done right.

Berlin's iconic nightclub shuts down, Rome adds a fee for tossing coins into its fountains. Plus, exciting openings in our favorite cities, with London leading the way.

Istanbul-Berlin-London line

<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-21" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="2d887234-6aed-4406-8445-f34b58034f54" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Denser design for happier cities</h2>Urban planningArchitect Vishaan Chakrabarti’s new book, "The Architecture of Urbanity: Designing for Nature, Culture, and Joy", centers on the concept of density design to foster social cohesion and combat climate change. In his earlier book, "A Country of Cities", published 10 years ago, Chakrabarti highlighted the benefits of well-managed urban density. Now, he emphasizes that this issue is more urgent than ever, asserting that architecture and urban design can play a key role in addressing social challenges. In an <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-09-17/architect-vishaan-chakrabarti-makes-a-plea-for-denser-happier-cities?srnd=citylab-design" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">interview</a> with Bloomberg CityLab, he states that architecture cannot be separated from politics, as design shapes societal structures.Social density: According to Chakrabarti, the social benefits of dense cities go beyond just better public transportation; they also foster social cohesion by bringing people from diverse backgrounds into frequent contact. Especially in a post-pandemic world, where social isolation is rising, these interactions—or “social friction,” as he calls them—are crucial for healthy communal living. Chakrabarti cites The High Line project as an example of how urban design can successfully bring diverse communities together in shared physical spaces.The divisive role of cars: Chakrabarti identifies cars as one of the leading causes of social fragmentation in cities, describing them as “metal bubbles” that isolate people and reduce physical interaction. He argues that car-centric urban development damages both the environment and social fabric, while public transport, pedestrian spaces, and parks serve as environmentally and socially integrative solutions.Solutions for the future: While past discriminatory urban planning has contributed to today’s social inequalities, Chakrabarti believes these issues can be resolved with the right policies and designs. He advocates for “Goldilocks” buildings—not too big, not too small—which promote both a connection to nature and social solidarity. He also suggests that with the right investments, existing U.S. urban structures can become more livable and sustainable.What’s on our mind? When cities are well-planned, density plays a crucial role in sustainability. It promotes efficient land use, lowers infrastructure costs, and makes public transport more viable. High density creates pedestrian-friendly, accessible spaces that encourage active transport and healthier lifestyles. It also boosts community interaction and local economies. By improving energy efficiency, it facilitates resource-sharing in buildings and integrates smart infrastructure. Increasing density helps preserve ecosystems and biodiversity, supporting essential services. Overall, higher density minimizes environmental impact and paves the way for more resilient urban environments.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-23" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="cc1c29af-9fc6-4f68-87f2-9783a0440750" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">The return of corner stores</h2>Urban planning<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-23" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="cc1c29af-9fc6-4f68-87f2-9783a0440750" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Post-COVID, small neighborhood shops are making a comeback in many cities. Zoning reforms in places like Spokane, Washington, have allowed historic corner buildings to return to commercial use. According to Spokane’s planning director, Spencer Gardner, locals want shops and services within walking distance. As Linda Baker <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-10-02/corner-stores-mount-a-comeback-in-residential-neighborhoods?srnd=citylab" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">highlights</a>, this revival not only boosts local economies but also enhances walkability, reducing traffic and carbon emissions.Third places: Corner shops serve as "third places," fostering social interaction beyond home and work. These small businesses create spaces for community connection and align with the "15-minute city" model, which emphasizes local commerce and accessibility.Growing trend: Remote work and local shopping trends, accelerated by the pandemic, have renewed the relevance of small shops. However, reversing long-standing zoning policies that separate commercial and residential areas will take time. Planners note that local incentives are key to helping these small retailers compete with big chains.What’s next: Many cities are reviewing zoning laws to support the resurgence of small retail. For example, a 2023 law in Seattle encourages new housing types and corner shops in single-family residential areas. This shift toward walkability, low carbon emissions, and support for small businesses is making not just neighborhoods, but entire cities more livable.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Cargo bikes in urban logistics</h2>Mobility According to Laura Laker’s <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-25/london-cargo-bikes-rising-to-curb-pollution-not-just-in-ulez-areas?srnd=citylab-transportation" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">article</a> in Bloomberg CityLab, cargo bikes are becoming a familiar sight on London streets, signaling a shift toward sustainable urban transport. Transport for London (TfL) reports that cargo bike use increased by 73% in inner London and 63% citywide last year.Sustainability in urban transport: With 90% of freight in London moved by road, cargo bikes have the potential to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. TfL estimates that by 2030, cargo bikes could replace up to 17% of van miles in central London, cutting annual carbon emissions by 30,000 tons—improving air quality and boosting road safety.Challenges: Despite their promise, cargo bikes face obstacles. London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, highlights the need for standardized training to raise awareness among businesses. Meanwhile, financial uncertainty makes companies cautious about investing in new equipment like cargo bikes. While TfL previously offered financial support for businesses to adopt cargo bikes, incentives have waned with the end of past funding programs.Looking ahead: With proper incentives and infrastructure, cargo bikes could play a key role in carbon-neutral urban transport. Initiatives like 22 Bishopsgate’s freight consolidation, which coordinates deliveries using cargo bikes and pedestrian couriers, aim to significantly reduce van traffic. Retailers like Fully Charged report that cargo bikes now account for over 40% of their sales. But to accelerate this shift and meet sustainability goals, continuous investment and awareness campaigns are crucial.</div></article></div></article></div></article>

Plus, pedal-powered sustainability and the return of corner shops.

How to build a happier city?

Şiir Masası. Gathering and workshop. An edition of Masa da Masa’s workshops, organized by Lara Lakay, transforming into the city with paper, pens, books, and glasses. Reservations for limited spots: <a fr-original-style="" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">masadamasa.masadamasa@gmail.com</a>Where? Zeyta, Emirgan When? September 26, 2024<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">Selectronic 4.0.&nbsp;Music and dance.&nbsp;This weekend, Selectronic is offering music lovers an expanded experience on the terrace of Frankhan and Sail Loft Vakkorama. The event kicks off on Friday at 18:00 with a live performance by Vlamassi, followed by sets from Control and Victim. The night will wrap up with Marie Lung spinning a vinyl set. At the ((Sound Room)), Chaos in the CBD and Garan Garan will take the stage. On Saturday, starting at 16:00 with sets from LZ MC Can and DJ Paulão, the second day continues with performances by Myd and Can Sarıhan. The legendary DJ Terrence Parker will close the night at ((Sound Room)). <a fr-original-style="" href="#" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">More details here</a>.Where? Frankhan and Sail Loft Vakkorama, Kemankeş Kara Mustafapaşa When? September 20-21, 2024<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="f68e5ecf-42cb-4a00-951d-85daeb20f8ca" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yum Yum Weekend.&nbsp;Pop-up.&nbsp;Berfin and Sungur are gearing up to meet on the rooftop with Agios Votanikos, Resi Bender, Marius Houschyar, and Big Table Athens. Hosts Owen and Resi will serve homemade kombucha cocktails, while yakitori and steamed dumplings will be cooked over an open fire. The evening’s vibe will be shaped by carefully selected tunes from Eren, Antonio, and Marius. Plus, Very Berry Niche’s microsound live performance will add an extra splash of color to the event. Don’t forget to bring cash! <a fr-original-style="" href="#" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">More details here</a>.Where? Agiou Orous 27 Botanikos, Athens When? September 21, 2024, 16:00-midnight</div>

Mini guide for things to do in Istanbul and Athens.

What's on this weekend?

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Starting the day</h2>Mornings begin with a walk around the neighborhood. I usually prefer strolling along the coast or through the grove. My favorite, Koru Yokuşu Street, is a must-pass because it's incredibly peaceful. My coffee break is at Beylerbeyi Evi, and the best sourdough bread can be found at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/8xbVhyefmXID?c=DzyPDzVHKfPI615EIDLxV&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Breadtaking.</a><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">On weekends</h2>While the locals in Emirgan are busy with traffic, I seek out a few tranquil hours away from the crowds, often heading to Emirgan Park.<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">When it comes to food</h2>I stop by Reşitpaşa Market for shopping because I love the hustle of the market. The neighborhood’s most special vendor is Kardeşim Mantı—we just can't say no to their mantı. The most "local" shop has to be <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/6a3xXQubIPAe?c=DzyPDzVHKfPI615EIDLxV&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Zeyta.</a> For dinner, I head to the nearby <a fr-original-style="" href="https://link.apos.to/c/2qX82FhFrPtO?c=DzyPDzVHKfPI615EIDLxV&sub=6558b8cd6153b000066ad167&s=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Mipalé Kitchen</a>. When I have guests over for a meal, I always make a stop at Kiffe to grab some drinks.Ferit Sarper

With Ferit Sarper. 

A day in Emirgan

Good to know: Beylerbeyi İçecek is a premium rakı producer founded in 2007 by the Sarper Family.&nbsp;It is the opening day of the Mardin Biennial. Sitting at a table, I listen to a Ferit's childhood friend recount how the company named Beylerbeyi İçecek developed its iconic glass design. It's a rare opportunity to see up close the meticulous attention to detail and bold design that has made the company a force in the industry.&nbsp;Ferit Sarper runs Beylerbeyi İçecek alongside his father. He is also the founder of Münferit in Beyoğlu and Gaspar in Karaköy, both pioneers of the modern tavern concept in the 2010s. Ferit, who has always had a deep interest in all things culinary, found his confidence in the food and beverage sector through Münferit. Although Münferit closed after the transformation of Beyoğlu, Beylerbeyi İçecek continues to expand its influence in the culinary and cultural scenes with new ventures.A few weeks later, I found myself in the newly opened office of Beylerbeyi İçecek, a standalone building in Emirgan, after hosting a dinner for the artists of Mamut Art Project, a platform that supports young and independent artists. There's a palpable sense that something new is being built in Emirgan. On a summer day, we gathered in their office, which transcends its function as a mere workspace by fusing design, culture, and culinary arts. The office, an emblem of their identity, has the street sign above the building; it blends seamlessly into the neighborhood and is easy to find. We walked through a meticulously maintained garden filled with wild herbs and plants they've cultivated, reminiscent of the garden of a modest neighborhood home. Inside, the contrast of marble and wood greets us, along with Pipistrello lamps, CANAN's artwork and other pieces from Ferit's collection. Ferit explained that nothing in the office is randomly placed; the design is meant to be lived in and completed over time. He placed cucumbers from Izmir on the table and the conversation began. Our goal was to explore how an office design can reflect a company's culture and identity and create a sense of belonging for its employees. We also wanted to see how a company can carve out spaces in the city, both inside and outside its neighborhood office.<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2024/8/4/1726778741743.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.67" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">Beylerbeyi İçecek has been a representative of refined tastes since its inception. In an era where visibility is often prioritized and subtlety overlooked, this company stands firm in its beliefs and insists on elegance without trying to get attention. From the design of their glasses and bottles, to the tables, their brand graces, and now to their new office in Emirgan, every detail tells a story of design and sophistication that is ingrained in their DNA. "Each element reflects and sustains a feeling that we want to perpetuate. At some point, you see the character of a brand in all these pieces. When that coherence is achieved, the values of everyone on the team align. The same story is given physical form through design in different formats," says Ferit, explaining how the new office contributes to the company's philosophy and why design is so important at Beylerbeyi İçecek. He adds, "For example, glass is very important in our world and directly affects the experience. The enjoyment of a product is never just about the product itself. Every element at different levels reinforces that perception. The starting point for this glass is my childhood memories. As I shared what I remembered, or thought I remembered, I heard similar stories. We tried to find the essence of these memories. We repeatedly experimented with the quality of the glass, the dimensions, the tone of the gilding, the personal feeling evoked by the handwriting, and many other details. We patiently eliminated what didn't feel right."<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2024/8/4/1726778796514.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.67" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">When it comes to the decision to open an office in Emirgan, Ferit mentions that they stumbled upon this building in the neighborhood where he lives, and it met all their needs: "For a long time, we were using co-working services and working in a hybrid way. We had also moved to remote working at our headquarters in Izmir. Apart from my father, hardly anyone came to the office on a regular basis. We didn't feel the lack of a traditional office, but since we are a team that likes to spend time together, we started looking for a place that would encourage that. We started looking for a place that would offer us the lifestyle we embrace every day with our product, and the stars aligned to led us to this building."<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2024/8/4/1726778816401.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.67" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">In designing the office, Ferit's priority is to create a world that quickly and naturally absorbs people and makes them feel at home: "This means correctly identifying the essential points, focusing on them sufficiently, continuously eliminating unnecessary elements and removing absurdities. We approach everything by often asking what is too much. We did the same thing when we designed the office. We have a sweet garden and a gardener who is like a poet. We made sure that the plants we added to the garden belonged to Istanbul's flora and were modest and inconspicuous. Instead of uprooting the wild herbs, we decided to support them. With the meticulous work of our gardener, İbrahim Bey, we soon reached a point where the garden made us feel like we were in the countryside. By integrating with our location, we seem to differentiate ourselves. To me, this beautifully summarizes our approach to work and life."&nbsp;The result is an office design where everyone wants to spend time and connect, reflecting the company's outlook.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">Editor’s note: Read the full story in the first issue of Soli. This version is condensed and edited from an interview between Elif Bayram and Ferit Sarper.&nbsp;Photos by <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/denizsabuncu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Deniz Sabuncu</a>

We sit down with Ferit Sarper, who co-manages Beylerbeyi İçecek alongside his father. He is also the founder of Münferit in Beyoğlu and Gaspar in Karaköy, iconic venues of the past.

Inside the office of a company imbued with design and elegance

<h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Let’s meet</h2>I live in Psychico, Greece, which is where my heart truly belongs to. I also spend plenty of time at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/skinopilodge/?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Skinopi Lodge</a> in Milos.For me, a neighborhood is all about welcoming spaces. I feel at home in a place where I can find kindness.Whenever I meet someone new, I often find myself sharing about my travels.<h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">When in Milos</h2>My mornings here usually start with a swim.My favorite thing is to walk down the steps to our deck on the sea because it is the most peaceful place.Only the true locals know which beach is best for each day's wind.<h2 dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Let’s talk — what’s up?</h2>Lately, I've been focusing on and thinking about the future of the Greek Islands because of the threat of mass tourism.These days, I'm reading about the elections in Europe and the US, which is disheartening. The last book I read was “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan.My last trip was to India, where I discovered yet another entirely different, beautiful world.

Her days usually start with a swim.

Nausika Georgiadou

As we prepare for this issue in the summer when tourism season peaks, the Greek Islands face the perennial challenge of balancing visitor influx with environmental preservation. Amid this dynamic, a particular island hotel stands out for its ambitious commitment to offering luxury without compromising eco-friendliness. But how is such balance achieved? From architectural design to guest engagement, this establishment challenges the norm, seeking a symbiotic relationship with its natural surroundings. So, we ask: can sustainability coexist with high-end hospitality?Nausika Georgiadou’s journey to founding Skinopi Lodge is a tale of passion, discovery, and an unwavering commitment to preserving Milos's natural and historical heritage. Nestled in the heart of the Cycladic islands, Skinopi Lodge offers an experience that is both intimate and transformative, merging eco-luxury with the rugged beauty of the Greek landscape.Işıl İlkter: Your journey to founding Skinopi Lodge is undoubtedly unique. Could you describe the personal experiences and moments of realization that underscored the importance of creating a retreat that showcases Milos's natural beauty and fosters a deep sense of discovery among its visitors? Nausika Georgiadou: Milos has been my happy place since I first discovered it when I was 18. I am also a passionate traveler and hotel lover, so I have always had this romantic notion of having my hotel here. Over the years of coming to Milos with various friends, I realized that what people wanted was my Milos and what I would do with my day here, so that is what we offer on a very personal level to each guest. This is possible as we are tiny with just seven villas, and we intend to stay that way in the face of the threat of mass development and large hotels on the islands.Iİ: The Cyclades are celebrated for their stunning landscapes and historical depth. What about Milos, specifically, captivated you and led to the decision to establish Skinopi Lodge there? What unique qualities of the island influenced your vision?NG: Milos and its archipelago, including the island of Kimolos and the desert island of Polyegos, have one of Greece's most beautiful and varied coastlines. At the same time, Milos has been a significant island since prehistoric times, so it has amazingly deep layers of history. I love nature, particularly the sea, and I am constantly exploring wherever I go, so Milos offers both of these qualities to me.Iİ: Your collaboration with local artisans and architects in designing Skinopi Lodge’s stone villas is particularly noteworthy. Could you elaborate on the creative process behind this collaboration? What were the main challenges, and how did you ensure the architecture harmonized with the landscape and resonated with the rich Cycladic heritage?NG: I collaborated with Kokkinou-Kourkoulas Architects, a great Athenian office. The brief was to create just a cover in nature, buildings that do not try to compete with the beauty of the natural landscape, just to provide shelter and honor the island's traditions as well as the Greek summer way of life, with the indoor-outdoor experience. The architects created stone structures, and we sourced the stones locally so the buildings would blend in. We incorporated outdoor kitchens and showers to encourage guests to live outdoors, and all villas have been designed with cross ventilation to cool naturally and minimize air conditioning. The syrmata inspired the design, the beautiful houses that adorn the fishing villages of Milos, and, of course, our own village of Skinopi just below the Lodge.Iİ: The balance between privacy and engagement with nature is finely tuned at Skinopi Lodge. How did you conceptualize and realize an environment that offers both secluded tranquility and a gateway to the adventurous essence of the island?NG: Privacy and connection to Nature are the essence of Skinopi Lodge, and we ensured that basically by building only 7 villas on nine acres of private land, covering only a tiny percentage and leaving the rest wild and pristine. It was a conscious decision, which I am incredibly proud of. It is the gateway to the adventurous side of the island in the sense that guests experience a different island when staying with us, away from noise, tourism, and the usual large hotel experience, and are personally guided to seeing the best the island has to offer.Iİ: Islands like Milos face unique sustainability challenges due to their isolated nature and limited resources. How does Skinopi Lodge address these challenges in its daily operations and long-term planning?NG: The Cyclades are very small in scale, and the environment is very fragile here, so the current massive trend of tourism flowing to Greece poses a huge threat to our tiny islands. In Skinopi, at least, it always feels the same, whether in May or August, as the land is large, and there is absolute peace and blissful quiet. We intend to keep it that way by not building any more villas, just safeguarding this beautiful land we are privileged to be the guardians of.Iİ: What are the ecological priorities on the island, and what can the tourism industry and hotels do to address these issues?NG: Milos has been a mining island forever, but production volumes have significantly increased in recent years. This threat, combined with the threat of tourism, is really worrisome. We, in the tourism industry, can lead by example. Show the locals and the government that there is another way forward to be more profitable in the long run. The way to small-scale, luxury tourism, which respects the environment, fights climate change, and safeguards the beauty of our islands for our children.Iİ: The concept of “eco-luxury" is becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality industry. How does Skinopi Lodge define and practice eco-luxury?NG: There is a lot of greenwashing out there, and people are getting so used to reading about the eco properties of various hotels that the word has become hollow. In the dry Cyclades, one cannot be eco-conscious and have a swimming pool in every room or have rooms that can only be lived in with air conditioning. We strive to be utterly faithful to our word and sustainable by being plastic-free, having no pools, and having our beautiful sea as a seafront property. Also, our design and state-of-the-art insulation materials ensure minimal energy consumption.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">Editor’s note: The full story is in Soli’s first print issue.

With Nausika Georgiadou, founder of Skinopi Lodge, we explore how to sustain tourism in harmony with nature on islands overrun by mass tourism: Has the concept of luxury in tourism truly changed? What does it really mean for hotels to be designed in sync with nature?

Eco-luxury: can sustainability coexist with high-end hospitality?

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Wherever the wind blows&nbsp;</h2>Milos boasts Greece’s most diverse coastline—explore as much as you can. Choose your beach according to the winds: when the northern winds blow, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/fyriplaka/?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Fyriplaka</a> and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://g.co/kgs/czvd51v?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Tsigrado</a> are ideal. If it’s very windy, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://deepbluebeachbar.com/?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Deep Blue</a> beach bar in Paliochori is the best spot. On days when the wind comes from the south, head to <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x1498e099a99968d1:0x5d7b410fc19e9c1a?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111&utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Sarakiniko</a>, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/r5ACiayuGxV4nkfY9?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Fyropotamos</a>, or <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/hDUdvGmVaCniqmzm6?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Papafragas</a>. When the weather is calm, every bay is stunning, but a boat trip around the island or to nearby <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vFaEmG3zS7txVTq8?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Kimolos</a> and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/U9jX2bn3MuZeJtpZA?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Polyaigos</a> is always a good idea.<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">In the footsteps of ancient history&nbsp;</h2>Milos was a major island in antiquity, and evidence of its rich past is everywhere. Perhaps its most famous treasure, the Venus de Milo, now resides in the Louvre. On the island, visit the ancient theater, the archaeological museum, and the early Christian catacombs. Then, as the sun sets, walk through the ancient city.<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Food, food, food&nbsp;</h2>For a true farm-to-table experience, taste the local cheese at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/SucUYzAsEpEkFQ7v5?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Oh Hamos</a>, and enjoy ouzo and calamari at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/aXCyjMMNdT1Xq7pq8?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Medusa</a> in Mandrakia. Between dips in the sea, grab a bite at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/6a9nGraczaym4Z4a9?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">To Kyma</a> and Telonio in Kimolos. In the evening, dine at the old-school taverna <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/74LsyX4Y3vn8FRCg9?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Diporto</a> in Plaka, chase it with watermelon and orange tart with ice cream at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/S1DunNR9b4AM7RBv5?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Palaios</a>, and cap off the night with a drink or two at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/qofUNfimLZAscuPB6?utm_source=aposto" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Verina Bar.</a>

Following in the footsteps of Nausika Georgiadou, we map out a perfect day in Milos.

A day in Milos with Nausika Georgiadou

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Legacy of Olympic cities</h2>Urban planningNearly two decades after the 2012 Olympics, London's East End has transformed from a heavily industrialized area to a vibrant urban landscape, as highlighted by Helen Chandler-Wilde in a Bloomberg CityLab <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-london-olympic-legacy/?srnd=citylab" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">article</a>. The transformation has turned this once-forgotten region into a thriving community hub, complete with new housing, and cultural institutions like the Victoria &amp; Albert Museum and Sadler’s Wells Theater, underscoring the transformative impact of the Olympics on the city's urban fabric.Economic revitalization:&nbsp;Initially spurred by the Olympics, the redevelopment focused not just on creating sports facilities but on broader economic renewal. This effort has redefined the area with green spaces, educational institutions, and health centers, contributing to a dynamic community life and attracting significant investments. The overall competition was estimated to have added £10 billion to the UK economy, highlighting a successful economic boost from the games.Community focus:&nbsp;The redevelopment of the once-neglected Stratford area has created a thriving residential and business district, now home to 12,000 residents and soon-to-be 40,000 workers. Investments in civic amenities have significantly transformed the community's infrastructure and quality of life.Controversial changes:&nbsp;Despite positive transformations, the redevelopment sparked controversy, particularly regarding the financial burden on taxpayers and gentrification pressures on existing communities. The London Stadium, transformed into a football stadium with ongoing financial losses subsidized by public funds, remains a contentious symbol of these challenges.Parisian prospects:&nbsp;In contrast, Paris is contemplating its post-Olympic future with plans for a significant €1.4 billion cleanup of the River Seine, aiming to transform the waterway into a safe, recreational space. Unlike London, Paris has utilized existing venues for the Olympics to minimize costs and environmental impact, with a focus on long-term economic sustainability.Sustainable strategies:&nbsp;London’s approach to integrating the Olympics into broader urban development has set a precedent for future hosts like Paris, demonstrating the potential for such events to catalyze long-term urban renewal. The legacy of the 2012 Olympics offers a complex yet ultimately optimistic example of how large-scale events can stimulate significant economic and social benefits, reshaping urban landscapes and community dynamics in sustainable and culturally enriching ways.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Reviving rural Spain</h2>TourismAmid protests against overtourism in bustling beach towns like Barcelona and Malaga, Spain's lesser-known rural villages are seizing an opportunity to rejuvenate their regions. As Francisco Mestre, president of Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España, notes, the true spirit of Spain resides not in its crowded coastlines but in its authentic villages and towns.Village revival:&nbsp;Anento, a charming village nestled in a Zaragoza valley, epitomizes this shift. Once home to just 100 residents, the village now attracts 45,000 visitors annually, drawn by its natural beauty and historical sites. Recent developments, including new restaurants and a hotel, aim to sustain this tourism boom.Literary Libros:&nbsp;Libros, another village harnessing its unique attributes, is transforming into Spain's literary capital. The village plans to construct a hotel-library and revamp its former mining district into a literary hub, complete with streets named after famous writers, aiming to restore its historical vibrance.Cave attraction:&nbsp;Guadix, known as the European Capital of Caves, is drawing tourists with its unique underground dwellings. The town has seen a significant increase in visitors, thanks to its inclusion in the Global Geoparks Network and the development of cave-based accommodations like hotels and restaurants.What we're thinking:&nbsp;Spain's strategy to divert tourism from overcrowded beaches to rural villages is both innovative and sustainable. By highlighting unique local features—like Libros' literary heritage and Guadix's cave accommodations—these areas not only preserve cultural authenticity but also stimulate economic growth. This approach serves as a model for how tourism can regenerate communities without compromising their heritage or environment, offering a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges of depopulation and overtourism.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">World's first sound museum: Audeum opens in Seoul</h2>Arts and cultureKengo Kuma and Associates recently unveiled Seoul's latest cultural landmark, the Audeum, which marks a significant advancement in museum experiences focused on sound. This groundbreaking project, spanning approximately 2.4 million square feet, was developed to merge sensory healing with architectural innovation, emulating the natural forms of a forest canopy.Acoustic innovation: Conceived by South Korea-based acoustics specialist Michael Chung, the Audeum stands apart from the bustling city center, offering a retreat that Kuma describes as an "architectural instrument." This space is designed not just for listening but for experiencing sound in a way that reconnects visitors to nature and their sensory perceptions.Architectural symphony:&nbsp;The visitor's journey begins even before entering the museum, with overlapping aluminum louvers creating a play of shadows, preparing them for the immersive experience inside. The entryway, akin to a valley, leads through a corridor lined with rough natural stone, transitioning into interiors that feature Alaska cypress and fabric walls designed to enhance acoustic properties.Holistic experience: Inside, the Audeum's multi-level design culminates in a double-height viewing area facing the city, symbolizing the integration of urban and natural elements. Kuma emphasizes that healing in the Audeum extends beyond the visual; sound plays a pivotal role in rejuvenating visitors, marking a new era in therapeutic cultural spaces.<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Bornova's vision: Becoming a city of museums</h2>Arts and cultureBornova Municipality, in Izmir, Türkiye, is taking significant steps toward its goal of transforming the district into a city of museums. Mayor Ömer Eşki is gearing up to launch several museum projects. To coordinate this ambitious initiative, the municipality has established a special Museum Directorate.Cultural richness:&nbsp;With a history spanning thousands of years, Bornova aims to enhance the understanding of its historical and cultural wealth through these new museums. Mayor Eşki emphasizes the goal of preserving and passing Bornova's rich cultural heritage to future generations.Museum boom:&nbsp;The upcoming museums in Bornova include the Levantine Life Museum, Ata Memorial House, Yeşilova Mound Visitor Center, National Museum of Modern Arts, sports museum, education museum, architecture museum, Cretan and Yoruks Culture Museum, and Homer Museum. Additionally, a new square is being designed in the Historical Market. These projects are set to kickstart a comprehensive process contributing to Bornova's cultural, social, and economic development.