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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Istanbul

43 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Updated December 1, 2023

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Stories About Istanbul

Podcast: Ottoman Bird Palaces

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team

Podcast: Museum of Innocence

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team
By the beginning of June, sea snot was thick off the coast of Turkey.

What in the World Is Sea Snot?

And why is it fouling the coast around Istanbul?
by Jessica Leigh Hester

Podcast: Basilica Cistern

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team
The figures of Karagöz and Hacivat, on display inside Özek's theatre in Istanbul, appear in every shadow theater performance.

Istanbul's Master of Puppets Is on a Mission to Save an Ancient Art

From his tiny studio, Cengiz Özek finds new ways to keep this Ottoman era tradition alive.
by Demetrios Ioannou
One of the best preserved charity stones in Istanbul, outside the İmrahor Mosque in the Üsküdar district.

The Forgotten Stones That Still Inspire Turks to Help Their Neighbors

A tradition of anonymous charity lives on in the age of COVID-19.
by Jennifer Hattam
Pretty, bad for historic walls.

Invasive, Photogenic Plants Are Taking a Toll on Istanbul’s Ancient Walls

One researcher is recommending a zero-tolerance policy.
by Jonathan Carey
Janissaries carrying their kazan, along with a regimental ladle.

Being an Ottoman Janissary Meant War, Mutiny, and Baklava

To overthrow the sultan, janissaries first threw over their cooking pots.
by Anne Ewbank

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