The Best Record Stores in Istanbul

You’ll find a superb collection of Turkish and international second-hand LPs here, including rare items. Analog Kültür is a basement shop run by vinyl lover DJ Kaan Düzarat. His deep knowledge and love of Turkish music’s history is very apparent, and a visit here is like a comprehensive lesson in all the necessary classics. The shop invites artists to use the recording studio at the back, where events and workshops are also hosted, plus audio equipment and instruments are traded.

Şahkulu Mahallesi, Seraskerci Çıkmazı Sk. 4/A, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 287 10 84

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One of Istanbul’s oldest record stores can be found on Galip Dede Caddesi, a street known for its musical instrument shops. You’ll find almost everything you’re looking for here, from ’70s Turkish vintage rock to jazz classics and rock heroes.

Şahkulu Mahallesi, Galip Dede Cd. No:1, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 293 77 39

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Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Zihni is inside the Akmar Pasajı, where students go to browse academic books. In the basement you’ll find one of the biggest LP collections in the city, which means you can spend a few hours here looking through thousands of records.

Caferağa Mahallesi, Mühürdar Cad. Akmar Pasajı No:70 D:13, Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey +90 216 336 50 09

Owned by DJ duo Deform-E, this record shop has a great selection of ’50s and ’60s soul and funk, as well as rock and Turkish icons. The tiny store that is Deform also hosts small performances by artists who you’ll never see on the stage anywhere. The street outside becomes crowded with people enjoying some live music.

Kuloğlu Mh., Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:45, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 245 33 37

You’ll find this record shop in the neighborhood of Çukurcuma, which is famous for its antique shops. Mono focuses on folk, rock, and jazz music, as well as iconic vintage Turkish music. The wide selection ranges from Aretha Franklin to Black Sabbath to Zafer Dilek.

Firuzağa Mahallesi, A, Bostanbaşı Cd. No:10, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 251 51 58

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Another excellent record shop on the Asian side, Vintage Records is one of the newer additions to the city’s music shop culture, but has already made a name for itself with a great collection. You’ll find many LPs of Turkish pop and rock from the ’60s and ’70s, as well as musical equipment.

Caferağa Mahallesi, Dr. Esat Işık Cd. No:20, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey +90 216 330 22 49

If you’re on the lookout for more obscure titles, Kontraplak is the place to go. It’s preferred by the underground crowd, and has a wide musical spectrum that includes everything from acid to techno to jazz. The record player is also a nice addition for those who’d like to listen to their music before they decide to buy.

Tomtom Mah., Yeni Çarşı Cad., Galatasaray Lisesi Yanı 60/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 243 86 80

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