Reigniting Turkey's Art Scene With Contemporary Istanbul

Istanbul remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Sitting at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, it exhibits influences from all three continents. The diverse architecture reflects the city’s incredible past, which has undergone many changes over the centuries. Foodies flock here for the excellent cuisine, and wellness fanatics swear by the authentic hammam experience as a natural tonic to the stresses of modern life.

In recent years, Turkish art has also come to the forefront. Leading the way is Contemporary Istanbul, which has firmly claimed a place on the calendar for art lovers everywhere. The event showcases the best work from local artists and provides a home for international artists too.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help reignite the arts with our 15th anniversary of Contemporary Istanbul, and reinvigorate the artistic community,” says Ali Güreli, founder and chairman of the annual art fair.

The year 2020 has been tough for everyone, and many events have been cancelled in the wake of Covid-19, but Contemporary Istanbul is definitely going ahead. Travel restrictions may prevent many of us from visiting the art fair in person, but plans are in place to set up a virtual platform alongside the physical art fair.

That’s a worst-case scenario, with officials hoping to welcome visitors to the city in December for the latest edition of the annual fair. Contemporary Istanbul will be the only major art event to go ahead this year, with organisers taking additional measures such as phased entry, temperature checks, directional flow controls and improved ventilation systems to keep attendees safe. The event usually takes place in September, but has been moved this year to give organisers the chance to get people to attend.

Istanbul in December is a special place, welcoming a lot of Europeans who come here to enjoy the warm winter climate. It is mild enough to spend considerable time outdoors, unlike the intense heat of the summer months when it can become oppressive at times.

All the city’s attractions are open throughout the year, including the famous Grand Bazaar. The oldest market in the world is almost entirely indoors and continues to be a major tourist draw.

Istanbul in summer also tends to be far more crowded than it is during winter. With people still wary of venues that don’t allow for social distancing, a trip here when it’s not as busy becomes even more appealing.

For art lovers, there are a number of galleries dotted around the city. Just like other attractions such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the chance to see these without battling large crowds is an attractive prospect.

Another reason to visit Istanbul is its wide selection of hotels. These are a combination of modern and historic, and we’ve picked out our favourites to give you the perfect experience in Turkey this winter.