A Gateway to Tourism and Economic Success

by Camille Gardeur  This Saturday, June 10, 2023, Istanbul is preparing to host the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan. This highly anticipated event is generating great excitement among the city’s residents, as well as local businesses, hoteliers, and various travel agencies. Beyond the sporting aspect, the final offers significant tourism and economic advantages to the city of Istanbul, which has … Continue reading A Gateway to Tourism and Economic Success

The Grand Bazaar: Nightmare for Luxury Brands or Free Advertising?

By Isola Ansideï Istanbul, a city with more than 15 millions of inhabitants, a city that hides treasures, but also the capital of a country known to be the second largest producer of counterfeits after China. In the heart of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, illegal copies of the biggest luxury brands circulate every day. Smiles, laughter, children … Continue reading The Grand Bazaar: Nightmare for Luxury Brands or Free Advertising?

Exploding housing costs chase away Turkish talent

By Lauren McKay Turkish citizens are battling record high rent prices in the midst of a housing crisis spurred on by nationwide hyperinflation. As a result, the country is facing ‘brain drain’.   Cansu Koc (27) is one of these educated, soon-to-be expats. Koc has had to battle with her landlord to keep a roof over her head for the past five years. When her husband … Continue reading Exploding housing costs chase away Turkish talent

Turkish Inflation and the Mental Health Crisis

By Eamon O’Callaghan More and more of Turkey’s youth are finding themselves battling to maintain their mental health, with prices in the troubled country soaring while the lira continues to drop in value. Turkey’s economic crisis is one which has plagued it for years. Over the last 12 months alone, the country has averaged a staggering inflation rate of 63.72%, consistently driving up the cost … Continue reading Turkish Inflation and the Mental Health Crisis

The Istanbul Canal: a major environmental challenge

By Albane Rousseau In the bustling city of Istanbul, a daring project is underway. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the driving force behind what he calls his “Crazy Canal Project”, a grandiose undertaking designed to relieve traffic on the Bosporus. Nevertheless, for Cemal Saydam, a retired oceanographer, “the proposed channel will not only affect Turkey but will cause an international environmental disaster that will affect … Continue reading The Istanbul Canal: a major environmental challenge

Refugee crisis reaches boiling point

By Josie Makkink In Istanbul, the strained relationship between Syrian refugees and Turkish nationals has escalated significantly due to the city’s economic collapse and social turmoil. The tension between Syrian refugees and Turkish nationals became extremely politized during the second round of the elections in Istanbul. An economic meltdown, overpopulation, and hostile living conditions are consuming the city. Political parties are using the refugees residing … Continue reading Refugee crisis reaches boiling point

Facing globalisation, craftmanship is surviving

By Axel Benaben In the heart of the biggest city of Turkey, in between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, lies a peaceful heaven, the İstanbul Sanatları Çarşısı (Istanbul Arts Bazaar). Settled in a somewhat typical 18th century Ottoman building, this place is home to people keeping the Istanbul’s crafts tradition alive. The Arts Bazaar presents 11 art branches and a café in its 12 … Continue reading Facing globalisation, craftmanship is surviving

“We are here, and we are not leaving!”

The LGBTQ+ Community will be fighting for their rights in Istanbul By Carla Edelmann Despite all hopes, Erdogan is still the winner of this year’s election in the second round. One thing that stood out in the run-up to the election was Erdogan’s hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community. According to him, the LGBTQ+ community represents “deviant structures” and is a “virus of heresy”. With Erdogan beginning his … Continue reading “We are here, and we are not leaving!”

Language learning: fostering human bonds

By Josie Makkink As the sun sets, the evening rays shine through the rustic open windows of the Dutch Language Café in the Hague. Roben Scholten (33) is the founder of this language group, which has grown to 100 members since its launch three years ago. “I started the Dutch Language Café when I came back from a trip to Spain. I worked in a … Continue reading Language learning: fostering human bonds

Student associations complete college experiences

Story by Anouk Huijbrechtse, Photos by Lana Schut Melanie Flohil (23) is a fourth-year commercial economics student in Amsterdam. At 23, she’s already rocking it as a board member at student association Marco, making sure everyone has a great time. Marco brings students together with a whole bunch of activities. Whatever you’re looking for, Marco’s got your back. Networking opportunities Student associations provide an opportunity … Continue reading Student associations complete college experiences