Today I went on an ArtWalk around the Tophane and Karakoy districts. All said, we visited eight galleries. It was inspiring to see the different works of art, although I have to admit that some of the more conceptual pieces went right over my head. The woman who started ArtWalk, Saliha Yavuz, was interesting. She essentially started this art tour after she had been working in a gallery and tourists kept coming in to ask her about the different galleries in Istanbul. And let me tell you, there are many! Anyway, she decided that this was something she could create and she did it!
At one of the galleries we met a photographer, Osman Demir, who discussed his documentary on the gentrification of neighborhoods. He discussed his trip to Romania and it was fascinating. There are some very passionate people in this world.
Also, I got to practice a bit of my Turkish. One gentleman even complimented my accent! Plus, it was a beautiful day and I got to explore some neighborhoods that I didn’t know about. This city really does have these wonderful little surprises around every corner.
At one of the last galleries, I ended up buying a small print- it is the skull made out of roses in the photos below. I just really liked this piece (it reminded me of Day of the Dead type art) and as I was talking to the art dude, I was telling him that I was feeling pretty good because it was so nice to walk around after my dang ankle injury and that pay day was yesterday. That’s when he said, “You can walk and you can pay!” All in all, what a great day.
traveling with claire 
What a great “art walk!” I love the photos and am intrigued with the variety of the art. Istanbul definitely does have an interesting art “vibe”.
Glad you are back to “almost ” normal. Getting praised for your Turkish accent is very impressive. Lovely pictures.