Meeting Books Inside the City

Istanbul Kitapcisi is the book and cultural products brand of IBB Kultur AS, with branches at different points across the city. It works as more than a bookshop; with programmes of talks, listening sessions and concerts, the branches are also small-scale cultural venues. Reader and Writer Meetings One of the regular programmes is a series of talks bringing authors together with readers. The format is small in scale; unlike a conference in a large hall, it is possible to ask questions and to talk. Attendance is usually free with limited places, and registration opens when the programme is announced. Muzik TR100 and Jukebox The Muzik TR100 programme, which presents a century of music from the Republican period in curated selections, meets listeners at the branches through its Jukebox events. At each meeting a different figure prepares and plays their own selection; recordings are played and then discussed, a different format from a concert. Jazz on the Terrace and open-air cinema The terrace of the Kadikoy branch is used for concerts and film screenings in summer. It is a small-scale programme facing the sea view, and as places are limited you need to arrive early. Publications The branches carry the books of IBB Publications, a catalogue weighted to Istanbul history, urban studies, literature and art. Most of these titles are not easy to find in general distribution, so for anyone researching the city the branches are the main address. Discounts on selected titles run in periodic campaigns. Other book addresses in the city The Sahaflar Market in Beyazit is a courtyard set up for second-hand and old editions, where old printings of books on Istanbul, maps and photograph albums turn up. The area around Bahariye in Kadikoy and the side streets off Istiklal in Beyoglu are where independent bookshops concentrate. Using the three together forms a sufficient network for anyone interested in books in this city. Practical Branch programmes are announced through the calendar and events are usually in the evening. As places are few, you need to act quickly when registration opens. Gifts and cultural products Besides books, the branches carry design products related to the city; map prints, notebooks, bags and Istanbul-themed gifts. For anyone wanting to take a gift from the city, this is an alternative to the standard products of chain stores. Children's section The branches have wide children's book sections and campaigns on children's titles run periodically. Activities aimed at children, such as reading hours and workshops, also enter the programme. Which branch to go to The branches have different characters; the Kadikoy branch works like a cultural venue with its terrace and concert programme, while the Karakoy branch hosts author meetings. Choosing a branch according to your purpose makes sense. The branch list and addresses can be found on the company's page.