Lale june july august 2015 by MARLET CORPORATE PUBLICATIONS

06 JUNE-JULY-AUGUST 2015

MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF ISTANBUL

Table of

CONTENTS

HEALTH & FITNESS

MUMS ‘N KIDS

22 Volunteering in Istanbul -an interview with our member Michele 25 IWI Charity Figures

FEATURES 26 To be a trailing spouse or not to be? 28 Personal Branding: Let’s FACE it! 32 Sponsored Article: Cornucopia 34 Sponsored Article: Time Out Istanbul 36 A girl’s new best friend 40 Diplomacy at its finest

CALENDAR PROGRAMS 13 Summer Boat Trip 14 Summer Cookery Demonstrations 15 Sunset Cream Cocktail Party 18 Summer Lunch at Zuma

16Summer Lunch at Zuma

26 22

06 Neighbourhood Coffee Mornings 08 Newcomers’ News 11 Groups & Clubs

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

03 Board letter 04 Letter from the Editor

CHARITY

58 56

IWI

13 12 06

JUNE- JULY - AUGUST 2015

44 Ups and downs in Istanbul 48 Heart Opening & Meditation 50 Sponsored Article: Acibadem Hospital 52 What we need to know about Candida

56 Mums ‘n kids news and happenings

PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES 20 Cooking Fish with Chef Murat 21 Kuzguncuk Tour

June - July - August 2015

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS 58 Groups and associations 60 Partner offers 62 Directory 63 Classified ads 64 Policies and advertising

IWI BOARD INFORMATION

IWI BOARD MEMBERS

IWI Office Hours: Wednesday from 10:30AM till 1:00PM

Chairwoman

Stephanie

Machoi

chairwoman@iwi-tr.org

Vice-Chairwoman

Anne Marie

Yilmaz

vicechairwoman@iwi-tr.org

Adresi / Address: Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Çamlıtepe Sitesi No:74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus Ortaköy İstanbul – TURKEY Telephone: 0212 287 35 71 www.iwi-tr.org Dergi Adı/Magazine Name: Lale, Monthly Programme of the International Women of İstanbul

Treasurer

Nicole

Liao

treasury@iwi-tr.org

Office Coordinator

POSITION

AVAILABLE

secretary@iwi-tr.org

Membership Coordinator

Elena

Sklyarskaya

membership@iwi-tr.org

Events Coordinator

POSITION

AVAILABLE

events@iwi-tr.org

Events Coordinator

POSITION

AVAILABLE

events@iwi-tr.org

Sponsorship Coordinator

Anne Marie

Yilmaz

sponsorship@iwi-tr.org

Lale Editor

Vassiliki

Avtzi

lale@iwi-tr.org

Advertising Coordinator

Aylin

Gottardo

advertising@iwi-tr.org

Yayını Yapan / Publisher: IWI International Women of İstanbul, Dernek Kod: 34-64/027

Charity Coordinator

Kristina

Wilfore

charity@iwi-tr.org

Programs Coordinator

Cynthia

Hadatoğlu programs@iwi-tr.org

Food and Wine Coordinator

Anita

Jacobs

food&wine@iwi-tr.org

Newcomers Coordinator (Eur)

Ayse

Yücel

newcomerseurope@iwi-tr.org

Newcomers Coordinator (Asia)

Gabriele

Sailer

newcomersasia@iwi-tr.org

Neighbourhood CM Coordinator

Marina

Fricke

ncm@iwi-tr.org

Mums n´Kids

Chien Fang Lim

mumnkids@iwi-tr.org

IPWIN Coordinator

Namita

Srivastava

ipwin@iwi-tr.org

Liaison Officer

Ebru

Demirel

liaison@iwi-tr.org

İrtibat Adresi / Address: Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Çamlıtepe Sitesi No:74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus Ortaköy İstanbul – TURKEY İmtiyaz Sahibi/Licensee: Nilgün Çoruk Adresi / Address: Emin Sokak Tamer Apt. No:4/13 Etiler-Istanbul Sorumlu Yazı İşleri Müdürü/ Responsible Editor: Nilgün Çoruk Adresi/Address: Emin Sokak Tamer Apt. No:4/13 Etiler-Istanbul Yayın Türü/Issue Type: Yerel Süreli

IWI BOARD ASSISTANTS Digital Media Coordinator

Yongjie

Lale Features Editor

POSITION AVAILABLE

lale@iwi-tr.org

Lale Health and Fitness Editor

Ulli

lale@iwi-tr.org

Communications Associate

Eleanor Ross

communications@iwi-tr.org

Reservations

Diane

Kirkcaldy

reservations@iwi-tr.org

Matbaa/Printer: Marlet Print Solutions Fener Kalamış Caddesi: No:30 Kalamış / İstanbul www.marlet.com.tr +90 216 386 32 16

"Website &Membership Assistant”

Esbie

van Heerden Ünsal

esbie@iwi-tr.org

E-Letter Coordinator

Suzy

Kaluti

iwieletter@iwi-tr.org

Book Club 1

Lesley

Tahtakiliç

Book Club 2

Mary

Akgüner

Basım Tarihi: 29.05.2015 Sayı: 77

Istanbul @ Night

Anita

Jacobs

Tasarım/Design: Marlet Advertising Studios www.marlet.com.tr +90 216 386 32 16

official Facebook page: facebook.com/istanbulwomen Instagram account @iwistanbul

digitalmedia@iwi-tr.org

Allmendinger

istanbulatnight@iwi-tr.org

Cover Photo Credits: Cristiana Cappucci

June - July - August 2015

IWI Güle Güle in Turkish, this means Smiling Smiling... or simply Goodbye Dear Ladies, As the summer approaches, another successful IWI season comes to an end and waits for the new beginning... 2015-2016. Again, IWI will continue to serve all of you wonderful women. Everybody is looking forward to the summer which is right around the corner. Many of you might be leaving, or just coming into the beautiful, exotic city of Istanbul. To some of you it might mean a new job, new friends and new adventures in store for you and your family. Just remember, changes in life are always good, new experiences allow us to grow and understand, and a positive attitude always helps to keep things in perspective. The new IWI Board is preparing for the new season. Each and every Board Member, as well as our Board Assistants, is vital in making IWI a continued success story and will continue to make IWI an important social organization for another 40+ years. All Board Members, Assistants and Volunteers put in precious time and effort into the IWI and forfeit this time from their own families. It is not easy to please 500 members but the majority members are content and appreciative. As a Board, we are always open to constructuve criticism that helps us to best serve our membership. Unfortunately, this year we were subject to harrassment, defamation and personal attacks from a member. The IWI has a long and strong history, and a large membership; so while behavior of this kind is ultimately no great threat to the organization, it causes unnecessary stress and takes up time that could better be invested in doing positive work. Both the Christmas Festival and Spring Ball were very successful and we are happy to inform you that we will be making our donations to charities before the summer officially starts. Details will follow, from our Charity Coordinator, Kristina Wilfore. All of our accomplishments are due to a hardworking Board, enthusiastic volunteers and, of course, our dear IWI members…YOU! It has been a great pleasure serving as IWI Chairwoman for the past two years. I worked with miraculous women and believe me… teamwork and women power rock! I enjoyed every minute of it and it is an experience that I will always treasure. I will continue to help with programs for the IWI. I would like to welcome the new IWI Chairwoman, Stephanie Machoi. She is very excited about her new position and will no doubt be a great success. I wish Stephanie and her new team luck and an enjoyable season. Please give them the support and encouragement that they do deserve. Everybody is a volunteer and they dedicate valuable time for the IWI. I wish everybody a very happy, fun and safe summer. Looking forward to seeing you at the IWI Welcome Day on 21 September.

Nilgün Çoruk

June - July - August 2015

IWI A letter from the Editor Dear Lale readers,

“Have you ever had that feeling –that you would like to go to a whole different place and become a whole different self?” Summer is just around the corner and here I am in front of my computer. Every year, when summer is almost there this phrase by Haruki Murakami keeps coming to my mind; and it stays there. What you find when strolling through this issue of Lale? Sometimes our reality and daily routine can be exhausting and we all have our ups and downs. As you will discover living in a beautiful and interesting place like Istanbul can offer you a plethora of exciting things to do. It goes without saying that being an expat can add an extra burden to this daily life, so we had a real trailing spouse sharing her experience with us. Simultaneously, expat life can be enriching. People move and bring their culture to their new home. So, Turkish culture travels abroad and we followed it up to Geneva. Jewellery making constitutes an old Turkish tradition and we tried to give you a taste of it. Know thy self claimed the ancient philosophers and we give you some personal branding suggestions. Both mental and body health is important and summer time is a good time to take care of ourselves. We asked specialists to give us advice on both and we present you some heart-opening meditation techniques and advice on how to treat candida. Yet another IWI season has come to an end –lots of events, good team spirit, a considerable amount of hard work to put everything together and a strong emphasis on charity. I want to thank all the beautiful people who we shared this season with. A special thank you is reserved for our sponsors. Appreciating all the awesome work done by our outgoing Chairwoman Nilgun, we welcome our new one Stephanie wishing her good luck in her future endeavours. Summer is like the scarlet rose on the cover –summer memories stay there engraved in our soul adding this much needed touch of colour in the gloomy days of winter. I wish you some scarlet red summer memories and hope to see you in person on IWI Welcome Day in September! Warm regards,

Vassiliki E. Avtzi Lale Editor lale@iwi-tr.org

June - July - August 2015

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF ISTANBUL 2015 OPENING MEETING Monday, September 21, 2015 10:30 am until 1:00 pm at the Hilton Bosphorus Hotel -Istanbul � Register for the 2015—2016 IWI season � Discover what IWI interest groups and programs team have planned

for the year � Meet the charities that the IWI supports � Come and talk to other interest groups and associations in Istanbul � Tea and coffee will be served � Children are welcome

For more information on the IWI please see our website www.iwi-tr.org If you have any questions you can contact us at iwiopeningmeeting@iwi-tr.org June - July - August 2015

NEIGHBOURHOOD COFFEE MORNINGS MEET OTHER IWI MEMBERS IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Depending on where you live, you’ll automatically be added to an email list for your neighbourhood coffee mornings. Coffee mornings are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Please be on the lookout for emails from your local area coordinator!

''We visited a newly opened pastry shop, run by a woman who has studied Architecture and has worked as a sales manager at a big American company before she decides to fullfill the dream of her life - opening a cosy place with a plethora of delicacies. She told us about her business and let us decorate a cupcake – of course, we also had enough time for a chat! Such a fun gathering!'' Göktürk-Kemer NCM

Snaps from recent coffee mornings!

June - July - August 2015

NEIGHBOURHOOD COFFEE MORNINGS AREA COORDINATORS

AREA

COORDINATOR

CONTACT

Area A/C/F

Etiler, Akatlar, Ulus, Beşiktaş, Levent

Sebti Hasnaa

hasnaasebti@hotmail.com

Area B/J

Tarabya, Sarıyer, Büyükdere, Zekeriyaköy, Kilyos, Uskumruköy

Szilvia Nagy

vasermanfamily@gmail.com

Area D

Arnavütköy, Bebek, Rumeli Hisarı, Baltalimanı

Karen Chesnut

karen_chesnut@hotmail.com

Area E

Ortaköy, Levazım, Balmumcu

Dawn Biyashev

dancemachine3@gmail.com

Area G

Nişantaşı, Osmanbey, Şişli/Fulya, Gayrettepe, Esentepe, Tepebaşı, Teşvikiye, Maçka

Milijana Mihajlovic Mary Akgüner

milijanak@gmail.com mary.akguner@gmail.com

Area H/I

Yeniköy, İstinye, Maslak, Reşitpaşa, Emirgan

Szilvia Nagy

szilviaboldva@gmail.com

Area K

Kemer, Göktürk

Stephanie Machoi

stephanie@frauenzeitalter.de

Area L

eyoğlu, Taksim/Tünel, Sultanahmet, B Harbiye, Fatih, Gümüşsuyu/Eyüp, Cihangir/ Topağacı, Gaziosmanpaşa/Kabataş

Ayşe Yufkayürek

ayse.yufkayuerek@gmail.com

Area M

Maltepe, Kadıköy/Üsküdar, Moda, Ataşehir, Kartal, Ömerli, Kücükyalı, Salacak, Tuzla

Lynn Nish

nishlynn5@gmail.com

Area O

mraniye,Ç Ü ekmeköy, Beykoz, Çengelköy, Anadolu Hisarı, Beylerbeyi, Kanlıca, Kandilli, Polonezköy, Kavacık

Valerie Celebi

valeriecelebi@superonline.com

Area P

üyükçekmece, Küçükçekmece, Hadımköy, B Bakırköy, Ataköy, Yeşilköy, Yeşilyurt, Bahçeköy/Bahçelievler, Güneşli, Yenibosna, Beylikdüzü, Halkalı, Bahçeşehir, Bağcılar, Esenyurt, Küçükköy

Boglárka Erdélyi

erdelyi.boglarka.bme@gmail.com

Area Y

Caddebostan, Fenerbahçe, Erenköy, Kalamış, Suadiye, Valideçeşme, Göztepe, Bakkalköy, Çiftehavuzlar, Şaşkınbakkal, Küçükbakkalköy, Bostancı

Gabriele Sailer

Members living in Area Y are invited to attend the Asian Side Newcomers Coffee mornings. Please refer to Newcomers Page of this Lale for more details. gsailer@paradisefruit.eu

June - July - August 2015

NEWCOMERS ARE YOU A NEWCOMER?

Welcome! IWI holds get-togethers over coffee especially for newcomers every month, on both the Asian and European sides.

ASIAN SIDE COFFEE ZAMANE KAHVESI, BAĞDAT CADDESI

EUROPEAN SIDE COFFEE DORU RESTAURANT - ATLI SPOR CLUB, MASLAK

The Asian side newcomers coffee gatherings are also popular with Asian side IWI members who have been in Istanbul for a while... Join this vibrant group of welcoming women to establish new friendships – or renew existing ones. Hosted by Gabriele Sailer.

Newcomers are welcomed to get together on the third Thursday of every month for a coffee and a friendly chat.

DETAILS

Date

Second Tuesday of every month starting from September

Time

11am - around 1.30pm

Venue

Zamane Kahvesi, 1st floor, Bağdat Cad. 403, Suadiye (behind Derishow showroom, opposite Türkcell, after Marks and Spencers if you’re walking towards Bostancı)

Cost

Pay as you order

Reservations

Not required

Contact details

Gabriele Sailer – 0546 234 28 35

Ayşe will be there to greet you with a smile and introduce you to other new members.

Date

Third Thursday of each month

Time

10:30am – 12:30 midday

Venue

Istanbul Atlı Spor Kulübü Galatasaray Nevzat Özgörkey Binicilik Tesisleri Doru Restaurant ( Galatasaray , Atlı Spor kulübü ) inside on the grounds of Atli spor Maslak Üçyol Mevkii Sarıyer Tel: 212-286-996410mins walk from the ITU metro stop

Reservations

Not required

Contact details

Ayşe Yücel - 0532 356 38 43 June - July - August 2015

NEWCOMERS Dear IWI members, In the Asian side, we have three coffee morning areas and respectively three contact persons in total: Valerie, Lynn and myself. The newcomers coffee morning is also a common meeting place for our members residing on the Asian side. This way we have a wonderful mixture of both new and long term residents like myself. A lot of useful info is exchanged, mothers just knowing each other by sight from their children’s school finally have the chance to really get to know each other and strong friendships blossom. Our April newcomers’ coffee morning was turned out to be a pleasant surprise as we welcomed many ladies who have just arrived to Istanbul and have joined the IWI family. As you can see from the photos, everybody was quite busy exchanging contact details, having a delicious brunch and spending lovely time! For the next season we will also try to offer some more interesting programs on our Asian side, combining culture and coffee. During the summer period we will have the coffee mornings at our boat trip! Looking forward to meeting you all there! Regards, Gabriele Asian Side Newcomers Coordinator newcomersasia@iwi-tr.org

Directions for European Side Newcomers Meeting Place: By Car from Levent Drive towards Sariyer on the Maslak road. After passing ITU keep on going straight WITHOUT going towards Istinye. Go past BP gas station on your right. Go past Isik Ayazağa School on your Right. Then, take the first exit right (Pinar Mah. Emirgan,İstinye) go straight to the end of the road turning toward the right into the direction of the traffic (SariyerMaslak) (you come out just passing Istinye park) go straight passing one traffic light and about in 150 meters on the right side you will see Atli spor. Turn sharp right and park in parking area. Exclusively for IWI member parking fee is 6TL By car from Tarabya After passing Istinye park on your right side, go past 2 traffic lights,continue a little further just before the BP gas station you will see the signs in the picture below, make a sharp right turn and drive to the vale Otopark.The restaurant is on the right side after walking through the gate. By metro from ITU (within 10 min walking distance) Take the metro to ITU Ayazağa exit and walk towards Istinye park, go up the stairs of the overpass to the other side of the street.At the bottom of the stairs turn towards the left and walk towards the BP gas station, after passing it -that should remain on your right side- keep on walking a little further towards the bus stop.Turn right on to the street just before the bus stop, walking against the traffic a short hill. Look towards the left at the top of the street, follow the arrows on the advertisement billboards. Walk down that street and go through the gate to Doru restaurant inside the Atli Spor Club. Ayşe will have yellow IWI signs with arrows to help you find the way to the restaurant.

June - July - August 2015

IN REMEMBRANCE IWI has lost two dedicated members this past season and both, Marina Baumeister and Beatrice Tunçbilek will always be remembered. We wish to express our sorrow for the recent loss of IWI Treasurer Nicole Liao’s beloved brother who has also passed away. . “In sorrow, we mourn those lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve.” . Rest in peace and joy for all the eternity. You will always be remembered.

GROUPS, CLUBS AND REGULAR ACTIVITIES IPWIN

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

IWI WEEKLY OFFICE HOURS

IPWIN, the International Professional Women of Istanbul Network, welcomes all women who are working, seeking employment, or unable to work in Turkey for legal reasons. Our members meet monthly at our IPWIN ‘first Wednesday’. The ‘first Wednesday is an informal get-together based around a specific topic, and is aimed at professional development and networking in a relaxed environment. We also schedule special events through the year featuring business-related topics. Contact: ipwin@iwi-tr.org

The photo club is a group of international members whose skill levels vary from very basic to semiprofessional – but who all share the desire to capture the world in a photograph and to explore Istanbul while doing so. The group discussion includes all current event information, bi-weekly photo challenges, tips and tricks, and general photography topics. Contact: Fay Magnusson photoclubofistanbul@gmail.com

The IWI office hours are on Wednesdays from 10:30 -1:00. Our office is nice and bright and has a lovely garden. Feel free to drop in for a chat or if you have any questions. Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi No 74, Çamlıtepe Sitesi Block C1/D2, Ulus 34347 0212 287 3571 There’s a map at the back of the magazine!

BOOK CLUB

ISTANBUL@NIGHT

Istanbul@night offers a regular opportunity for IWI members, their spouses and friends, to get together and enjoy a few drinks in a fun, new and interesting spot in the city. Everyone is welcome for a relaxed and sociable evening to enjoy some of the best Istanbul has to offer! Istanbul@night takes place on the last Thursday of every month. Look out for more details in the newsletter and on the IWI website. There is no cost to attending, just come and along and pay for what you order. Contact: istanbulatnight@iwi-tr.org

June - July - August 2015

There are two IWI book clubs. Book Club 1 is currently over-subscribed, but Book Club 2 is open to new members! Contact: Mary Akgüner (Book Club 2) mary.akguner@gmail.com

TENNIS CLUB

If you enjoy playing tennis please join our group! Teams are based on skill level and we welcome all players from beginners to intermediate and advanced. Tennis Group takes place at Torch Tennis in Tarabya. Contact: Kenan Dündar kenandundar911@hotmail.com 0535 390 4983

CALENDAR

June M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

W E D N E S D AY T H U R S D AY

F R I D AY

S AT U R D AY

S U N D AY

Summer Boat Trip

02 Asian Side Newcomers Meeting

03 Neighbourhood Coffee Morning

Sunset Cream Cocktail Party at Raffles

Summer Lunch at Zuma

11 European Side Newcomers Meeting

Please be on the lookout for the Cookery Demonstrations organised during the summer months. The Boat Trips will be held on Thursday 2 July 2015 and again Thursday 6 August 2015.

June - July - August 2015

Let’s sail away! IWI Bosphorus Tours

Our Captain Umut’s new luxurious boat! During the summer months we arrange lovely Bosphorus Tours. There is the possibility to get on board from both the Asian and the European side of Istanbul. We ship alongthe Bosphorusenjoying the view of the magnificent mansions on both sides, swimming at the very end of the Bosphorus where the Black Sea starts, sharing the delicious food everybody brings in. Your summer guests are also very welcomed to share this unique experience and have a great time with us. Due to summer holidays we thought it would be best to get the reservations by mail. Please send your reservation always to BOTH mail addresses: Gabriele Sailer: gsailer@paradisefruit.eu Margot Jung: margot.jung@bluewin.ch We are planningto organize it every first Thursday of the month. Price: 55 TL Participation: minimum 20 persons Your reservation will be binding, cancellation must be made till 48 hours prior to event. Otherwise you must pay for no-show.

June - July - August 2015

Mark your calendars! Thursday, 4 June Thrusday, 2 July Thursday, 6 August

Departure places: 10:00 Kandilli 10:30 Tarabya

Estimated return time 16:30-17:00 Tarabya 17:00-17:30 Kandili

PROGRAMS SUMMER COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS He is now working on his new project “MBK Istanbul”, a culinary school for new chefs. Demonstrations are held in a professional kitchen within a hospitality environment, where Murat shares his knowledge and passion during your hands on experience. Although exact dates and menus have yet to be decided, they will be as exciting and delicious as previous ones, to get more information and to reserve your spot please contact Ayşe directly by email: aysegurleryucel@gmail.com. Date Time Meeting Point Cost Following the immense popularity of the cookery demonstrations held at the International Wine & Spirits Academy, Ayşe Yücel is proposing to run additional events throughout the summer to give members further opportunities to experience the professional expertise of chef Murat Bozok. Chef Murat has worked in Michelin starred restaurants in England USA and Paris, including Michelin and TV chef Gordon Ramsay’s.

Participants Reservations Person to Contact

June, July and August, 2015 10:45am – 3:00pm International Wine & Spirits Academy (near Şişli- Mecidiyeköy metro stop) 120 TL in cash only (Complementary wine and beverages included) Maximum 8, Minimum 7 aysegurleryucel@gmail.com Ayşe Yücel

Please note: A reservation made is a reservation paid — any cancellations after the RSVP deadline are payable in full.

www.bipschool.net

November December 2014

June - July - August23 2015

PROGRAMS “SUNSET CREAM” COCKTAIL PARTY AT RAFFLES HOTEL

Closing the IWI season in style! With cocktails, live music and an amazing sunset in the background on the 6th floor roof teras of the Raffles Hotel! We will raise our glasses for our dear members who are leaving the country and IWI starting a new adventure or going back home. Either going on holiday or staying here in Istanbul, let’s welcome the summer and let’s start the new season in September on IWI Welcome Day. So, we have many reasons to celebrate! See you at Raffles on 11 June! Date Time Cost Participants Reservations Deadline Person to contact Contact Details

Thursday 11 June 2015 7:30 pm 120 TL 30 to 50 people Online at the website: www. iwi-tr.org Thursday 4 June 2015 Anita Jacobs food&wine@iwi-tr.org

Please note: A reservation made is a reservation paid — any cancellations after the RSVP deadline are payable in full. June - July - August 2015

IWI

Join the IWI Board & IWI Teams! • Do you want to sharpen your professional skills? • Do you want to learn a completely new skill? • Do you have some extra time on your hands?

• Do you have excellent people skills? • Do you want to meet people from all over the world and join a fun team?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, we may have a place for you on the IWI board or teams. Whether you would like to help a little, or to play a more professional role, we would like to speak to you! There’s no need to have a gap in your CV. Gain valuable experience volunteering with IWI while you are in Istanbul. Current team openings: SUPPORT ROLES Programs Coordinator Are you an organisational dynamo? IWI’s programs team needs someone to help receive reservations, write-up program descriptions and help with other administrative tasks as needed. Coming up with ideas for new programs and helping to organise them could also be a part of this role if desired. Could this be you? Please contact Cynthia Hadatoğlu, our Programs Coordinator, to find out more. You can reach Cynthia at programs@iwi-tr.org.

Sponsorship Coordinator Are you keen to be part of a dynamic team and to help the IWI community? The sponsorship coordinator will be responsible for maintaining the sponsor database and assisting with IWI fundraising events by contacting sponsors for donations of cash, products, services or raffle gifts. For this role you will need very good communication and organisational skills. Ability to speak Turkish to at least an intermediate level would be ideal. Could this be you? Please contact Anne Marie Yilmaz, our Sponsorship Coordinator, to find out more. You can reach Anne Marie at sponsorship@iwi-tr.org.

ALL ROLES ARE VOLUNTARY

June - July - August 2015

Treasurer Maintains a complete record of all IWI and LALE Magazine financial transactions, verifying receipts submitted for payment, reimbursements etc. and ensuring all accounts are kept accordingly up to date and in the format necessary to meet the requirements as a legal association.Treasurer budgets for the current season, projects forward for the next season. She coordinates the Treasury team at larger IWI functions (opening meeting, christmas lunch, spring ball, and christmas festival). Could this be you? Please contact Nicole Liao, our Treasurer, to find out more. You can reach Nicole at treasury@iwi-tr.org. IWI Events Coordinator Great opportunity for dynamic, result-oriented and altruistic personality to: oo plan and organize fund raising events (Christmas Festival & Spring Ball) oo generate creative and relevant solutions in line with low budgeting oo manage wide range of responsibilities Network of contacts is desirable. Could this be you? Please contact Ee Lin or Elena, our Events Coordinators, to find out more. You can reach them at events@iwi-tr.org.

Office Coordinator (Secretary) main duties include the preparation/organization of the monthly board meetings and also the recording and distribution of the minutes. Maintaining the stationary/supplies in the IWI office and coordinating the office schedules. The Office Coordinator also prepares for the Annual General Meeting in cooperation with the individual board teams. Could this be you? Please contact Natalie Vaatz-Deutscher, our Office Coordinator, to find out more. You can reach Natalie at secretary@iwi-tr.org. Website Coordinator (assistant to board position) The website coordinator works to maintain a cohesive design for the IWIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and increase its online presence. Currently the IWI is using a professional product that is self-editable and very user friendly. We also pay for 24hr web support if any problems occur. This position requires a minimum amount of time. The website is open for development and new content can be added at the discretion of the website coordinator. Could this be you? Please contact Esbie van Heerden Unsal, our Website Coordinator, to find out more. You can reach Esbie at esbie@iwi-tr.org. ALL ROLES ARE VOLUNTARY

Together Everyone Achieves More

June - July - August 2015

MARK YOUR CALENDARS LADIES

...For our exciting summer lunch. After a very successful year of programs and activities with IWI, it’s time to celebrate at the year end summer lunch. This year our Gourmet Guru Ayşe Yücel has chosen a venue not to be missed. Our Lunch will be at the very elegant water front Zuma restaurant. This very special menu has been selected especially for IWI with an extraordinary price. Zuma, the brainchild of award winning co-founder and creator Rainer Becker, brings its internationally acclaimed style of modern Japanese cuisine to Istanbul. Already renowned in London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Miami, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi and New York, ZUMA offers a contemporary representation of the informal Japanese dining style Izakaya. Dishes are designed to share; the three kitchens present authentic yet alluring options, with bold flavours and simple presentation, highlighting quality ingredients. Respecting the traditions of Japanese food culture, ZUMA brings the authentic flavours and textures of Japanese cuisine and delivers them - ZUMA Style. Date Time Location Discounted cost

Participants Reservations Deadline Person to contact Contact Details

Wednesday 10th June 12.00 Noon Zuma Restaurant, Ortakoy 120 TL for members, 135 TL for nonmembers in cash only (One glass of wine complementary of KDT included) Maximum 80, Minimum 40 Online at the website: www. iwi-tr.org Monday 8th June 2015 Ayse Yucel

The menu will be: oo steamed edamame with maldon salt (v) oo zuma salad, beetroot, shichimi pepper and maple syrup (v) oo avacado and asparagus salad with yuzu honey dressing oo thinly sliced seabass with yuzu truffle oil and salmon roe oo crispy fried squid, green chilli and lime oo oo oo oo oo

Chef’s selection of maki rolls and nigiri salmon maki kappa maki seabream nigiri Salmon nigiri

oo ribeye, wafu sauce and garlic chips oo salmon teriyaki with pickled cucumber (a) oo stir fried ramen, fresh vegetables, seaweed sauce and dried chilli oo mushroom skewers with garlic and butter soy oo sweet corn with chilli ponzu butter oo exotic and seasonal fruit platter oo water, tea and black coffee inclusive Please send us an email after your registration if you prefer a vegetarian lunch. Info needed to be provided by June 7th the latest.

reservations@iwi-tr.org

June - July - August 2015

PREVIOUS Cooking Fish with Chef Murat Some comments from our attendees! This time we prepared fish dishes with Murat Bey. It was a great experience again and very delicious , each time I come to Murat’s cooking classes I ‘m always looking forward to the next one. Anita Deboning the fish was very interesting and I loved the Steamed fish. Susanne It was my first cooking class with Chief Murat. It was interesting and delicious. Thank you Ayşe for organizing this! Now I can cook the fish perfectly or at least I will give it a try. Assia Love cooking with Chief Murat, everything is delicious, wonderful and a great ambiance. Cynthia Wonderful cooking time, with a wonderful chief, and a very nice menu, and a very good team girl apprentices!!!! Lilian Second time around cooking here, the experience is still wonderful Thank you again for organizing this and thank you Chief Murat for all your little kitchen tips. EeLin Our class today was truly amazing!!! We decided to change the cooking method of one of the fish and the result was out if this world. We smoked one half of the fish and the flavor was truly amazing. OH LA LA! and OH MON DIEU! Were the words to describe our taste bun’s experience. Thank you Murat Bey for yet another great experience. Love, Ayşe Text and Images: Cynthia Hadatoglu Programs Coordinator programs@iwi-tr.org

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PREVIOUS Strolling through Kuzguncuk On this walk of Kuzguncuk, Nil端fer Ilkaya, a professional tour guide of nearly 20 years experience and also a resident of the area, introduced to us some of the facets of this unique neighbourhood with its architecture, historical mansions, churches, synagogues, mosques, artist studios and cobblestone paved streets. We had a lovely time enjoying the Spring weather and discovering another aspect of Istanbul. Text and Images: Cynthia Hadatoglu Programs Coordinator programs@iwi-tr.org

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CHARITY Profile of a Volunteer Michele Haus Karahan: The Transformative Power of Volunteering

Michele with her family

Michele Haus Karahan´s first trip to Istanbul was for the purpose of conducting cross-cultural health care research, traveling from the United States where she was working as a clinical social worker in Texas. The city and a man – now her husband of eighteen years -- quickly swept her up. She has called Turkey home ever since. She remembers the early days of Istanbul, pre-Starbucks, as being very different. She was surprised herself how a simple Western coffee shop could create a sense of familiarity and convenience in a city that can be challenging to navigate, even for veteran expats.

Michele joined IWI years ago and started participating in the Mums n´ Kids group when her children were very young. Through IWI she met the friends who are her closest to this day. With jobs found largely by word of mouth Michele was able to work part time as a clinical social worker in Istanbul, and kept busy with developments in her field through online courses. Now that her kids are nearing college age she has had more flexibility to focus on her other interests in the field of social welfare, which led her to deepen her ties to the plight of refugees.

“I have always wanted to volunteer to do something,” says Michele. Years ago she volunteered with an IWI backed group, Pink Angels, which provided support to children with leukemia. But the distance to the hospital from her house on the Asian side became an obstacle. Two and a half years ago, and many sorted bags of clothes later, she found something closer to her interests when she started working with Caritas, an Istanbul-based humanitarian organization whose mission is “ending poverty, promoting justice and restoring dignity.”

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CHARITY Michele and her friends were initially spurred by something someone shared on Facebook about a specific family that had needs. “We thought let´s help, let´s do something, but this became overwhelming without some kind of structure,” Michele commented. She contacted Caritas and offered to bring clothes by. After seeing the state of the cloakroom, where the donated items were kept, it was clear that the staff was overwhelmed with other projects and was in desperate need of someone to take charge. Michele organized a system for sorting clothes, scheduling volunteers and getting donations. At first she thought she would come once a month, but when she started volunteering she committed to doing more and started coming once a week.

As a social worker by profession, Michele looks at the refugee crisis from the perspective of the people behind the larger geopolitical context of war, conflict and immigration. It is the plight of the African refugees and witnessing what a tough time they have culturally in Turkey, particularly the women, which has stood out the most for Michele. She has also witnessed the way Syrians are getting abused, manipulated or taken advantage of during a period of merging cultures with many Turkish citizens who are also struggling to get by. Michele with her friend Aysha Erten. They started together volunteering at Caritas.

Michele´s interaction with the people seeking services from Caritas has been life enriching. The way Caritas treats them with dignity made her feel at ease with the organization and the sensitivity required to work with refugees. Respect for the privacy of the families and individuals is key; there are no selfies with refugees or posting of pictures on Facebook. For people who want to volunteer they have to go through an orientation, put together a resume and approach the work professionally. Turkey has long been a hub for massive movement of immigrants in crisis from surrounding countries. The country´s open-door policy for Syrian refugees has become a showcase for what the government calls “humanitarian diplomacy.” While the policies of openness are set at the top, the day-today impact of adjusting to the presence of new and different cultures can take time. June - July - August 2015

“It´s heart breaking, they are all just like the rest of us. Some of them have kids that have educated family living in other countries. There is a whole range of people and you can become overwhelmed by the needs.” As challenging as it is, ultimately her work with refugees has been transformative. She notices refugees and people desolate on the streets more than she used to, and often travels with food or clothes and brings supplies to areas around the city where she knows families are in need. “It became something I am always thinking about,” says Michele. “Ever since I came here you are faced with people begging. I am in such inner turmoil about it, you want to help, but when someone is aggressive, I don´t want to respond to that behavior. Sometimes I would give something here or there, but I did not feel good about it. But since I started working with refugees, I see them as human beings and families.”

CHARITY “Even if you don´t give them anything, look at them as if they are human. Now I will joke with kids especially, and I try to give something such a food. I see them as fellow human beings who are in a desperate situation.” Volunteer Spotlight! We are launching a series in Lale to feature the work of IWI members who volunteer. Are you working with a nonprofit organization in Turkey? What have you learned about a social welfare issue and about yourself in the process? We want to hear from you! Please tell us your stories. Contact Charity Coordinator Kristina Wilfore to share your experience, charity@iwi-tr.org. Michele is in fact doing something, a lot of things in fact, by combining her empathy with her interest in storytelling. Through a recent storytelling course taught by documentary filmmaker Ayşegül Selenga Taşkent and photographer Delizia Flaccavent, Michele is creating a video and photography mini documentary project about people who are being moved off land in Fikirtepe to clear the way for a luxury condominium project, with the promise of affordable housing that has never materialized. “I had no idea starting to volunteer would turn into this bigger thing, but it flowed into what it is now and I have ideas of where I want it to go in the future.” Michele hopes to work with a refugee trauma project or work on natural disasters in other countries. “Now that my kids are older I have the flexibility.” Michele´s believes everyone has the capacity to do something, and starting small is a way to begin to get involved. “Science shows that helping other people makes you happy. It´s a wonderful way to meet people, be part of society that you may not be grounded in, and when you help people it always comes back to you.”

Caritas Internationalis is a global confederation of more than 160 organisations networked together in 200 countries, as part of the humanitarian and development mission of the Catholic Church. In 1897, the first ever Caritas was founded in Germany. Out of the suffering of two world wars the need for national Catholic humanitarian organizations is seen and Caritas begins to grow in North America and Europe. Since 1991, Caritas Turkey has been working for refugees, largely from Iraq. With the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Turkey, along with Jordan and Lebanon has welcomed thousands of Syrian refugees, some staying in refugee camps and other sharing crowded households, mainly in south and southeastern Turkey. The refugees attended by Caritas have received medical assistance, food and provisions, but also support and solidarity from its staff. Among its activities are projects for assistance in securing personal documentation, providing food aid for the needy and response to emergencies such as flooding, earthquakes and refugee influxes. www.caritas.org/where-we-are/europe/turkey/ Clothes Donations for Caritas Caritas is looking for clothes donations. The clothes should be seasonal and clean. Children´s clothes are always in need. They also accept toys. Donations can be dropped off at, or you live on the Asian side, Michele can coordinate with you directly, Emreela@yahoo.com.

WRITER: IWI CHARITY COORDINATOR KRISTINA WILFORE Kristina Wilfore is an international political consultant who helps people increase their participation in politics, parties and parliament. She works with political leaders and civic advocates throughout Eurasia and the Middle East. She spends much of her time helping women run for political office and innovating strategies to ensure gender equality. She was born and raised in the US. www.KarakoyunStrategies.com

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2013 - 2014

Charity Funds With your gracious support, IWI successfully raised a combined total of TL74,895 from the two main Charity events of the 2013– 2014 season – the Christmas Festival and Spring Ball. TL35,000 was distributed to the following institutions (with each receiving an equal proportion): • YORET VAKFI Education: a program for counselors for at risk children learning conflict resolution tools •MAVI KALEM Women’s rights and welfare for at risk women/children •BOMONTI HOME FOR THE AGED Elder care •IZEV Education for Down’s Syndrome adults • EUROPA DONNA TURKEY Breast cancer advocacy The remaining amount has been allocated to future IWI Charity projects and IWI operational expenses. Your generosity for charitable causes is ver y much appreciated. The IWI Board works diligently not only to ser ve the local community of international women, but also to support those who are in need. Should you have any questions about IWI funds and fund allocation, please do not hesitate to contact IWI treasurer Nicole Liao at treasur y@iwi-tr.org.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give - Winston Churchill

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FEATURES

TO BE A TRAILING SPOUSE OR NOT TO BE? I came to Istanbul almost three years ago to follow my husbands career. Yes, I was excited but I knew I didn’t want to become the classic ‘trailing spouse’. As a very independent woman, I didn’t want to loose my identity and be just ‘wife and mother’, so before I had even quit my job in Cultural Management in Ireland, I signed up to do a PhD in Cultural Tourism to kinda ‘keep me busy’. Leaving Ireland was hard. There were tears as our three boys said goodbye at school, there were tears as we said goodbye to colleagues, friends and family, tears as we closed the door on our home in Ireland and tears when we arrived in Istanbul. The first weeks and months were amazing and hard. When you have a family, whether you are in Ireland or Istanbul, you still have to make a dinner, find clean socks and read bedtime stories and in some way there is comfort in this familiarity. I tired to keep things familiar for the children but that’s hard when even the bread and butter taste different! We dug deep, kept close, embraced the differences and slowly slowly found our feet, friends and food and settled in. Istanbul is an amazing city, straddling the mighty Bosphorous, the city where past meets present, east meets west and where traditional and modern fight a dynamic battle every day. I eat it up, drink it in and love the energy it gives me and the way it inspires me. The city gets 8 million visitors a year and as someone interested in cultural tourism, I can so understand it popularity and continued to ask myself what are the lessons from here that I can bring back home.

One sunny evening as the boys played in the playground, I met a Turkish woman and we started to chat. We quickly discovered that we shared an interest in food and food culture. Her parents had owned a restaurant in Southern Turkey, her brother was a young up and coming chef and as our friendship developed she introduced me to authentic Turkish cooking, markets, restaurants and backstreet food secrets.

This chance meeting opened up for me a whole side of Istanbul that I may not necessarily have discovered on my own. “Tourists would love this” I was forever telling her, “you should open a food walking tours business”. “We’ll do it together” she said and there and then I decided to postpone the PhD within six months later www.istanbulfoodwalks. com was up and running.

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FEATURES

With Istanbul Food Walks, we take you to the best ‘local, simple, ordinary and delicious culinary treasures of Istanbul. You’ll see amazing little streets, savour new flavours, feel confident with the street food, discover hidden gems, marvel at unforgettable historical sights and be introduced to the Istanbul not normally found on the tourist trail or guidebooks. We have carefully selected our stops not only for the quality of food but also for their history and significance in Istanbul. Our food walks are perfect for the traveller, the adventurer, the foodie or the photographer or even if you just have visitors and you want to off load them into safe hands for the day. As our groups are kept small you can relax and feel like you are exploring amazing Istanbul with a generous & knowledgable friend. We have two food walks, Two Continents Food Walk begins on the European side where you will sample a classic turkish breakfast in a local tea shop. Come hungry! After crossing Galata Bridge

on the Golden Horn, we visit an ancient secluded Han, taste the famous Istanbul Fish Sandwich, meander through the fish market and board the local ferry from Karakoy Harbour and cross the Bosphorous to the Asian Shores at Kadikoy. Here you will get to taste the freshest, the most authentic, the weirdest and the most delicious of what Istanbul has to offer including deserts, mezze and tantuni. We explore the backstreets and markets of Kadikoy, learn something of the fascinating history and culture of Turkey and enjoy the best Turkish Coffee.

I know that a food walk would not be complete without tasting Turkish Kebab, Pistachio Baklava, Kokorec and of course the street food and I know now where the best are. So I’m glad I came here with the time and freedom that is afforded to ‘the trailing spouse’ as its sometimes in the ordinary that you can find the extraordinary!

Our second food walks is called ‘Backstreets of Historic Istanbul Food Walk and begins at the famous The Spice Bazar after which you will also sample a classic turkish breakfast in our favourite local tea shop. We continue by exploring the bustling backstreets seeing, smelling and tasting what makes Istanbul amazing. We often pop into the wonderful Rustem Pasha Mosque famous for its exquisite blue Iznik Tiles.

WRITER: TERRE DUFFY Ms. Terre Duffy (BA, MSc) is living in Istanbul with her husband and three active little boys. Terre has worked in Development & Arts Management in Australia, Africa, UK and Ireland. Terre completed her first half ironman and The Bosphorous Intercontinental Asia to Europe Swim in 2014. She currently lives on the Asian side of Istanbul where she owns and runs ‘Istanbul Food Walks’.

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FEATURES PERSONAL BRANDING, LET’S FACE IT! In an era in which filters and other technology goodies can turn any of us into Mario Testino’s newest muse, personal branding is often associated with another form of vain self-promotion. Think again. Personal brands experts are often caricaturized as former high school weirdos who turned their awkwardness into profitable businesses, thanks to a high degree of megalomania and loud promotion of unsubstantial concepts. This article attempts to show why Personal Branding (PB) is not about the “Revenge of the Freaks Show” but requires real depth and value. Like it or not, we all have a personal brand. You might call it “reputation”, “identity”, “true self” or any other fancy adjective, but the way people perceive you IS your personal brand. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos perfectly made this point when he once said “your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room”. Establishing your personal brand is a very exciting journey, but you also need discipline and sincere auto-evaluation. Many people fail to build successful personal brands because they create a brand based on “what they wish they were” instead of “who they really are”. Here are few tips to avoid this common trap. You have to know your assets: take some time to think about what you are really good at (and don’t tell me that you’re not good at anything because it is impossible). Once you have figured that out, you have just establishing the foundation of your brand. Those strengths are going to be your personal trademark, what makes you stand out and bring something new and valuable to the table. When you think of Oprah Winfrey, who is probably the most iconic personal brand, most people would say that her personal brand DNA revolves around a strong sense of empathy, generosity and this unique ability to connect with anybody from regular Joe to the most prominent figures of the world.

Stick to your values: When building your personal brand, one of the key elements is to keep in mind what values you want to portray and make sure that you can handle them. There is no point to create a personal brand that does not represent your true self in a desperate need/attempt for fame or attention. In the long run, you end up getting lost and discouraged because you fooled the most important from the beginning: yourself.

Be humble and acknowledge your weaknesses: I wish we were all flawless super heroes (that will give MARVEL studios endless possibilities) but we are not. Identify the areas in your PB that you don’t master and a) try to see if you can become more knowledgeable or b) ask for more qualified people for help or tips (and like Joe Cocker once sang there is nothing wrong “with a little help of my friends”).

Define your purpose: what is the ultimate goal of your personal brand? Where do you see yourself in 1,5 or 20 years? Answering those questions will help you setting short-term and longterm goals.

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FEATURES Faith: if you are not convinced that you can bring something relevant to the table, forget it. When you build your PB, focus on your strengths because they bring value, identity and trust to your brand. Authenticity: your personal brand is not a dehumanized marketing product; it is about sticking to your values because by trying to fool other people, you’re fooling yourself. Creativity: most new brands do not have unlimited finances, but don’ let that detail discourage you. Because once you clearly identified your brand DNA, cheap and innovative ways to put yourself on the map often emerge alongside opportunities. Energy: this is what will keep you going when you will be having doubts, or when you will start promoting your brand in person. Remember one thing: people are more responsive to positive vibes and engaging people. “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” You are now on the right track to start or improve your personal brand. The journey starts now! Enjoy!

-Jeff Bezos, Amazon

Personal Branding= FACE Formula

Faith Authenticity Creativity Energy

The different steps described above are summarized in what I call the FACE Formula

WRITER: JENNIFER MIGAN Jennifer Migan is a very enthusiastic 29 year-old French women who has lived in Istanbul for almost a year. She is a freelance communication consultant with a special interest in personal branding and helps small businesses and artists to build their brand reputation. Passionate about creative writing, Jennifer is currently working on her first novel.

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www.bergen.com.tr

International Door to Door Removals Office and Local Moves Customs Brokerage Warehousing Insurance Brokerage Licence Plate Formalities Certified Fine Art Handling Pet Transfer Relocation Services* *Provided by our sister company ‹stanbul Dan›ﬂmanl›k

ISTANBUL UNWRAPPED IV

FRAGILE BURGAZ

Continuing its Istanbul Unwrapped series, Cornucopia 53 heads for the Princes Islands. Photographs by Brian McKee

n winter, Burgaz has something of the frailty of an ancient glasshouse, and this delicate structure underlies the gaiety of the rest of the year (writes Harriet Rix). Just like the other Princes Islands, it had its flush of fashion in the 1890s (after a regular ferry service was established), its flash of intrigue and politics in the 1930s, and is now settling down to a period of honourable passivity. As the third largest of the five inhabited islands, it is often ignored by tourists, but who could resist the Famous Five allure of the watchtower – the “pyrgos” after which the island was named – described and drawn by early travellers but now sadly disappeared, or Kalpazankaya, the “counterfeiter’s rock”, at its northernmost tip. The circumnavigation of the island can be easily done on foot, but it is better to take a fayton for the length of the island in one direction, fortify yourself at the lovely restaurant

at Kalpazankaya, and spend more time exploring the other way. To build up an appetite, dive straight into the village. The Church of St John the Baptist is visible from the boat and easily reached. Going up the hill slightly behind the church one comes to Çayır Aralığı Sok 15, the Spanudis Köşkü, now a small museum dedicated to the Chekhovian writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık, who lived here from 1934 until his death in 1954. Sait Faik’s books are full of the sea and a mystical “ship of one’s dreams, one’s remembrances, full of waves, storms, forbidden seas, strange fish, and unusual people”. Take with you A Useless Man, a selection of his stories, beautifully translated by Maureen Freely and Alexander Dawe (available from cornucopia.net), and at the end of the day settle into the Splendid on Büyükada, the largest of the islands (online bookings through cornucopiahotels.com).

Above right The ‘iskele’ at Burgaz, with the domed Orthodox church of St John the Baptist Above The view from Hristos Tepesion Burgaz, where the hillside opens out into an expanse of rockrose under which grow numerous bulbs, particularly the pretty ‘Scilla autumnalis’. After a fairly stiff climb, with a superb view of the neighbouring island of Heybeliada (the spoon shape of Kaşık Adasi is in the foreground), one reaches the remains of the old Byzantine Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ Theokoryphotos

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SPONSORED ARTICLE: TIMEOUT MAGAZINE

RUNNERS UP: Vegetarian:

Kantin

Zencefil

The lack of meat (and the carbon emissions that go into raising livestock) naturally put vegetarian restaurants one step ahead in the quest for eco-friendly fare. Zencefil’s peaceful garden serves as the perfect backdrop for a guilt-free dinner. Şehit Muhtar Mah., Kurabiye Sok.8 (behind the French Consulate), Beyoğlu. (0212) 243 82 34.

Parsifal

Another plant-based powerhouse located on the same street as Zencefil, Parsifal is one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Istanbul. Here you’ll find meat-free versions of Turkish favorites that are sure to satisfy even the carnivores among us. Şehit Muhtar Mah., Kurabiye Sok.9/A, Beyoğlu. (0212) 245 25 88. parsifal.com. tr.

For the past 15 years, Chef Şemsa Denizsel has been feeding Istanbulites meals made with strictly local and seasonal produce. Although just about everything on Kantin’s menu gets our nod of approval, we do have a special weakness for the decadent breads made with an heirloom variety of Anatolian wheat. Kantin Nişantaşı Akkavak Sok.30, Nişantaşı. (0212) 219 31 14. Kantin Bebek Cevdetpaşa Cad. No: 43C, Bebek. (0212) 263 04 44. www.kantin.biz.

Seasonal:

Lokanta Maya & Gram

Chef Didem Şenol Tiryakioğlu first caught our attention with her emphasis on transforming fresh, seasonal ingredients into light, inventive dishes. Now, she offers

the same sensual dishes we’ve come to expect from her in not one but three locations throughout the city. Lokanta Maya Kemankeş Cad. 35/A, Karaköy. (0212) 252 68 84. Gram Pera Asmalı Mescit Mah., Meşrutiyet Cad. No: 107/D, Beyoğlu. (0212) 243 10 48. Gram Orjin Maslak Plaza, Maslak Mah., Eski Büyükdere Cad.27, Maslak. www. grampera.com.

Newcomer: Terra Kitchen

This brand new restaurant defines its fare as “fresh casual food,” and judging by the lack of Frankenfoods in its dishes, we would have to agree. Büyükdere Caddesi, Dede Korkut Sokak, Özdilek Park, Levent, www.terrakitchen.com.tr

Breads & pastries: Delicatessen

You might have heard nothing but praise for Delicatessen’s organic chicken, but what you might not know is that the “every ingredient counts” philosophy also extends to the eatery’s freshly baked breads and pastries with natural, healthy ingredients. Delicatessen Pera Asmalımescit Mah., Oteller Sok.10/B, Beyoğlu. (0212) 244 84 55-56. Delicatessen Nişantaşı Mim Kemal Öke Cad.19, Nişantaşı. (0212) 225 06 04. www.delicatessenistanbul.com.

ORGANIC FOOD SHOPPING

If you’re a fan of cooking and want to upgrade your recipes with better-for-you ingredients, we recommend paying a visit to Gaia Yöresel. Here you’ll find all sorts of pulses, flours, eggs, jams, oils, non-GMO soy products as well as daily specials on dairy, produce, poultry and meat. Gaia Yöresel Süreyya Ağaoğlu Sok. No: 31, Lofça Palas Apt., Topağacı-Nişantaşı. (0212) 219 42 72/www.gaiayoresel.com.

IWI MEMBERS GET 25% OFF! That’s 12 issues for the price of 9 - only 45 TL! Every month, your Time Out will be filled with features on citywide happenings, restaurant and café reviews, daily concert, event and exhibition listings, shopping hotspots, expat tips, travel destinations, celebrity interviews and all you want (and need) to know about what’s going on in your city. Time Out Istanbul in English – Know More. Do More. Subscribe today by contacting us at (0212) 287-1990 or antoine@timeoutistanbul.com, or by visiting www.timeoutistanbul.com/en

FEATURES

A Girl’s NEW Best Friend

For the better part of Turkish history jewelry was hardly used for the purposes of adornment. And until recently, gold jewelry was seen more or less as an investment than works of art. Although skilled craftsmanship was involved, it was always overlooked and neglected. And diamonds were always seen as a bad investment. Such antiquated thinking have been transformed by the relentless master craftsmen and designers pushing the art factor above value, design above justification, allure above function, and novelty above trends. As a result, the consumers’ focus has also shifted from asset to admiration, disregard to veneration, and from an heirloom to a habitual state.

The Misconception:

The Compromise:

The Investment:

When the occasion to purchase gold arises, windows filled with gold glistening under the fluorescent lights of Kapali Carsi come to mind. Much like Captain Barbossa’s treasure chest, majority of the designs are mundane and redundant. What attracts buyers to go there in the first place is the common misconception that a better deal can be had there than any other location. The fact is Grand Bazaar has one of the highest commercial real estate value per square meter in Istanbul. And the community of shops under its historical roof work as an union to keep the price-points at an equilibrium. Jewellers there trade mostly in dollars giving precedence to the value of gold rather than its design. That’s not to say there aren’t any skilled craftsmen, custom stone setters and stone cutters. More often than not, you can reach them only through references as they work in small spaces further away from the hustle and bustle of the touristic routes.

Choosing the right jeweler is an arduous process. It will take few visits to various establishments before committing. But it is that commitment to one single place which will benefit you the most in the long run. Diversify the search in various locations and venues. Having been going to the same jeweler for the past three years have opened my eyes to the world of possibilities. The benefits may vary from store to store, and can range from previewing the latest designs, loyalty discounts, custom work, lay-away plans, upgrades, product care and repairs. Ulseven in Nisantasi is one such store whose intuitive taste in fine jewelry sets them apart from others. Their collection holds the latest trends in gold and diamond jewelry, and accommodates varying style and budget.

Today, investing in gold is not enough. The designer’s mark makes a difference and contributes an unprecedented value to the jewelry. Knowing which Turkish designers to acquire now requires due diligence on your part. Visiting their showrooms or authorized retailers is customary before the purchase. Seeing it in a magazine or online is very different than actually seeing it on yourself. Viewing the entire collection as a whole can give a sense of who the designer is, and to be able to see beyond the carat, cut, color and clarity. The collection should be hallmarked by the design ingenuity and artistry.

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2.26 Istanbul

House of DIV

Tohum Design

Established in 2013 by a third-generation master craftsman, Ricky Semerciyan, the unique brand, named after the millimetric unit of the minute cycle used by fine watchmakers, stands behind the belief that every woman is as different as each passing moment in life. The collection captures those distinctive moments in life, and immortalize them into fine, wearable emblems of the many phases of womanhood. The eloquence lies in the movement of the components and jeweled mechanisms, as a reminder to always conquer inertia and embrace life’s deviations. 2.26 Istanbul latest collection is available at Beymen or visit their website http://www.226istanbul. com/en/

A fine art jewelry conglomerate founded by Gülşah Sürel Erdem, whose 20 years career as an architect fueled her fate as a jewelry designer. Her design house serves as a temple of architecturally inspired ornaments; a perpetual compass lighting the way to the future. Her Megaron collection, named after an ancient architectural style, encapsulates the contradictory balance between rectilinear and curvilinear geometric designs. Deemed as no less than a stroke of genius, her designs are a monumental success. Visit House of DIV showroom or website http://www. houseofdiv.com

Created by Verda Alaton, who has always been an intermediary between nature and jewelry, has become the sole luxury and ecologically-conscious designer to put Turkey and her label on the world map. Her latest collection, Terra Gold, glorifies nature by casting or christening rare seeds and fossils in pure gold. Verda’s Terra Gold collection harnesses the radiating glow and warmth of nature and transforms them into tangible phenomenon. Tohum Design strives to adorn humanity in a way nature had always intended. Latest collection from TohumDesign is available at Beymen Istinye & Zorlu or visit website http://www.tohumdesign.com for information on global and online retailers.

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marlet

corporate publications

DESIGN | CONTENT MANAGEMENT | PRINT | TABLET PUBLICATIONS

WRITER: TANZIA EREL

Annual reports Company magazines Mobile applications Inserts

Tanzia is a native New Yorker and a former National Sales Assistant at Chopard USA, New York. She is a freelance writer for Lale Magazine and other publications. With many passport stamps and border crossings, she and her husband have been living in Istanbul since 2010. Follow her on instagram @tanzial

www.marlet.com.tr

FEATURES

GENEVA:

DIPLOMACY AT ITS FINEST Our contributor, Tanzia Erel, journeys into the heart of Switzerland to discover the many similarities between Istanbul and Geneva. Her travel led her to one unique place where Turkish art and craftsmanship are being equally celebrated amongst the many finer things Geneva has to offer. Geneva, influenced by the ideologies of Voltaire and JeanJacques Rousseau, is the mecce of Europe with super powers circumventing the premise like planets orbiting the sun. And supported by its political position, however neutral, Geneva is the figurative center of diplomacy, watch making, international economy and extravagant opulence. But then again, the city of Geneva was always in this state. Very much like Istanbul, Geneva has been a crucial trading ground of Europe since the Middle Ages.

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FEATURES Starting out as a Roman settlement, it has been conquered several times until its independence in 1602. Geneva, did not come to be known as the City of Peace recently. Its tolerance and mission of peace began as early as the 1600s when the city gave refuge to persecuted Protestants fleeing from other parts of Europe. Like Istanbul, Genevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history is richer because of it. Known to the world as the home of Henry Dunantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Cross, headquarters of United Nations Organization, UNICEF, leading global banks, fine watch craftsmanship and decadent chocolatiers, Geneva is also now home to HERITAGE which is a collection house of traditional and modern Turkish objects of fine arts, textile and elegant home decorations made in Turkey exclusively for the boutique.

Thriving harmoniously under the watchful protection of both UNESCO and Swiss government, the Old Town of Geneva was the ideal location to unveil the rich artisanal craftsmanship of Turkish designs, according to the patron Elif Beleli of HERITAGE Collection. The luxury boutique, located in a historical building down the street from the famous Cathedral Saint-Pierre, houses only the finest essence of Turkish culture and heritage. From one renowned master craftsman-nation to another, there was no better place to showcase the true beauty of Turkish workmanship and artisanship of Iznik ceramics, hand-blown glass works, handloomed ikat and embroidered suzani textiles than Geneva. The complex artistry of Turkish ikat and suzani textiles are greatly revered by all. Their resplendent quality inspired Elif to design her own collection of home textiles. The luxurious,

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FEATURES

handmade textile is a quintessential icon of the palatial culture and history of Turkey. Being selective of only the best, Turkish artists work in conjunction with Elif Beleli in creating exclusive pieces to be displayed there. From Turkish coffee porcelain set in silver or gold, to unique evil-eye decorative pieces to contemporary sculptures, Elif keeps true to the Genevan flair while honoring the treasured crafts of Turkey, as aptly suggested by the name HERITAGE.

What’s most unique about the design store is the art gallery space on the upper level. Such a combination is rare, but the exhibitions of Turkish artists like Gulen Erendag enlightens the world to the creative talents happening in Turkey. HERITAGE Collection organized a joint exhibition called Turc Art last year. It exhibited the works of thirteen Turkish and Swiss artists. In addition to bridging the cultural gap and defining art as the common language between the two nations, the proceeds from the art auction continues to fund and support the scholarship recipients studying art here in Turkey. HERITAGE Gallery, unlike the slew of fine art galleries lining the cobbled streets of the Old Town, has become an additional center of multiculturalism in Geneva. A true melting pot, hosting and exhibiting artists from around the globe, and gaining perspectives from all sides. Being only a stone’s throw away from Christie’s auction house and other fine art galleries, HERITAGE is flourishing amongst the league of nations with plans of expansion in the near future. HERITAGE, in many sense, is an honorary ambassador to Geneva on a diplomatic mission to illuminate the magnificent splendor of Turkish artistry abroad. You can visit HERITAGE Geneva at 25 Rue de Perron, CH1204 Geneva or visit them online at www.heritagegeneve.ch

WRITER: TANZIA AIMI EREL Tanzia A Erel is a native New Yorker and a former lease administrator turned teacher, blogger and a freelance writer. With many passport stamps and border crossings, she has finally settled down in Istanbul with her husband. Her passion for interior decorating has led her to create TheDecorIST, a team of English speaking personal shoppers helping foreigners shop for home goods. You can contact her through thedecorist on facebook and @tanzial at instagram.

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explore with us !

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İstanbul

HEALTH & FITNESS

Ups and downs in Istanbul Having lived in Istanbul for almost four years, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. Living in today’s high-tech world of email, iPhones, pollution and traffic is difficult enough without the added strain of being a foreigner abroad. It is always a challenge to adapt to a new culture. But, my advice is, when in Turkey, do, or try to do, what the Turks do, or at least try to understand the culture. If you are feeling out of your depth, try to take back a bit of control; write a plan and set goals for yourself. Try to make every day an adventure, be a tourist in this amazing country; travel, explore, read, write and enjoy. The traffic in Istanbul can be horrendous. It takes time to get from A to B, so factor in time for every journey, so that you don’t stress. Use the Metro or Metrobus when possible as, although it can be very crowded, it will save you from yet another traffic jam. If you are crossing from Asia to Europe, or vice versa, the ferries are simply delightful. With a glass of tea in one hand and a simit in the other, you can relax on deck, escorted across the Bosphorus by seagulls and even the occasional dolphin, while the domes and minarets of ancient Constantinople loom into view. This experience is unique to Istanbul and always makes me happy.

A little escape Escape to the Prince’s Islands whenever you can; there’s something wonderfully refreshing about landing on a small pretty island without cars or motorbikes, and just walking or cycling around them. The houses are fascinating relics from the past ranging from decrepitude to Ottoman elegance, there are pine-scented woods to stroll through and shingly beaches with clear water to swim in. The iskeles abound with cafes, fish restaurants and music. Buyukada gets very busy in summer and is best kept for spring or autumn. However, on Kinaliada, Heybeliada and Burgazada, you can saunter into the interiors for a completely

different experience, or circumnavigate on foot to admire the panoramic views of Istanbul far away across the azure Maramaris, any time of year. Take your camera and a notebook, look up the history books and visit the old churches, mosques and seminaries high on the hilltops, where ostracised and often blinded princes lived in lonely exile. Then show off later in a blog or on Facebook! Exercise and fresh air are a tonic and natural beauty can dissipate anxiety. So get fit. Set yourself goals and plan yourself a weekly exercise program to feel better, look better and live better. June - July - August 2015

HEALTH & FITNESS Kindred spirits Feeling lonely is common here and can exacerbate feelings of homesickness. For the Turks, family is paramount, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to feel excluded when rejected in favour of family; so you have to create your own social life, and groups like ours will introduce you to like-minded people. Be proactive, join in as much as you can and find your niche. There are lots of us out there feeling the same way! Mymerhaba at www.mymerhaba.com is a newsletter listing events in Istanbul and other cities, as well as other lesserknown, but usually fascinating events, such as the recent Wood Festival in Nisantisa , where visiting musicians from Nepal, Mali, Switzerland and Crete performed on wooden instruments, using puppets and other unusual wooden items, while others displayed small food stalls with authentic Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese food. There was a very friendly, buzzy ambience without being over-crowded. It helps to speak the language, so go to classes (there are lots of notices in Lale about language schools and tutors here). If you find a friendly Turk who wants to learn English, you can teach each other over a tulip glass of apple tea.

Food for thought Once a London singleton with a handsome expense account, I never learned or needed to cook but now, in a country where kebabs, kĂśfte and fish are the staples, I am learning (from the internet and through sheer desperation) to devise my own meze, to learn Asian stir-fry and I am even joining a Vietnamese cooking class. See vietnamesefoodies.com. Watch your diet, though, and try not to eat too many carbohydrates and dairy products. Too many carbohydrates can make you feel sluggish and apathetic. Go veggie for a fortnight, create your own sir fries from the wonderful array of fresh fruit and vegetables, or better still try Ayurveda, a life changing regime of diet, exercise and massage. Speak to ulli at info@ulli-ayurveda.com.

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Feed your soul There are wonderful operas and classical concerts in Istanbul. Last year I saw Mozart’s Escape from Seraglio actually, in the grounds of Topkapi for 30TL. Not all of us are living the stereotypical expat high life, so buy second hand from the streets, from second hand shops or from Buy, Sell or Swap in Istanbul. It’s fun and ridiculously cheap; Turks don’t do second hand, so everything goes for a song. Haggle and enjoy. And there’s nothing like helping others in need when you feel down; it makes you appreciate what you have got. So look at charities, especially those for helping Syrians. You could teach English, just play with children for a spare hour or two, teach women new skills, or fund raise. They will gain from it and you will get a lot more out of it than you might at first imagine. Finally, what better way to feel at home than to explore it? Turkish Airlines internal flights are not expensive compared to European internal flights, while Pegasus offers wonderful flight bargains all over Turkey. Get a cheap flight and an airbnb and treat yourself to a mini budget holiday by the sea, or in the mountains or simply somewhere far away from the “madding crowds”. After all, we only live once!

WRITER: CAROL JARDINE Carol Jardine was born and educated in Scotland, where she studied Medical Biology at St. Andrews university, before moving to London and doing something completely different ! In 2004 she qualified as a Homeopath from London College of Homeopathy, which she practiced before going to Vietnam in 2007 to begin her new career in teaching. She has since worked in Laos, Thailand and now Turkey, where she teaches English at Bogazici University.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Heart opening and heart energy What is that all about? Heart energy is pure love. It is the energy we all have access to through our heart center – in the middle of the chest. Whenever we have experienced trauma or loss we might close our heart a little, if we don´t know how to deal with our experience of loss or trauma. As children we often don´t know how to deal with that, so in order to not get hurt again, we closed our heart a little bit – to protect it. It seems to be a good strategy at first, because you feel less. You become harder. The side effect is that you also stop feeling the good feelings for real. Love, compassion, happiness, joy all the feelings we want to feel often and in an intense way. And then we spend our lives chasing possibilities that can give us more of those good emotions, but they don´t last so long if we search for them outside of ourselves. If you want them to last “no matter what is going on around us” you have to search inside yourself. That is the only way to find lasting happiness and joy. A lovely way is to expand your heart energy through your heart center. To meditate on it and let it expand throughout the whole body. It is your own resource and you always have access to it. But what happens if you start opening for the good emotions, will the bad ones occur too? Yes, they might, because if you want to feel good, you will have to allow the “bad” feelings too. Be kind to yourself and let the sorrow, anger and frustration be the part of you that it is. You can allow these emotions whenever they come, be with them, stay with them. Just observe and feel them, don´t try to change them or explain them, don´t act them out, just feel them inside. One thing is certain: It will pass!! and afterwards you will feel different. Maybe bigger, maybe as if there is more space inside, maybe relaxed, energized… What I wanted to give you in this article was actually how you can expand your heart energy – When you expand your heart energy consciously you will also give yourself better resources to deal with the difficult emotions that might occur once in a while. The heart energy is pure love as mentioned. And love can heal everything, and it does, in a gentle way. And it is an amazing resource which you have access to all the time.

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HEALTH & FITNESS Heart Meditation

A wonderful praxis that I also use when I guide in groups is heart meditation: Sit or lie in a silent place for a while. It is good to give it 2030 minutes in the beginning, when you have got the hang of it, you know how much time is right for you. Find a place where you will not be disturbed. Find a comfortable position. Preferably sitting, so you don´t fall asleep.

Take some deep breath into your stomach, all the way down to your lower belly and breathe out slowly. Let go of the day and the thoughts. Don´t worry, the thoughts that are important will come back to you, so for now, just gently let them go. Bring you focus to your body, and feel the body from the inside. When you are present in your body, move your attention to your heart center in the middle of the chest. Feel that center. And image a little flame of light in there. Imagine how it grows, when you bring your attention to it. Just keep having your attention on this light, and let it grow. Let it slowly, with every breath, spread into your body. Into your breast. Shoulders. Upper arms. Lower arms.

Hands. Up into your neck, back of your head, top of your head, face, your throat. Into your stomach and your back. Your pelvis area. Down through your thighs, knees, lower legs, ancles and feet. Feel how all your cells are filled with this light from your heart, all this love and light. Feel even how it shines out of your body and meet everybody that meets you. Now stay in this shower of love from your heart as long as you feel for it, keep on breathing and letting the breath expand your light and make it brighter. When you are ready, you slowly bring your attention back to

the body and your heart center. Knowing that you can always bring this love light back and expand it whenever you want. Knowing that it resources you and protects you at all times. When you are back into the body again, start moving hands and feet a little bit, to come back and be more grounded. Move your legs, stretch yourself. Feel your body. You can read out loud these instructions, record it and listen to it whenever you feel like doing a heart meditation. Just remember to talk slowly and keep some breaks in the guidance. I am currently working on creating an online program including guided meditations like this. So stay in touch, if you a curious about that.

WRITER: LALITAH Lalitah is certified Life- and Business Coach, and has taken 1½ year Osho therapist training at Oshorisk, Denmark. She has reiki 3, Spiritual Healer education, Channeling Courses and an Intuitive Painting Training. She is specialised in rising your energy/vibration through heart openings. Through that it is possible to naturally dissolve unhealthy life patterns and influences and return to your true essence. Lalitah gives workshops and sessions in Denmark and Turkey, and can be reached via www.awareness-institute.net or Lalitah@awareness-insitute.net. June - July - August 2015

COSMETIC OPERATIONS

that get you ready for summer

The methods that respond most correctly to aesthetic concerns are explained by Acibadem Maslak Hospital Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar.

BREAST ENLARGEMENT

Summer is on the way, clothing is thinning down, the sea and sun season is starting. Those who are not happy with any portion of their body from their skin to their hair or other parts of their body, are renewing their self confidence with pre-holiday surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

As summer approaches women tend towards breast reduction, breast lift or breast enlargement operations. Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar says that the interest in breast enlargement operations has increased in recent years. In the surgical procedure, since it is a permanent one, patients prefer the fat injections that are becoming increasingly more popular instead of silicone implants even if they are the golden standard, or a combination of the implants and fat injections. The size of the breasts are calculated taking into account the patient’s height, weight, shoulder and hip width, hip structure and in fact their profession. Prof. Dr. Yazar said that when they are deciding on a method they place importance on the patient’s wishes and added “Since there can be a certain amount of dissolving in the breast volume with fat injections a second application may be needed. We explain this to the patient during the first meeting. We may not even be able to find fat tissue to inject on patients who have fit bodies”. Prof. Dr. Yazar, who pointed out that silicone

SPONSORED ARTICLE: ACIBADEM

implants have been used for 50 years and are now extremely safe, said “This operation lasts about 1-1.5 hours. The patients spend one night in the hospital and go home the next day in good enough condition to meet their own needs. Office workers can return to work in three days. A couple weeks later it is okay to start exercising and swimming.”

BREAST REDUCTION In this procedure the technique is determined by the existing volume of the breast. The amount of tissue and skin that has been decided on is removed and the breast is reshaped. After the procedure a scar in the shape of a reverse T can remain around the nipple or going down under the breast. Depending on the size of the breasts the operation takes three-four hours. The patient spends one night in the hospital and can return to work within a week. After 10-15 days the patient can starting doing tasks that require effort. Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar said that 70-80 percent of women who have given birth and breastfed their baby can do so again in births after breast reduction surgery.

BREAST LIFT Depending on the amount of sagging, if the volume of the breasts are sufficient, they can be lifted. The nipple is moved to the position it should be and the excess skin is removed. After the procedure there is a T shaped scar on or under the nipple. If the internal breast tissue is hollow a breast lift and enlargement procedure can be done at the same time.

LIPOSUCTION (FAT REMOVAL) This procedure is in first place among the cosmetic procedures that are popular among women in the US and Europe. Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar added that in our country this procedure comes after nose and breast surgery. Pointing out that liposuction should be seen as a contour correction procedure and not as losing weight, Prof. Dr. Yazar added: “This

procedure is done to correct contour irregularities caused by the accumulation of fat, which cannot be remedied by diet and exercise. In women this type of fat accumulation is seen most frequently in the abdominal and back areas and on the inside of knees while it is seen more on the abdominal and chest areas of men.” Since the main principle in liposuction is to break down fat in the tissue and remove it a special fluid is administered to the area before the procedure to break down the fat, reduce the bleeding and create an anesthetic effect. Then the fat is vacuumed out through tubes that are inserted into tiny incisions. In the second method the fat is broken down by ultrasound and removed by vacuum. There is also another method in which fat is broken down by laser and then vacuumed out. In cases where the amount is small it may be sufficient to break down the fat and leave it in the body because the body discharges it over time. Prof. Dr. Yazar said that he prefers the laser method because, “Lasers contain certain wave lengths and the wavelength that is used for fat only impacts fat tissue and does not harm veins, nerves and other tissue. This means less bleeding, swelling and bruising. While patients usually have to wear a corset for three-four weeks, they only have to wear it for 10 days with the laser method because after the fat is broken down the necessary wavelengths to tighten the skin is applied during the same session.” Liposuction is done in an operating room. Local anesthesia is administered for small procedures while general anesthesia is applied for large scale procedures. Depending on the volume of the procedure the patient is discharged the very same day or spends a night in the hospital. The fat that is removed can be applied as filling material to the face or breast area if so requested by the patient. Prof. Dr. Şükrü Yazar said that in order for these procedures to give good results the patients must include a balanced diet and exercise in their lives.

HEALTH & FITNESS

CANDIDA:

IT IS MORE THAN WHAT YOU KNOW Most women know of candida (Candida Albicans) as the fungus that causes vaginal infection with annoying discharge, itching and irritation, usually after antibiotic use and believe that it is fully treatable with antifungals and suppositories. However, Dr. Onur Aydinoglu shows there is plenty more that you need to know.

First, you need to know that you may have it, even if you don’t have an active infection going on. In fact, systemic candida overgrowth is estimated to affect more than half the female population in industrialized societies. The truth is, candida fungus starts its invasion usually from the gut, then it spreads to other parts of the body. It can hold onto the mucosa of your vagina, lungs, sinuses, stomach, even eyes; it can grow in your ears or under your skin. Its capacity to become systemic is one of the reasons why numerous scientific studies associate it with so many different symptoms and diseases. The other reason for this is because the candida fungus secretes at least 88 different toxins that are so far identified, all of which are poisonous to different parts of the body – the nervous system, thyroid, adrenals, liver, pancreas and the immune system, to say the least. Some of the toxins directly effect cell metabolism and inhibit effective energy production.

Candida doesn’t start out so mean, though. It starts out as a friendly organism, which is yeast, not a fungus. We all carry the candida yeast from birth on. It actually supports our immune system to carry out its duties more effectively, not imposing disease or distress. Then one day, all the necessary conditions come together to trigger the opportunistic invader in this friendly yeast, and it transforms into a fungus, digging its roots into the walls of our gut and starting to consume our resources. When this happens, the candida fungus has only one aim: To rot us to death. In fact, this is the second job of candida. It is the main organism that turns us into soil after we die. Only it is not supposed to start doing it until we die. Why does it then?

As a result, the candida fungus can give you terrible digestion with gas, bloating, reflux and bad breath, vaginal and bladder problems, menstrual irregularity or PMS, headaches and migraines, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, forgetfulness and confused thinking, eczema, joint aches and muscle spasms. Plus it can distract your metabolism, pushing you to crave sugar and starches, become hypoglycemic, inhibiting weight loss and causing fatigue and malaise. It can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to recurring colds and flu and it can weaken your adrenals, making you more susceptible to stress and allergies.

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HEALTH & FITNESS The answer to this question is similar to that of any chronic disease: Our industrial century. The rampant increase in the use of antibiotics, together with the excessive consumption of sugar, sweets, and grain-based foods is the main culprit that gives candida its main source of power. Antibiotics destroy the billions of friendly bacteria that live in our gut and control the overgrowth of opportunistic organisms like candida. Eating too much sugar and starchy carbohydrates distracts blood sugar, causing adrenal stress, promoting inflammation and inhibiting the immune system, while feeding the unfriendly bacteria and yeast in the gut. There is more, though. Constant and excessive exposure to estrogen via birth control pills have been linked to candida overgrowth. However, you don’t even have to take antibiotics or birth control pills in order to get exposed to both. Hormones and antibiotics added to the feeds of industrially raised animals, so they grow faster or produce more milk and eggs, eventually get into our bodies as food. So do estrogen-like petrochemicals used as pesticides in industrial farming. The same goes for the numerous chemicals used in the cosmetics industry. The first thing you need to know about candida is if you have it is a systemic problem. You can find a very useful aid at the Heal İstanbul website, under the “Resources” menu title called “Candida Self Test Questionnaire”. By marking the symptoms that apply to you here, you will end up with a “Candida Score”, which will indicate whether or not candida is likely to be a major cause of your various health problems. If your score is high enough, then it is a good idea to implement a therapy protocol to eliminate candida and restore gut immunity. This is not a definitive diagnostic tool, but it will give you a good idea of your candida status. Mind you, candida is not always reliably diagnosed by any kind of lab test. There are numerous species and not all of them are identifiable. Therefore the most reliable diagnosis is by assessing symptoms. Also, even if you have just vaginal candida or a toe fungus, it is likely that you have a systemic candida overgrowth, so it is worthwhile using this tool to self-test. If your score if high enough and you are determined to heal, then it is time to start implementing a sensible and effective protocol. Just with a simple Google search you will come across plenty of information from different centers on how to eliminate candida by diet, lifestyle, botanicals and specific supplements. At Heal İstanbul, we have done extensive research into scientific literature and into the experiences of world-renown experts in this field and created our own Anti-Candida Protocol – a three-month long program to eliminate Candida Albicans and heal related health problems. However, lets be clear up front; if you have a chronic candida problem such as chronic vaginal candidiasis, then you will always have to be mindful of it, even long after you have cleared it completely following a protocol.

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This means that you cannot use your will to follow this protocol for a few months and then go back to a high carb and highly proccessed diet. You need to make at least some of the aspects of this protocol your general lifestyle choices from now on. The absolute most important part of the protocol is the “AntiCandida Diet”. Most simply put, this is a diet that consists of vegetables, meat and healthy fats. There is only a loose limit on starchy vegetables, such a potatoes and carrots, and legumes, such as beans and chickpeas. All other vegetables, greens and herbs are allowed in the plenty. So are all meat, fish and eggs. We also recommend several kitchen remedies, such as sipping on bone broth with apple cider vinegar, garlic and Himalaya crystal salt, which is extremely healing to the gut. Coconut oil is also highly recommended, because it contains high amounts of caprilic acid, a powerful anti-fungal, as well as a gut healer, metabolic balancer. You should consume 2-3 tablespoons per day by adding it to food. However, all forms of sugar and all grain-based foods are forbidden through the protocol, even whole-grains and natural sugars such as honey and molasses. Another forbidden food group is all yeast-fermented foods, such as cheese, bread (also because of flour), alcohol, pickles and vinegar, the only exception being organic apple cider vinegar. Make no mistake, fermented foods are excellent health foods for people without systemic candida overgrowth, mainly because they provide a rich source of probiotics and enzymes, but they may trigger candida-related symptoms, because they also contain the same histaminic substances that candida produces that the body reacts to. You also have to eliminate all mushrooms and cured meats.

HEALTH & FITNESS The most important thing you need to remember is that without adhering to the diet, no treatment or therapy will work to eliminate candida from your life. Diet itself may or may not be enough, but it is essential. In addition to the diet, we recommend certain supplements that are essential to help heal the body’s immunity recover and kill candida. The catch is, it is very difficult to kill candida or to convert it back to its yeast form. It builds a thick cellulose shell around itself that prevents anti-fungal substances get to it. A product called Candida Complex contains a blend of enzymes that effectively break through this shell to expose the candida fungus. It also contains undecenoic acid, certain botanical extracts and nutraceutical substances that effectively kill or convert candida. In addition, we recommend a special high potency probiotic blend taken daily to rebuild the intestinal flora, Omega-3 Krill Oil and Curcumin extract to control inflammation, Nutrex Hawaian Spirulina as a vitaminmineral supplement, Nutrex Bioastin as a super-antioxidant. You must get your vitamin D levels checked and supplement it if needed, along with vitamin K2, since only when used together both are safe and effective. Last but not least, if you are healing from vaginal candidiasis, then hygiene is also paramount. Wear clothes that are made from natural fabric and not too tight. Always wash your underwear at 60 degrees or more and make sure that your partner follows the same hygiene rules. If you haven’t heard of them yet, menstrual cups are much healthier and more comfortable to use, if you have a vaginal candida problem. They prevent moisture to be in contact with your mucosa, which is main cause of candida to enflame during menses. Finally, be resilient and keep your motivation high. We have seen many people, especially women eliminate candida from their lives for good. It is possible. For more detailed information about the Heal İstanbul AntiCandida Protocol, our ongoing seminars on how to start and implement the protocol easily and effectively into your life, about how to obtain the supplements and menstruation cups mentioned, and more information about our overall services and events, check out www.healistanbul.com or contact us directly.

WRITER: DR. ONUR AYDINOGLU Dr. Onur Aydınoğlu is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine trained at Bastyr University, WA, USA. He is the co-founder and current owner of Heal İstanbul, Center for Eastern Healing Arts, providing holistic and natural health consultations and therapies to individuals. He also teaches various workshops and seminars on natural and holistic healing, as well as Eastern Philosophies with life applications. For more information, visit www.healistanbul.com.

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MUMS ‘N KIDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS IWI MUMS ’N KIDS MEETINGS AND PLAYGROUPS We have weekly playgroups organised according to the kids’ ages. There is also an Asian side playgroup for kids from all ages. These are usually hosted by our members at their homes, meet-ups at parks or walks along the Bosphorus coast. These playgroups are free of charge for IWI members. This is an opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and parents of infants or toddlers, as well as share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. Please contact the Mums n Kids Coordinator at mumsnkids@ iwi-tr.org if you have any questions or suggestions. To join a playgroup, please log in to IWI’s website and visit the Mum n Kids page under the Members’ Section for the coordinators’ email addresses. The coordinators will add you to the group’s mailing list to keep you updated of future events.

Pregnant and infants (0-12 months) - Usual meeting day/time: Tuesday, 11am-1pm - Coordinators: Roxana Laos Dahya & Mandeep

Walkers – Younger Toddlers (1-2 years of age) - Usual meeting day/time: Tuesday, 10am-12pm - Co-ordinator: Sarah Wheatcroft

Toddlers (2+) - Usual meeting day/time: Tuesday, 10am-12pm - Coordinator: Donna Guclu

OTHER ACTIVITY AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

Bosphorus International Pre-School (BIP), Emirgan www.bipschool.net

Teacher-organised activity, song and circle time, garden play (weather-permitting). Coffee, tea, milk and cookies provided. When : Tuesdays Time : 10am-11.30am Cost : FREE Age group : 0-3 years of age Please contact Ms Collette Laffan-Persembe at preschool@ bipschool.net or telephone at 0212 277 8444. *Note: please call on Mondays to reserve. There are only 10 openings every week. Please only ONE known adult per child.

British International School (BIS), Zekeriyakoy / Etiler

www.bis.k12.tr Indoor and outdoor play (weather-permitting), followed by snack and music time. Known adult to stay and supervise child. Zekeriyakoy (Tuesdays and Fridays)/ Etiler (Wednesdays and Fridays) Time : 9am-11am (both campuses) Cost : 10TL per session Age group : 0-2.5 years of age Please contact Mrs Amanda Ilhan, Preschool and Primary Deputy Director at amandailhan@bis.k12.tr or telephone at 0212 202 7027 ext 116

Asian Side Playgroup (from Pregnant to kids of all ages)

*Playgroup will start in the week of 15 September 2014.

- Usual meeting day/time: Mondays - Co-ordinator: Lilian Hasenpusch

www.edensgardenpreschool.com

Eden’s Garden International Preschool Yenikoy, Istanbul Baby Ballet Playgroup for Boys and Girls When : Thursdays Time : 9:30am-11:30am Cost : 30TL per session, (no block-booking required) Age group : 0-3 years of age Where : Ballet Studio, Eden’s Garden International Preschool, Guzelce Ali Pasa Cad. No. 50, Yenikoy, ISTANBUL Bring : Soft slippers for little feet Please contact Karen Holyoak Çiftçi, Director at director@ edensgardenpreschool.com or telephone 0212 262 4302

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MUMS ‘N KIDS Fotini Café- Arnavutkoy, Besiktas

www.fotinicafe.com Francalaci Cd. No.26, Arnavutkoy, 34345 Istanbul, Turkey A café with a playroom dedicated to babies and toddlers up to 3 years old, Fotini Café is located along the Bosphorus coast and offers a comfortable area for you and your child to unwind and have fun at the same time. IWI members enjoy a waiver on the 8TL entrance fee to the playroom. Please present your IWI membership card to claim your discount. Please contact Lena at fotinicafe@gmail.com or telephone 0533 093 9992

Gymboree Play and Music

www.gymboreeturkey.com 10% discount for IWI members on Play and Learn classes in the Ortaköy branch. Please present your IWI membership card to claim your discount. Gymboree Play and Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries, making Gymboree the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts, the age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. The programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development. Cost: 860TL for 12 classes (IWI discount included) Gymboree members can also enjoy complimentary free-play times during the week. For non Gymboree members, IWI members these cost 30TL per hour. School Skills program (drop-off) for the 2-3 year olds or 3-4 year olds. 10% discount on full year School skills program for IWI members. Music and Art classes are also available. ***Limited offer for IWI members: 4 classes for 240TL*** Please contact Esra Taşar at esratasar@gymboreeturkey.com or telephone 212 275 8787 Kindermusik at Play to Learn Pre-School http://www.playtolearn.com.tr

KidsAloud British Culture Preschool

Emirgan, İstanbul www.ingilizceanaokulu/sariyer SUMMER School 2-6 ages & Playgroup Activities Song&Circle Time, Day's Activities (Art /Dance/Sports/Drama/ Outdoor Play) An adult to stay, supervise child. Tea, Coffee provided, Snack for kids. Time: 10:30am -12:00am on Wednesdays Cost: FREE for IWI members Age group: 0-4 years old Bring: Soft slippers Where : ''KidsAloud'' British Culture Preschool Emirgan Mah. Şirin Sok. No:32, Emirgan İstanbul Pls contact Mrs Sevgi Dogan or Caroll İbrahimov Tan telephone at 0532 361 4427- 212 229 37 76 for sariyer@ingilizceanaokulu.com *Note: please call on Fridays and Mondays to reserve (within the quota) We offer 50 discount for IWI members for Summer School and 2015 September term. June - July - August 2015

Hotpot Café- Şişli, Istanbul

www.hotpot.web.tr Merkez Mah. Perihan Sk. Erbil Apt. No 71-73B, Şişli – Istanbul Located centrally in Şişli, with just a short walk from the metro station, Hotpot café offers playgroups (baby/toddler), yoga (prenatal, yoga, adults), dance and drama classes and other fun activities for both kids and mums. IWI members enjoy 10% discount. Please present your IWI membership card to claim your discount. Please contact Adila or Ayça at info@hotpot.web.tr or telephone 0212 343 53 53

Kindermusik at Play to Learn PreSchool

www.playtolearn.com.tr On the European side in Akatlar, Nişantaşı and Koç University Rumelifeneri Campus and on the Asian side in Ataşehir, offering different music classes. My Time Program: 18-30 months ABC, Music and Me Program 2-4 years of age Please contact Ms Ozlem Hun at info@playtolearn.com.tr or telephone at 0212 352 3031 or 0532 237 2272.

Full Circle Healing Doula List

There are doulas on both the European and Asian side. Doulas may be willing to travel to your location. For more detailed information about each doula, and on how a doula can support you, visit www.fullcirclehealing.org.

Do’um

Specialize in pregnancy and childbirth, provide education and counseling services to expecting parents and to bring together experts who believe in the feminine power and work in this field with a natural approach. www.do-um.com/english/english.aspx

LOLA (Lots of Lovely Art)

After-school workshops, toddler art, kinder art, weekend workshops, holiday camps, themed birthday parties. www.lotsoflovelyart.com

Our House

Our House is located in Cihangir as a center for children and families. The aim of the organization is to generate curiosity, creativity ad awareness for children at all stages of development. www.ourhouse.club

IWI’s Mums ‘n’ Kids Team is a volunteer group that organises activities for you and your children to enjoy. Please take responsibility for your own child’s safety. IWI is not liable for any injury or loss incurred. 57

GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS Alcoholics Anonymous/Al-Anon

Open AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings in English are held in the Union Han building on Istiklal Caddesi, Tünel, next to the Swedish Consulate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.45pm (contact 0533 626 5724 ). There is an Alanon meeting at 6.30pm on Thursdays in the same location. On Sundays, there is an open AA meeting at 4,15pm in Harbiye (contact 0539 606 0123). On the Asian side in Kadikoy, there are meetings at 6pm on Thursdays and at 5.30pm on Saturdays (contact 0537 433 8368). A full listing of all English-speaking AA meetings in Turkey with local contacts can be found on the AA Europe website: www.aa-europe.net

Asian Ladies of Istanbul

The Asian Ladies of Istanbul is a non-profit social group established over 20 years ago where ladies from East Asia living in Istanbul get together for various events and can feel at home while far away from their original home. A members-only Facebook page is available for them where they can keep track of the latest monthly luncheons, news, events, photographs and relevant information pertaining to daily life in Istanbul. Please contact the group leader, Kim Cakirkaya at kim.cakirkaya@gmail.com or 0533 463 6930 for further information.

ARIT (American Research Institute of Turkey)

The Friends of ARIT Istanbul, with branches in North America and Ankara, was established to support the ARIT in Turkey and carry out its scholarly activities. The Istanbul Friends run a yearround program of tours and lectures for members and guests. Member¬ship is open to all interested residents of Istanbul. For further information call 0212 257 8111.

CHICAS - Spanish speaking women of Istanbul

A group open to all ladies who speak our language, or would like to practice it. We host lots of fun, hilarious Latin parties and cultural events. Come on, jump on in, you won’t regret it! We have our own blog: http://chicasestambul.blogspot.com/ and we’re on Facebook under “Chicas Estambul”. Email chicasestambul@yahoo.com.mx or phone Ninoska Gutierrez Sierra 0533 651 3581, Norma Maranges 0532 314 29 34 or Lorena Martinez 0533 388 6309.

CIRCOLO ROMA (Comunità italiana)

The Italian association organises several activities, such as cooking classes, dinners, parties, Italian and Turkish conversation classes, piano lessons, zumba, tamurriata, Italian cinema, medieval fencing, painting on porcelain, capoiera, singing and other activities for children and much, much more. The wonderful liberty hall can also be hired for private parties and conferences. Email Paola Maresia Maresia@superonline.com or Elsa Zambonini elsazambonini@ yahoo.com, tel 0212 244 17 59 or visit our website info@ circoloroma.com.

Die Bruecke

‘Die Bruecke’ is a platform for the German speaking community. It was founded in 1989 to serve the needs of a steadily growing community. It is not a German club; it is open to everyone who speaks German. Die Bruecke issues a monthly newsletter. Different gatherings, charities, information concerning everyday life, binational education, help with bureaucracy and immigration laws in Turkey are covered as well as assistance to newcomers. Website www.bruecke-istanbul.org, email info@bruecke-istanbul.org.

DNSI - The Dutch School of Istanbul

The AWI is a social network open to Americans, Canadians and spouses of US or Canadian citizens living in Istanbul. The AWI provides social programmes ranging from special interest groups to charities. If you’re a newcomer to Istanbul please contact our newcomers committee so you can start to feel at home in your new country. Email Debbie Abdo or Sia Israfil at awiistanbul@gmail.com.

We provide Dutch language and cultural lessons to students aged between four and 16. Our mainstream programme is for primary and secondary students with at least one parent of Dutch nationality. Our afternoon programme is for students aged four-13 who are learning Dutch as a foreign language. We also offer a two week Dutch summer school. There is the possibility of Dutch language courses being offered for adults in the future. Please check our website www. dnsi1991.org or email directeur@dnsi1991.org.

Belgian Friends of Istanbul

Fransız Fakirhanesi – Little Sisters of the Poor

AWl (American Women of Istanbul)

The Belgian Friends of Istanbul help Belgian newcomers to feel at home and make friends quickly. We gather every month around a drink, brunch, dinner, walk or cultural activity. We also try to keep our traditions alive with activities such as the annual St. Nicholas party for the children or New Year’s dinner. We have our own Facebook page where members exchange useful information about job opportunities, housing, babysitting, Belgian cultural events in Istanbul, where to find Belgian products, etc. Email Nathalie Bevernaegie at bfistanbul@gmail.com.

Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America is a youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. All boys in grades one to five (ages six to ten) holding a foreign passport are welcome to join Cub Scouts. Older boys (ages 11-18) with foreign passports are welcome to join Boy Scouts. Activities include hiking and camping. Email Vicki Gunay graygunay@gmail. com or phone 0532 314 11 34.

Bridge group

Email Mother Mary psdptr@gmail.com or phone 0212 296 4608.

FOCI (Friends of Contemporary Istanbul)

Working with the international community in promoting the growth and development of contemporary art, the Friends of Contemporary Istanbul aim to enrich the rising art scene in Turkey and to contribute to the cultural life of Istanbul. Email jasmine.taranto@gmail.com or phone 0532 687 7899.

Friends of India Association (FOIA)

The Friends of India Association (FOIA) is a registered group formed to connect Indians in Istanbul through various social events. Our aim is to keep the spirit of India and Indian culture alive by organising various festivals and activities through the year. If you are a newcomer to Istanbul and would like to know more or join the association email any of the following: Jugnu Saglik: jugnusaglik@ yahoo.com, Ambili: ramachandran.ambili@gmail.com or Diya: khera. diya@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook as Istanbul Indian community (FOIA).

Our friendly bridge group meets on Fridays at 11am -- all levels welcome! We play in a relaxed way and sometimes have a chat in between hands. Playing bridge in our group is a way to spend a pleasant Friday. Please contact Sandra on 212 257 9781 or 0532 483 5319.

June - July - August 2015

Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts is the world’s largest organisation dedicated to helping all girls everywhere build character and gain skills for success in the real world. In an accepting and nurturing environment, and in partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop strong values, leaderships skills, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Girls aged 5 and up are welcome. Email Kat Bekham usagsoistanbul@gmail.com or phone 054 2300 24 92.

Istanbul Ottomans Rugby Football Club

We practice every Saturday afternoon between 4 and 6pm, except on days when there are official fixtures, at the Dikilitaş Spor Kulübü in Besiktas (directions available at www.ottomansrugby.com). Players of all ages (17+) and all levels of fitness are welcome. Please contact one of the team officials on the website for more information.

PAWI

InterNations is an organisation where globally minded people have the opportunity to network and exchange valuable tips and topics regarding expatriate subjects. We organise events and provide opportunities for our members to meet and network twice a month. For further information please see our website http://www. internations.org.

The Professional American Women of Istanbul is a network of American/Canadian women and spouses of Americans/Canadians living in Istanbul. PAWI strives to empower and support members by promoting personal and professional growth. Members inspire each other to achieve and share success. Each monthly PAWI meeting features a guest speaker, and locations alternate between the European and Asian sides. Contact info@pawiistanbul.com or visit www.pawistanbul.com.

International Women’s Bible Study

Patchwork Group

Istanbul Accueil

Photo Club of Istanbul

InterNations

This group meets Tuesdays from 10am until 12.30pm. Contact Vicki Günay on 0532 314 1134.

Welcomes French speaking newcomers in Istanbul. We publish a weekly newsletter listing many events and activities. All Frenchspeaking people are welcome! Email istaccueil@gmail.com or visit our website www.istanbulaccueil.org.

IWI Tennis Group

If you enjoy playing tennis please join our group. The IWI Tennis Group is up and running and takes place at Torch Tennis in Tarabya. Teams are based on skill levels and we welcome all players from beginners to advanced. If you are interested in joining please contact Kenan Dundar on 0535 390 4983 or email kenan. dundar@torchsportsclub.com.

Luso Brasileiro

Portuguese speaking group. Contact: Isabel Ponte Gulpan 0212 669 4943 or 0532 274 1653.

NVI – Dutch speaking people of Istanbul

The Dutch Club Istanbul is a group of people who like to keep typical Dutch festivities alive, for people who have connection to Holland, who like to meet up with Dutch-speaking people. On a monthly basis we organise a get together. Among the festivities we do the typical celebrations like Sinterklass (5 December) and Koninginnedag (Queens day). For further information and details check our website (www.nv-istanbul.org) or contact: Lisette Ruygrok at secretariaat@nv-istanbul.org.

Istanbul International Chamber Choir

IICC is a fun women’s choir, which was founded in 2009 and sings a variety of choral styles from light classical to musical, jazz and pop. The choir organises a Christmas concert and a spring concert in June. A weekly rehearsal takes place at Rumeli Hisarı. The group is always looking for enthusiastic members and for more details you are kindly invited to contact Anderske Kaspersma at anderske@ kaspersma.net or 0532 746 9448.

Istanbul International Rugby Center

Founded in 2007, this is the only Rugby Club in Istanbul with coaching for children and teenagers. Turkish, English, French and Spanish all spoken. The club has coached over 400 international children aged 5-16. Rugby training is every Saturday 12.30 - 2pm at Dilikitaş Sport Club in Beşiktaş. Please contact the Club President Gülseren Gomez or the Technical Director Mr Luis Gomez on 0538 642 4513 for further information or see our website: www.istanbulrugbycenter.com

Contact Gaye Hiçdonmez at gayehicdonmez@gmail.com or 0532 700 0693. The Photo Club of Istanbul organises photography classes and workshops, monthly photo treks and other activities for photographers of all levels of experience. Membership is free and is open to anyone with an interest in photography. Beginners are welcome. Email photoclubofistanbul@gmail.com to request an application form.

Speech Bubbles

Speech Bubbles Theatre is an Istanbul based drama group established in 1988 aiming to perform high-quality English language musical theater while donating the proceeds to charities supporting children and education. Speech Bubbles is composed of amateur and professional dancers, singers and musicians from the international community. Speech Bubbles also runs a part-time school of performing arts for young people over ten years of age and adults for three hours on Saturday mornings where everyone has the chance to gain confidence, develop their performance skills or simply just learn how to act, sing, dance and most importantly have fun! Email: tom@ speechbubbles.org or visit our web site: www.speechbubbles.org.

South Africans in Istanbul

Please contact esbie@hotmail.com if you are interested in forming an informal group of expatriate South Africans.

SWEA (Swedish Women Educational Association)

SWEA is a world-wide network for Swedish speaking women with a chapter in Istanbul. We organise various events and activities and welcome everyone who speaks Swedish. If you would like to know more or join us, please contact istanbul@swea.org.

Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs Looking for the support of other parents of children with special needs and additional resources for your child? Please contact Carol Crous for more information on 0533 730 7148 or 0212 223 9700.

Toastmasters International – Istanbul Chapter

The English speaking Istanbul toastmasters club is the first Istanbul local branch of Toastmasters International, an organisation that helps its members improve their communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. ITM meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 19.30-21.30 at the Gönen Hotel in Taksim. Guests are welcome to attend two meetings free of charge. Email vp-membership@istanbultoastmasters.org or president@istanbultoastmasters.org.

Union Church of Istanbul June - July - August 2015

We are an international, inter-denominational church that offers services in English. Please contact Elaine Van Rensburg 0212 244 5763.

IWI

PARTNER OFFERS

IWI MEMBERSHIP ID CARD

09/2014

09/2015

Our Partner Offers page lists various offers and discounts that our partners are extending to IWI members

In order to redeem these partner benefits, you must show your IWI Membership ID card. If you lose your card, contact our offices at: Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Oz Topuz Sokak. Camlitepe Sitesi, No. 74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus, Ortakoy.

Tarabya Torch Tenis offers individual and group lessons for children and adults of various skill levels. Our experienced coach will help to instill basic tennis skills and proper techniques in beginners as well as help develop professional skills for advanced players. Coach Kenan Dundar has extensive experience giving lessons to foreign students of all different levels and age groups.

Hillside Sports With a ‘feel good’ mission, these sports centres provide multifunctional and boutique services. Hillside’s unique products consider personal needs with a team of friendly, experienced and internationally certified experts. We introduce the world’s latest sports trends and provide a colourful range of products to members, combining fitness and fun.

Every tennis court at our club meets the specifications for professional tennis courts but the tennis club not only has great tennis courts, it also has all the necessary modern infrastructure for training, warm-up and rest after the game.

The ‘Hillsider community’ consists of Hillside Etiler, Hillside İstinye and Hillside Trio members. Activities, tours, cultural travels, tournaments and parties enrich the lives of the community of members. Hillside City Clubs are wellness addresses that satisfy all needs of their guests and makes sure they feel good.

Tarabya Torch Tenis offers excellent opportunities for training and education but our tennis club is not only about the lessons and playing tennis, it is also lively, relaxing and a great place to meet other tennis fans and make interesting acquaintances. Tarabya Torch Tenis is pleased to offer a 10% discount to IWI members. Courts are open from 7 am to midnight and for more detailed information please contact: 0531-945-2588 or pautova@hotmail.com or visit www.tarabyatorchtenis.com

We offer a 20% discount on general membership to IWI members. Contact details: oo Hillside City Club Etiler 0212 3522333 (Alkent Sitesi Tepecik Yolu Etiler) oo Hillside City Club Trio 0216 3241111 (Trio Konutları, Kozyatağı) oo Hillside City Club İstinye 0212 3672000 ( İstinyePark AVM, First Floor)

June - July - August 2015

IWI

PARTNER OFFERS

Dentram Dental Clinics Dentram Dental Clinics offers 20% discount on all treatments to IWI members. The offer is valid at all three clinics: Dentram Levent; Dentram Bağdat Caddesi; Dentram Acarkent. Please have your IWI member card with you. www.dentram.com

Chill Out Spa Nişantaşı British salon owner Ann Marie Sabuncu is offering IWI members a 25% discount on all treatments and package programs. Chill Out is a small boutique spa using quality products from Decleor. Latest technology LPG body treatments and reflexology are just some of the treatments available. For more information please contact Ann Marie on 0212 231 1159.

GRAND BAZAAR DISCOUNTS The following vendors in the Grand Bazaar are offering 10% discount to IWI members: • • • • •

Koç Leather & Fur KaptanBros, lighting and home decoration Tarkan Özbudak, fine Kütahya and İznik handpainted ceramics, tiles and more İgüs, cashmere & silk Ucuzcular Baharat (Bilge Kadıoğlu): Spice market no:51 Eminönü

www.chilloutspa.com.tr

Momma Zen/annezen Momma Zen/annezen is a centre which specialises in yoga, massage and aromatherapy for the pregnant woman, baby yoga and baby massage workshops and kid's yoga. We also offer a doula service and breastfeeding workshops, as well as massage and yoga for non-pregnant women. Momma Zen also teaches HypnoBirthing classes in English and runs workshops on making natural skincare products. For IWI members we are pleased to offer a 20% discount on the full price of prenatal yoga and birth classes, workshops, massages and kid’s yoga. Momma Zen/annezen Kordon Yolu Sokak 8/1, Kordon Apt, Kalamiş, Istanbul. Tel: 0216 345 0866 Jo Harris: 0536 8285587 www.momma-zen.com www.annezen.com/program

Concept Languages Located in the heart of Etiler, Concept Languages is offering free Turkish conversation classes to any IWI member presenting their card. Classes will take place twice a month between 14:30 –15:30 and for full information and reservations Please Contact: Başak Toksoy (0212) 351- 18 40 basak.toksoy@conceptlanguages.com

June - July - August 2015

Boynuz Steak House & Kasap Boynuz offers IWI members a 10% discount. Polignon Mah. Polignon Cd. Fevzi Cakmak Sk. No:2 Istiniye Phone: 0212 2291910 www.boynuzet.com

Steven Kitching British hairstylist I’m happy to offer a 10% discount to all IWI members when booking your first appointment. I have twenty years experience in cutting styling and colouring and offer a professional friendly service in the comfort of your home. For more details and appointments call or e-mail (0551) 412- 4784. stevekitching@hotmail.co.uk

Time Out subscriptions Time Out Istanbul in English is offering a 25% discout on subscriptions for IWI members. Make Time Out your monthly go-to guide for the city by contacting: Omer Karanis, omer@ajansmedya.com www.timeoutistanbul.com

IWI