Lale September October 2011

Page 1

MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF ISTANBUL September & October 2011

TRICI VENOLA UNIQUE TALENT THE HEART of CAPPADOCIA!

Discover authentic Istanbul

JEWELRY TRENDS INSPIRED BY ANTIQUITY



Contents Board information 2 Board letter 3 Membership 4 Previous activities 5 Regular activities 7 Programs calendar 8 Programs 9 Lale Features An Artistic New Season A Unique Talent in Istanbul Mimar Sinan’s Mosques Contemporary Glass Art at CAMHANE Complementary Medicine Discover Authentic Istanbul The Heart Of Cappadocia Istanbul Trends Inspired by Antiquity

14 16 20 24 25 26 28 32

Sponsored articles Time Out: Contemporary Findings Cornucopia: Every picture tells a story...

34 36

Mums n’ Kids Back to school... in a new environment... 38 Back To School Educational Refresh Tips 40 Early Language Development 42 Mums ‘N’ Kids Resources And Support Groups 48 IPWIN Let’s Start IPWIN Season 2011/2012

56

Other groups and associations Classified ads Directory IWI policies

60 62 63 64

the IWI OFFICE

Every Wednesday, from 10.30am to 1pm, the office will be open and we encourage members and newcomers to drop in for a chat and a coffee. If you know of anyone new to Istanbul who would like to find out more about the IWI, then let them know we are open for questions every Wednesday between 10.30am and 1pm. The office address is: Adnan Saygun Cad., Öz Topuz Sok. Çamlıtepe Sitesi, No. 74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus, Ortaköy. (Entrance to the Çamlıtepe Sitesi is opposite Ulus Park.) Map to the office is at the back of the magazine.

Thank you! A special thanks goes out to Julie Balsiger and Turkish Heritage Travel for the cover photo.

September - October 2011

1


Board Information

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

Address: Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Çamlıtepe Sitesi No:74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus Ortaköy Istanbul – TURKEY Telephone: 0212 287 35 71 www.iwi-tr.org

The IWI Board members 2011-2012 The IWI Board Members 20112012 Chairwoman

Suzy Kaluti

chairwoman@iwi-tr.org

Vice-Chairwoman

Esbie van Heerden

esbie@iwi-tr.org

Treasurer

Maj-Britt Riis-Hansen

treasury@iwi-tr.org

Secretary

POSITION AVAILABLE

Office Manager

Luiza Yenikeyeva

luiza@iwi-tr.org

Membership Secretary

Ann Lancaster

membership@iwi-tr.org

Lale, Monthly Programme of the International Women of Istanbul

Events Coordinator

Eleonore Gamard

eleonore@iwi-tr.org

Events Co-Coordinator

Kristina Ayoub

kristina@iwi-tr.org, iwi.xmasbazaar@iwi-tr.org

Yayını Yapan/Publisher:

Sponsorship Coordinator

Johanna Widholm

johanna@iwi-tr.org

Charity Coordinator

Laurina van Dam

laurina@iwi-tr.org

Lale Editor

Güldehan Aysan

guldehan@iwi-tr.org

Advertising Coordinator

POSITION AVAILABLE

İrtibat Adresi/Address:

Programs Coordinator

Jasmine Yüzer

jasmine@iwi-tr.org

Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Çamlıtepe Sitesi No:74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus Ortaköy Istanbul – TURKEY

IPWIN Coordinator

Marie-Theres Raberger

ipwin.mail@gmail.com

Newcomers Coordinator (European side)

Hana Danon

hana@iwi-tr.org

Newcomers Coordinator (European side)

Camelia Sağişman

camelia@iwi-tr.org

Newcomers Coordinator (Asian side)

Petra Gönenç

petra@iwi-tr.org

Neighborhood Coffee Mornings Coordinator

Nalini Narang

nalini@iwi-tr.org

Mums'N Kids Coordinator

Gigi Aksu

gigi@iwi-tr.org

Liaison Officer

Ebru Demirel

ebru@iwi-tr.org

Dergi Adı/Magazine Name:

IWI International Women of Istanbul, Dernek Kod: 34-64/027

İmtiyaz Sahibi/Licensee: Suzanne Bruns Kaluti

Adresi/Address: Badur Boğaziçi Evleri No. 3/5 Özden Sokak Nispetiye Caddesi Etiler, Istanbul Tel: 0212 287 45 57

Sorumlu Yazı İşleri Müdürü/ Responsible Editor: Laily Neyzi

Team members 2010-2011 The IWI Board Members 2011-2012 Chairwoman

Suzy Kaluti

chairwoman@iwi-tr.org

Vice-Chairwoman

Esbie van Heerden

esbie@iwi-tr.org

Treasurer

Maj-Britt Riis-Hansen

treasury@iwi-tr.org

Secretary

POSITION AVAILABLE

Yayın Türü/Issue Type:

Office Manager

Luiza Yenikeyeva

luiza@iwi-tr.org

Yerel Süreli

Membership Secretary

Ann Lancaster

membership@iwi-tr.org

Events Coordinator

Eleonore Gamard

eleonore@iwi-tr.org

Tasarım/Design:

Events Co-Coordinator

Kristina Ayoub

Marlet Advertising Studios www.marlet.com.tr +90 216 386 32 16

kristina@iwi-tr.org, iwi.xmasbazaar@iwi-tr.org

Sponsorship Coordinator

Johanna Widholm

johanna@iwi-tr.org

Charity Coordinator

Laurina van Dam

laurina@iwi-tr.org

Lale Editor

Güldehan Aysan

guldehan@iwi-tr.org

Matbaa/Printer:

Advertising Coordinator

POSITION AVAILABLE

Marlet Print Solutions www.marlet.com.tr +90 216 386 32 16

Programs Coordinator

Jasmine Yüzer

jasmine@iwi-tr.org

IPWIN Coordinator

Marie-Theres Raberger

ipwin.mail@gmail.com

Newcomers Coordinator (European side)

Hana Danon

hana@iwi-tr.org

Basım Tarihi:

Newcomers Coordinator (European side)

Camelia Sağişman

camelia@iwi-tr.org

Newcomers Coordinator (Asian side)

Petra Gönenç

petra@iwi-tr.org

Neighborhood Coffee Mornings Coordinator

Nalini Narang

nalini@iwi-tr.org

Mums'N Kids Coordinator

Gigi Aksu

gigi@iwi-tr.org

Liaison Officer

Ebru Demirel

ebru@iwi-tr.org

Adresi/Address: Kemerburgaz Mesa Evleri, Lavanta 7, D:9, 34075 Göktürk, Istanbul

15.09.2011 Sayı: 54

2

September - October 2011


Board Letter

Suzy Kaluti

Dear Ladies, Welcome to the IWI 2011-12 season! Our lazy, lovely Istanbul summer is slowly drawing to a close and the IWI board has long since been back in action, working long, hard days not only to organize our annual membership drive and Welcome Day, but also taking the time to plan many exciting programs and events for our members. Whether you are a newcomer to the International Women of Istanbul or have been with us for many years it is my pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to our organization and to express my delight at being able to serve as this year's chairwoman. Backed by a team of smart, efficient and fun women I am looking forward to a successful year! We have a very dynamic and energetic group of ladies on our board this year and we have all been doing our utmost to ensure that we not only maintain the traditional core structure of the IWI but that we also infuse our organization with forward thinking, eager women who will carry the IWI into the future. In order for us to best serve our more than 600 members it takes hours of hard work and tireless effort on the part of our many volunteers. We have many positions within the organization that still need to be filled and we welcome and invite all of our women to take a more active role within the IWI.

Our programs coordinator, Jasmine, along with her team, has put together a month of interesting activities and events so please take the time to read through the calendar and sign-up for whatever appeals to you. Some of the exciting programs include: a Turkish cooking demo with Ayse, a local walking tour with Lilli and a book discussion with Pat. Full details of the programs are in this magazine and you can go to our website www.iwi-tr.org at any time for updates and program sign-ups. Wishing all of our members a very warm welcome to the IWI! Regards, Suzy Kaluti IWI Chairwoman 2011-12

We are currently seeking to fill the position of secretary and we also need volunteers to help on the various board teams we have set up such as programs, charity, advertising and also the Lale magazine where we need contributors, proofreaders and general assistance. Please keep in mind that everything the IWI Board and Teams do, we do for you! Please consider joining us... volunteer work with the IWI is a great way to stay active and involved and also to sharpen your personal or professional skills. We are always happy to write a letter of recommendation for anyone who might need it. We are also looking for part-time volunteers to assist with one of our main events of the year, the IWI Christmas Bazaar. The Bazaar this year will take place on November 30th and we will need lots of help both beforehand and on the day to make this fundraiser a success. For more information on the Bazaar and to learn how you can help please contact Eleonore at eleonore@iwi-tr.org or Kristina at kristina@iwi-tr.org.

September - October 2011

3


MEMBERSHıP

Ann Lancaster

2011/2012 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Dear all,

10 Main Nationalities

The IWI membership year is soon coming to an end. It is time to give you some figures. It has been a tremendous year and I’m proud to say that we’ve reached 649 members in total. A year filled with exciting programmes and events, as well as a magazine more attractive than ever, certainly contributed to the success. The graphs below will give you more information on the variety of nationalities and ages. All in all we have 66 different nationalities in our group. All this mix can only result in making our association more interesting and colourful. With over 300 newcomers each year, our enthusiastic and professional volunteer board and team members need to adapt to new requests and bring fresh ideas to make it work. We thank you for your support all year long and hope to share some more interesting moments with you.

Nationality Number %

Nationality

Number %

American

113

17,4

Korean

2

0,3

British

88

13,6

New Zealander 2

0,3

German

83

12,8

Norwegian

2

0,3

Turkish

62

9,6

Romanian

2

0,3

French

40

6,2

Serbian

2

0,3

Dutch

30

4,6

Thai

2

0,3

Canadian

27

4,2

Turkmen

2

0,3

Italian

16

2,5

Algerian

1

0,2

Swiss

14

2,2

Azerbaidjian

1

0,2

Russian

12

1,8

Cypriot

1

0,2

South African

10

1,5

Estonian

1

0,2

Australian

9

1,4

Filipino

1

0,2

Danish

9

1,4

Indonesian

1

0,2

Members living on Asian vs European side

Irish

8

1,2

Iraqi

1

0,2

Europe

513

%79,0

Swedish

8

1,2

Israeli

1

0,2

Asia

136

%21,0

Pakistani

7

1,1

Jordanian

1

0,2

Total

649

%100,0

Spanish

7

1,1

Kazakh

1

0,2

Belgian

6

0,9

Kenyan

1

0,2

Mexican

6

0,9

Latvian

1

0,2

Bulgarian

5

0,8

Malta

1

0,2

Finnish

5

0,8

Mozambican

1

0,2

Hungarian

5

0,8

Panamanian

1

0,2

Indian

5

0,8

Scottish

1

0,2

Austrian

4

0,6

Singaporean

1

0,2

Czech

4

0,6

Slovene

1

0,2

Portuguese 4

0,6

St. Vincent and 1 Grenadine

0,2

Brazilian

3

0,5

Syrian

1

0,2

Chinese

3

0,5

Taiwanese

1

0,2

Iranian

3

0,5

Trinidad & Tobago

1

0,2

Japanese

3

0,5

Uruguayan

1

0,2

Lebanese

3

0,5

Uzbek

1

0,2

Polish

3

0,5

Venezuelan

1

0,2

Ukrainian

3

0,5

Greek

2

0,3

Total

649

100

Ann Lancaster Membership Secretary Age groups less or equal to 30

19

3,4%

between 31 and 40

184

32,5%

between 41 and 50

201

35,5%

between 51 and 60

88

15,5%

over 60

74

13,1%

Total

566

100,0%

Renewals vs. Newcomers number

%

Renewals

346

53,3

Newcomers

303

46,7

Total

649

100,0

Out of 303 Newcomers, 154 arrived in 2011-2012

* Footnote: data available for 566 members out of 649

4

September - October 2011


Previous Activities

Une Soiree Parisienne

Nous tenions à vous féliciter pour la merveilleuse soirée que nous avons passée hier soir à Tarabya. Vraiment, nous avons été très impressionnés par le professionnalisme et l'organisation irréprochable de la soirée. Seules les températures restaient fraiches dehors mais nous avions pris nos dispositions.... Apéritif très bon et repas excellent. Le dessert aussi était délicieux et nous nous sommes régalés des macarons. Super soirée ! Même la musique nous a rappelé nos années de jeunesse et une grande majorité de personne ont dansé jusqu’à la fin de la soirée !!! La déco était très sympa et réussie: très chic et parisienne, dans les tons roses et noirs. BRAVO !!!! – Had a lovely night on Saturday. Cathy I just wanted to congratulate you all and say thank you... Well done... – L’occasion de (vous) remercier pour Güldehan le magnifique soirée. C’était vraiment sympa, toutes nos félicitations – Suzan A big THANK YOU and congratulations to the big success of the Spring ball – it was excellent and fun!! I hope IWI made also lots of money for Bomonti! – Cerstin

September - October 2011

5


6

September - October 2011


regular activities The Weekly Meeting Place of the IWI Café Nunyo - Alkent

Asian Side Coffee/Lunch Meeting

All new comers and IWI members mark your calendars for Thursdays! Our popular weekly meeting spot in Etiler welcomes you anytime between 12 noon and 2 pm for lunch, coffee and a friendly chat. Camellia and Hana, our newcomer coordinators, will be there to greet you with a smile and introduce you to the other members. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mark your calendars for our monthly coffee/lunch meeting at the new chosen place for you to enjoy Dijon Cafe!

Café Nunyo offers 10% discount for the IWI members for coffee or tea. Also if you have lunch, tea / coffee is for free.

Remember this event is twice a month! First and third Tuesday every month.

Meet new members, establish new friendships or else renew existing ones in Istanbul. Dijon Cafe offers 10% discount for the IWI members!

Date

: See calendar for details

Date

: See calendar for details

Time

: 12 Noon

Time

: 11:00 am

Venue

: Meet Café (Old Nunyo Café)

Venue

: DIJON CAFE

Cost

: Pay as you order

Meeting Place

: Tepecik Yolu, Alkent Sitesi, Etiler

Cost

:

Pay as you order (with your special 10% discount)

Reservations

: Not required

Phone

:

Meeting Place

:

DIJON Cafe, Bağdat Caddesi, No:470 / A, Suadiye. (Walk down Bağdat Caddesi from ZARA Suadiye towards Bostancı, after 500 m on the same side) www.cafedijon.com

Reservations

: Not required

Person in charge

: Petra Gönenç (Asian side coordinator)

Phone

: 0532-275 4219

DIJON CAFE

: 0216-384 70 07

Camellia Sağışman 0532 236 97 55 Hana Danon 0532 213 31 51

Regular IWI activities YOGA TENNIS MOVIE CLUB ISTANBUL@NIGHT IPWIN BOOK CLUBS 1 & 2 PHOTO CLUB CHESS IWI ART CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE MORNINGS IWI BOARD MEETING

Every day at The LifeCo in Etiler at 8:00 am Volunteer needed to co-ordinate this club* Volunteer needed to co-ordinate this club* Volunteer needed to co-ordinate this club* Every first Tuesday of the month (evenings) Please check the website: www.iwi-tr.org Please check the website: www.iwi-tr.org for information Once a month by reservation to Ekaterina Atalık: makacat@yandex.ru Every 1st (morning) and 3rd (evening) Thursday. Every second Wednesday of the month. The IWI Board meets every first Wednesday of the month.

* If you are interested in coordinating one of these clubs or are interested in forming a new one please contact jasmine@iwi-tr.org September - October 2011

7


Calender September Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22 IWI Welcome Day! Night Out Without Kids

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

October Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1

2

3

4 Start Back on the Right Foot Asian Side Coffee Morning

5 NCM

6 IWI Art Club Alkent Coffee Morning

7 Turkish Home Style Brunch

8

9

10

11 IPWIN Opening Cocktail

12

13 Walking Tour Alkent Coffee Morning

14

15 Earthquake Preparedness

16

17

18 Asian Side Coffee Morning

19 Rock Climbing

20 IWI Art Club ACM Night Out Without Kids

21 Art Studio Visit

22

23

24

25 Book Talk

26

27 Thai Cooking Demo Alkent Coffee Morning

28

29

30

31

8

September - October 2011


programs

I

t’s a new season and a new programs team for the IWI. I would like to thank Lilli and her team for all the nice programs we had last year and the best of luck as they move on. I would like to welcome you all back to town and I hope you are ready for a fun-filled and enriching year. I look forward to meeting more of you at activities: Newcomers, let me introduce you to some less seen aspects of Istanbul… oldcomers: let me help you stay in touch with this wonderful city. Jasmine Bolton Yuzer Program Coordinator

Derryn Snowdon Programs Team

Ayse Gurler Yucel Programs Team: Food Demonstrations

Dilya Gok Reservations

Start Back on the Right Foot

For the first program of the season, certified life coach Derryn Snowdon, who is also a member of the IWI programs team, is offering us a group life coaching workshop. Life coaching is a relatively new field that supports people in moving their lives into the place they really want to be. This can mean making changes in a few selected areas or it may mean transforming your life. There are many topics that a life coach can work with a client on from relationships to finances, from weight and health to career changes. However, to begin with most life coach will work with you on your values and your beliefs in order to establish the parameters that are meaningful to you. This is where we shall begin in this October workshop – exploring our values and how they effect your decision making and translate into our life choices and actions. By looking deeper inside and generating more self-awareness around these aspects you can begin this new season with a stronger sense of self and of direction. It is a new season, so why not take advantage of this time of the year and indeed this time in your life to begin working on some positive changes. Start the journey of improving the rest of your life!

Date

:

Tuesday, October 4th

Time

:

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Venue

:

United Sports Club

Cost

:

Free

Meeting Place

:

Ambarlidere cad., Ulus next to Lotus Evleri and Carrefour

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Deadline

:

October 2nd

Person to Contact

:

Derryn Snowdon

Contact details

:

(www.unitedclubs.com) - (212-288-7988)

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. September - October 2011

9


programs Turkish Home Style Brunch

Walking Tour of Taksim and Beyoglu

Ayse Yucel, long-time active member of the IWI, programs‘ team member, and chef extroidinare, will put together an all homemade brunch, Turkish style to welcome you all back to Istanbul or to Istanbul for the first time. Old and new commers are welcome. You will also have a chance to experience having your coffee cups read by a fortune teller! Get ready for a traditional Turkish afternoon tea, gün cay saati or g accompied with a ray of Turkish dishes bursting with favor and tradition. Turkish teas times are a very important part of maintaining a sense of community. They are an important part of socialization for traditional Turkish homemakers. In essence, a group of ladies, sometimes family members, sometimes friends, meet at each others homes on a rotating basis, where they exchange recipies, ideas for keeping a better home, and maybe a little gossip. Often each member brings a gold coin of a certain value, and that is given to the hostess, and next month another hostess recieves all of the coins, and so on and so forth, as to allow for each member to have a large sum of money to do with as they please. Learn more about the Turkish tea time and participate in our own Cay saati with friends.

We have all walked around Taksim and felt its magnificent presence and the life and the heartbeat of the city. This is your chance to quence your curiosity and find out what is what. Behind the contemporary facade there is a hidden beauty to the inner city where ever corner tells a different story and every building bespeaks a history all its own. Seasoned guide Marc Guillet, a Dutch, freelance journalist, who has been in and out of Istanbul since 1983, will lead us through the labryinth of Taksim and Beyoglu. Luck for us that Marc’s personal favorite district of Istanbul is Beyoğlu: ‘before 1955 the mainly non-Muslim neighborhood where Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Italians and other nationalities lived. It is still the most cosmopolitan area of Istanbul with many bars, restaurants, cinemas, shops, galleries, museums and live music venues.’ This 4 hour tour will include a snack break. Put on your walking shoes and bring your camera!

Come and enjoy what Turkish hospitaly is all about. Don’t miss it!!! Date

:

Friday, October 7th

Date

:

Thursday, October 13th

Time

:

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Time

:

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Venue

:

Ayse Yücel’s home in Yenikoy

Venue

:

Taksim and Beyoglu

Cost

:

27.50 Euros (approximately 60 TL)

Meeting Place

:

Starbucks next to the Marmara Hotel in Taksim Square

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org (limit of 10)

Deadline

:

October 10th

Person to Contact

:

Jasmine Yuzer

Cost

:

35 TL (+ 15 TL for coffee reading)

Meeting Place

:

(Directions given upon booking)

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Deadline

:

October 2nd

Person to Contact

:

Ayse Yücel

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

10

September - October 2011


programs Earthquake Preparedness

Rock Climbing

AKUT - Turkey’s premier search and rescue organization is offering to share their knowledge of the threat that we live on top of. They will offer us information on what to do and what not to do in case of an earthquake. They will also share their knowledge about Turkish topography and buildings, and explain about their efforts here in Turkey. AKUT is in its 15th year of service and is commited to helping those in need during a natural disaster; earthquake, flood, storms, or difficult terrains. It is a volunteer only group that has also sent aid workers to Greece, Taiwan, India and Iran. They are eager to share their knowledge with us all. This is a Saturday afternoon event, and all are welcome, including husbands, children, family members, and friends. Please attend this important event.

Time for something a litte different ladies. Looking for something physical to do that isn’t yoga or pilates! Climbing does not only require upper body strength, it also takes concentration and planning ahead. Broaden your horizons! Reach the summit! Learn some of the basics about rock climbing and try climbing up on your own! All are welcome, so don’t be shy, come with a friend and have a try. The center offers regular classes as well as classes for children. Instructions given by the Turkish National Climbing team. Looking forward to seeing you on the wall! Dress to move and for comfort.

Date

:

Saturday, October 15th

Date

:

Wednesday, October 19th

Time

:

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Time

:

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Venue

:

AKUT OFFİCE

Venue

:

Boulder Istanbul

Cost

:

Free

Cost

:

20TL (including shoe rental)

Meeting Place

:

AKUT office Esentepe, Buyukdere Caddesi No: 120

Meeting Place

:

Goztepe Egitim Mahallesi, Postane Sokak Ozan Apt. No: 11/A Kadikoy

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Deadline

:

October 12th

Deadline

:

October 22nd

Person to Contact

:

Jasmine Yuzer

Person to Contact

:

Jasmine Yuzer

Contact details

:

(www.akut.org.tr) - (212-217-0410)

Contact details

:

(www.boulderistanbul.com) (216-337-5912)

September - October 2011

11


programs Art Studio Visit

Book Talk

GÖRSEL GELİCEK

Art is yet but an outlet, a way to express our inner self. It is a doorway into our thoughts and way of thinking. Art creates feelings in ourselves and moves us to think. Valerie Celebi, IWI member and French artist offers us a look into her world, her studio. On her webite, she quotes Aristotle’s saying: “The aim of art is to represent not the appearance of things, but their inward significance” Learn about how she began painting, about her style and her vision. Come and enjoy viewing her collection over snacks and coffee.

Date

:

Friday, October 21st

Pat Yale will talk about her new book, entitled, Istanbul, the Ultimate Guide, the most comprehensive up-to-date and lavishly illustrated guide to the city. Find out about the author and some interested facts on her quest to write this guide. There is no better place to talk about Istanbul than in the heart of the old city in Sultanahmet. The Villa Hagia Sophia is a small quaint butique hotel with Ottoman charm. Come hear about the ultimate guide at the ulitmate place. She has been featured in an article in the Lale, now is your chance to meet her in person and hear first hand about her guide,and perhaps get some personalized travel advice from one who has been there and done it all in Istanbul.

Date

:

Tuesday, October 25th

Time

:

10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Time

:

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Venue

:

Valerie’s Studio in Acarkent

Venue

:

Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet

Cost

:

Free

Meeting Place

:

(Directions given upon booking)

Cost

:

Refreshments need to be paid upon individual consumption.

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Meeting Place

:

Kucuk Ayasofya Mah. Kucuk Ayasofya Medresesi Sokak No.6 Kadirga - Sultanahmet

Deadline

:

October 18th

Reservations

:

Person to Contact

:

Jasmine Yuzer

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Deadline

:

October 21st

Person to Contact

:

Derryn Snowdon

Contact details

:

(www.villahagiasophia.com) (212-458-1122 / 23)

12

September - October 2011


programs Thai Cooking Demo An Authentic Taste of Thailand in Istanbul

The availability of Thai ingredients is very limited in Istanbul, but some dishes can still be cooked successfully. Jiraporn, a Thai lady from Bangkok, will share with you tips on how to cook worldrenowned dishes like Hot and Sour Prawn Soup and Pad Thai. A hands-on cooking demo with Jiraporn will enable you to impress your guests with authentic Thai food at home. Cooking demos are always popular, so please book early to ensure your spot. There is also the possibility of having a second class if there is interest. Date

:

Thursday, October 27th

Time

:

10:30 AM

Venue

:

Jiaporn’s home in Tesvikiye

Cost

:

65TL

Meeting Place

:

Tesvikiye (directions given upon booking)

Reservations

:

Online on IWI website or to reservations@iwi-tr.org

Deadline

:

October 22nd

Person to Contact

:

Jasmine Yuzer

September - October 2011

13


LALE Features

An Artistic New Season In the Beyoğlu-Taksim district, located on Istiklal, you won’t want to miss Arter Gallery’s exhibit displaying the works of renowned contemporary artist and filmmaker Kutluğ Arman, titled Mesopotamian Dramaturgies, which runs till November 16. This collection, consisting of two works (Mayhem and Su), uses the theme of water to discuss politics, and more specifically, the changing face of revolution.

Zeynep Güler

With a new season in bloom, a bouquet of art galleries will be showcasing the newest collections by renowned foreign and local artists.

draws visitors into a whole new world of sensory perception. The exhibit was curated by Richard Castelli and brings together the works of renowned international artists. Another exhibit worth a visit before it moves on is at the Pera Museum under the title Present Times, which runs till October 2. This exhibit showcases the works of young artists and designers who attend Anadolu University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Some permanent collections at the Pera that are great to take visit are Orientalist Painting, Anatolian Weights & Measures and Kütahya Tiles & Ceramics. The chic Akaretler neighbourhood has a lot to offer with its designer boutique, cafés and some great art galleries such as artlimits (which just opened), Autoban, Art On and Galerist Akaretler, which all host permanent and temporary exhibits. While you’re in the area, check out Rampa’s new exhibit set to open on September 17 and run till October 20, titled Alterity by artist Ergin Çavuşoğlu. The Nişantaşı district is not only renowned for its shopping, but also for the galleries it houses, such as Galeri Ihlamour, Galeri BinYıl, Galeri Işık Teşvikiye and X-IST, which display a variety of collections that change regularly. At Artgalerim Nişantaşı, a colourful karma exhibit that opened in the summer and will run till September 6 is Hep Birlikte III (All Together III).

After the recent opening of its first location on Istiklal Caddesi, SALT welcomed its second location in Galata. At its flagship location, SALT Beyoğlu will display the Istanbullaşmak (Becoming Istanbul) exhibit, which runs from September 14 till December 31. This exhibit creates an interactive platform where 90 events, from talks to tours, performances to exhibits, bring forth the essence of the city through varying perspectives. In addition to the “90” platform and the main exhibit, a special series that revolves around urban transformation projects will also be showcased. A few exhibitions worthy of mention that actually opened this past summer but that will stay open for visitors into the fall season are Borusan Music House’s second installment of the Madde-Işık series Madde-Işık II (Matter-Light II) that runs till September 25 and

14

If you are taking a jaunt down the gentrified Tophane neighbourhood, the line of art galleries along Boğazkesen Caddesi are sure to tickle your fancy for fine art with such exhibits as Volkan Aslan’s Unstable Repetition at Pi Artworks Tophane, which runs from September 10 to October 30; Sefer Memişoğlu’s video-heavy works, Matters of fact at Galeri Non, which runs thru September 14-October 15; and Kerem Ozan Bayraktar’s photographs of scenes made of plastic models in Stasis, which opens on September 7 and runs till October 20 at Pg Art Gallery. Another gallery to check out is Daire Sanat, which will open the season with a karma exhibit by local artists titled Kişisel, Hem de Değil (Both Personal, And Not) that runs from September 14 to October 8. As you emerge from the Tophane district, head down to the waterfront to check out Turkey’s first contemporary arts museum Istanbul Modern, which continues to run two exhibits till September 4; Steve McCurry’s Zaman newspaper-sponsored Son Kodachrome Filmi (The Last Roll of Kodachrome) photography collection; and Lale Tara’s Innocent Surrogates. Don’t forget to take a short walk over to Sanat Limanı, on the same complex, to catch two exciting new shows, Şehrin Gizli Dili (The Mysterious Language of the City) – which deals with such concepts as loss of national identity and isolation through multimedia expression - and Gençtopia S,M,L, XL September - October 2011


LALE Features

(Youthtopia S,M,L,XL) – a look at the youthful search for identity which both open on September 2. After renovations, santralistanbul, located in the former Power Plant in Eyüp, will re-open with an exhibit that previously attracted audiences in the thousands at New York’s Museum of Natural History, Iklim Değişikliği (Climate Change), will open on October 4 (and run till January 2012). Ever since the surge of artistic space that began popping up in the city in the last decade, the old faithfuls still remain, such as Proje 4L / Elgiz Contemporary Art Museum, Istanbul French Cultural Centre, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Art Gallery and Sakıp Sabancı Museum, which all post news about their latest exhibits online.

Musically Yours this Fall

Spring and summer saw musicians from all around the world flock to Istanbul for solo, collaborative and/or festival performances. This past year, Istanbul has welcomed such legends as Paul Simon, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Roxette and Maroon 5 to its various venues, but the show’s not over yet, and audiences are still thirsty to see some great acts perform this season ‘round. And so they shall, with appearances by Algerian balladist Enrico Macias on September 13 at 9 pm on the Harbiye Open Air Theatre Stage; inspirational musician Yanni at the prestigious seaside club Sortie on

characters onto the ice for Disney on Ice at Ora Arena in Bayrampaşa. Disney’s enchanting heroes and princesses will take the ice for these magical performances - perfect for the whole family! Las Vegas Press called the Rock Around The Clock musical “a rocking, rolling, rollercoaster of a show!” If you’re ready to twist and shout, then head to TIM Show Center between September 29 and October 2 (tickets are sold at biletix.ca).

Talk of the Town

Now that autumn has arrived, talks and panels are in full swing. Receive updates from the various organizations that host talks and discussions regarding everything from foreign business relations to art in Istanbul by signing up for their e-newsletters. Some organizations to check out include Istanbul French Cultural Centre (www.ifturquie.org), The Turkish Cultural Foundation (www.turkishculturalfoundation.org) and Molly’s Café (mollyscafeistanbul. wordpress.com).

Women’s Tennis Serves it Up in Istanbul

The TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul Tennis Tournament that will take place from October 25-30 promises to be one of the biggest sports events organized in Turkey. The Championship, which has featured tennis giants like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, will see 52 female participants, at the top of their game, compete for the 4.5 million dollar award. The tournament will take place at Sinan Erdem Sport Center and tickets can be purchased at www.biletix.com.

September 18; and the legendary Elvis Costello, who performs on November 2 (tickets are currently on sale). All tickets can be purchased via www.biletix.ca or at Biletix ticket booths across town.

Fun for the Whole Family

From October 5-16, Disney will release its wacky and wonderful September - October 2011

15


LALE Features

Trici Venola

Trici Venola – a unique talent in IstaNbul You may have noticed the stunning new IWI Christmas Bazaar poster elsewhere in this edition of Lale - it has been designed especially for the IWI by a resident artist Trici Venola. This Los Angeles artist originates from a background of high-profile digital art creation. She is known as a "groundbreaking and cutting edge artist" and these words were used to describe her work from19841999, when she was a premier digital artist, and lecturer in the US. In the early days of the Macintosh, she created series of art software programs that raised the industry standard and she worked with the likes Disney, Apple, Super Mario and Paramount Pictures. During the changeover to digital art in the entertainment industry, she taught their artists how to create art on a computer. She was one of the first digital artists to show her work in galleries, and her digital fine art was featured in magazines and exhibitions worldwide. In 1999 Trici left the digital world to travel and draw in Turkey. She still creates art digitally, and applies her computer art skills to doing her own pre-press work on her analog drawings. Her stories about Turkey have been published in Tales from the Expat Harem (Dogan, 2005), Best Travel Writing 2006 and Encounters with the Middle East (Travelers’ Tales, 2006 and 2008). During the creation of this year's IWI Christmas bazaar poster, Esbie van Heerden interviewed Trici and this is what she has to say about her life in Istanbul:

E.H. What are the factors that pulled you to Turkey? T.V. Love. I came here on a five-day package tour in 1999, started drawing, and never finished. I’m from Los Angeles. There is nothing old in Los Angeles, but we are quite good at faking an old look, as in movie sets. Here, the stuff that looks old actually IS old. I fell in love with Istanbul’s antiquity, the layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and over the top (literally) the frenetic energy of modern Turkey.

E.H. What challenges have you encountered moving here and how do you maintain your legal and professional status? In other words, how does a professional artist settle and make a living here? T.V. I live very simply. I had to make choices, and I chose to concentrate my time and energy on creating this body of work. The passion I feel for my work compensates for the things I do without. The object of this exercise is not to live in Turkey, the object is to draw Turkey. I do fine when I remember that. When I concentrate on my drawing, my primary purpose, everything else follows. The sales of art and prints are quite individualized, and I’m well within

16

September - October 2011


LALE Features

my legal limits. Other artists make other choices. The biggest problem I’ve encountered is with the language. Despite classes and tutoring I simply cannot understand what people are saying to me in Turkish. I think I may be slightly dyslexic. But people really, really love the drawing, and that speaks up loud and clear.

E.H. What were your perceptions of life in Istanbul before you moved here and have they changed in your time here? T.V. I was a boneheaded liberal when I first came here. I refused to believe that things were not as I wanted them to be. I romanticized people and circumstances. I got into a lot of trouble talking about things I didn’t understand. When I first came here, I was cushioned by money and my home in the States. Then my circumstances changed and I couldn’t come and go as I had. That was when I learned what it was to really live here. My work is drawing layers of history, and I prefer to draw things that don’t exist anywhere else. The charming European neighborhood where I live is lovely, but not compelling. There are neighborhoods like it elsewhere. But the remaining portals of a desiccated palace looming on the edge of the sea, now that’s something worth spending a week of my life to document. Especially when the porphyry birth chamber of this palace was the genesis of the expression “Born to the purple.” I knew very little about the history of Istanbul when I came here, wanting only to see Hagia Sophia in the real. My perceptions were mostly gleaned by looking in the pages of my art history books, by countless allusions to Constantinople/Istanbul in literature and opera, by the merest idea of the Byzantines, the Ottomans. I became fascinated with the antiquities I saw all around the Old City and read everything I could find, read on the Internet for hours and hours. I’ll never learn enough about this place. Now that there is massive renovation and gentrification in the Old City, I’ve taken to drawing things that are likely to disappear or change. I love to celebrate the visible antiquity of things. Only God can make something old. I hate when they scrape it all off and make it look like it was built yesterday. Nowhere on earth are there things like there are in Sultanahmet. I take friends down to the City Walls and they stand there and cry, because they’ve never seen such vivid visual testimony to wars and storms, sacking and fires and great victories. To make something like that look new is to rob it of its integrity, an insult to the years and all those thousands of lives that it has witnessed.

September - October 2011

17


E.H. Where do you live/ how did you choose this area? T.V. I was forced out of Sultanahmet by relentless "hotelization". Cihangir is a nice neighborhood and it’s walking distance from Sultanahmet in a pinch. I couldn’t go to Eyüp or Fener-Balat because I’m dependent on the tram.

E.H. What are the most appealing or worst aspects of your neighborhood? T.V. Good: High hills over the sea, Little cobbled streets, cosmopolitan neighbors, stores that carry everything. Bad: the trash makes me want to move. People put their foul trash right out on the corner, even though there are dumpsters one block up and one block down. “They pick it up every night” they say. But there’s a miasma of ground-in bits of trash always on the street. The steps

18

and hill down to the park below me are full of litter always: cans and bottles, cigarettes and nutshells and chip bags, all just tossed. Nobody cares.

E.H. How do people react when they see you drawing in the street? T.V. They love it. They come up and watch, I keep drawing. Sometimes quite a large crowd will gather. Kids especially love the work. Kids notice details. When I was drawing in Sirkeci and Eminonü this winter, people just flipped out. They were flabbergasted to see someone drawing the Deutsch Orientbank, the shops in the Spice Bazaar. Eventually the crowd will drift away and one person will remain. And what a shock, every once in a while, to feel this person watching, look up and realize nobody is there, at least nobody I can see. September - October 2011


E.H. Where do you derive your inspiration from? T.V. Turkey. The juxtaposition of opposites, and all these fabulous faces. Films, novels, short stories. I pretty much draw what I see. I’ve been drawing my whole life. I respect the Turkish artistic traditions and can incorporate them if they work in a drawing. For example, in a carpet shop, I draw the designs of the carpets.

E.H. Do you believe drawing is an inherent talent or can anyone learn to draw? T.V. Drawing is mostly practice. And yes, talent is involved. That comes in with what you draw, how you approach it. I’m always asking myself: “How can I make this drawing more interesting?” A good teacher is one who can help you to find your own voice through the medium. September - October 2011

The book Drawing On Istanbul is almost out of print. There are very few copies left of this first edition. Trici is working on a second book. In the meantime, people can see a lot of work on www. tricivenola.net. She also does commissions at a larger size: 35 cm by 70 cm. This year, she has been drawing private commissions all summer: Hagia Sophia, the big Boukoleon arch and a portrait incorporating the Hippodrome obelisks are among them. These drawings take up to 20 to 30-hours and Trici would just love to create one for you! CONTACT INFORMATION Trici.venola@yahoo.com Facebook: Trici Venola www.tricivenola.net

19


LALE Features

Esbie van Heerden

Mimar Sinan’s Mosques – The Perfection of Acoustic Science Acoustics is the science of sound. The basic aim of this science has through the ages has been to improve the conditions for better hearing. Anatolia has been the cradle of various civilizations and their monuments and technologies have in many cases withstood the ravages of time. There is evidence of attempts at acoustical solutions since early times. The development of centuries’ experiments with acoustical science culminated in the architecture of the Ottoman time which is synonymous with the buildings built by the architect known as Koca Mimar Sinan (Fig. 1). He was a renaissance man who built prolifically all over Turkey and he is most well known for his design and engineering genius in his great mosques. Above all, the acoustic systems he applied are among the most successful applications of acoustic science in history.

reflects several times and especially in large domes the sound energy is increasingly delayed. The effect is that the reflected sound energy causes a time delay and intelligibility is thus reduced by subsequent echoes. The first prerequisite to create the best hearing conditions is the homogeneous distribution of sound energy. The components in and on the boundaries of a space is used for this purpose and the sound is distributed in all directions. A diffuse field is thus created. Secondly, sound energy is emitted from its source in spherical waves and if they do not strike and are not reflected by any surface or component, they will continue their travelling until all the sound energy is absorbed by air. In enclosed spaces, the sound energy reflected from the boundaries continues its existence while slowly decreasing (Fig. 3). Finally, the decay time of sound energy is called reverberation time. A short reverberation time leads the ear to feel unsatisfied, and a long reverberation causes components to mask the following ones, which results in insufficient intelligibility. The Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who lived in the first century, in his book titled De Architectura Libri Decem (Ten Books on Architecture) carefully described existing practices of architecture (Fig.4). Although some references were in existence on sound and hearing, Vitruvius is accepted as the first author who has documented acoustical systems for better sound quality. What is more, in his fifth book Vitruvius gives precise design rules for amphitheatres and emphasizes acoustics in amphitheatres. He was aware of an acoustical problem caused by the reflection of sound waves namely that the influence on the original source is created by reflections making the original less clearly audible. Taking into account that the science of sound was only formulated much later, this is remarkable. Vitruvius suggested that sounding vessels (cavity resonators) made

The dome plays an important symbolic role in the mosque but it also presents unique challenges. The Ottomans introduced central dome mosques in the fifteenth century with large domes centred over the prayer halls. This style was heavily influenced by the Byzantine religious architecture with its use of large central domes where the symbolic significance of the dome or half a sphere on a square base denotes the combination of symbolic and mystical essence to represent a space that is sacred. Furthermore, the Ottomans mastered the technique of building vast inner spaces. When looking at his mosques it is clear that the seemingly weightless yet massive domes achieve perfect harmony between inner and outer spaces, as well as light and shadow (Fig. 2.) Moreover, in some spaces such as concert halls or religious buildings acoustical perception is sometimes even more important than visual perception. A mosque is one of those rare buildings where these two aspects are of almost equal importance for human perception. Thus, not only is the observer visually awed by the space but also becomes aurally aware. Moreover, the fundamental aim of a religious building is to make the worshipper feel closer to God and to evoke a devotional atmosphere. Primarily, due to its concave shape is the main reason why it is difficult to create an optimum acoustic space. In such a structure sound energy

20

September - October 2011


LALE Features

of bronze must be placed in the theatre structures to reinforce the quality and harmonic structure of sound and he explains their resonances, installation location and form in detail in these early writings. Cavity resonators were used in the ancient world also continually applied in Anatolia. The reason was that in ancient Greece the Western type of theatre demanded an acoustical setting. The clarity of sound within Greek or Roman theatres astonishes any visitor. The seats arranged in curved rows around the circular orchestra form large horizontal reflecting surfaces. The paths of sound waves travel from the performers to each of the audience in a direct path. In theatres there copper or clay vases were made these are placed in chambers under the rows of seats in accordance with mathematical calculation. Therefore these vessels, known as Echeia in ancient Greece, may be the oldest cavity resonators used in architectural acoustics, and also the origin of cavity resonators used in Anatolia. However, these developments did not end with the ancients Greece or the Roman Empire; on the contrary, their existence continued and developed in Anatolia. Examples are frequently seen in both Seljuk and Ottoman works.

Esbie van Heerden

ent positioning of the mahfil it is clear that Sinan searched for a solution to attain sufficient intelligibility. The calculations of the interior volume of all three mosques show us that there is a lack of sound power due to the positioning of sound sources in the mosques. For instance, the Şehzade Mehmet Mosque (1548) has an interior volume of almost 50,000 m³ and the muezzin's mahfil is located next to the northwest pillar (Fig. 6). Only

The Gevher Nesibe Sultan Darüşşhifa (A. C. 1205) in Kayseri from the Seljuk period is one of the best examples. In this hospital the music played for therapeutic purposes was heard in the patients' rooms by means of sound channels and states that the widespread use of cavity resonators is also seen early Ottoman architecture (Fig. 5).

Sinan, in his mosques, was faced with the problem of distributing sound homogeneously in a huge space so that the worshipper during the prayers can hear and follow the imam who stood at the mihrab corner. Further to this challenge, the concave form of the dome form is an inconvenient form in acoustics so the purpose of cavity resonators becomes apparent. For instance, cavity resonators, placed in the dome itself, prevent the reflection of sound energy and re-radiate it throughout the room. Resistance in the neck of the resonator and oscillation in the cavity reradiates the sound energy in a homogeneous distribution Thus, by re-radiating the incident energy in all directions, the room becomes a diffused sound field and the danger of echoes due to delayed reflections from dome is eliminated. Besides getting a diffused field, the sound coming from the dome shortly after the direct sound can give a so-called “divine” quality to sounds carried the mosque. This application became a tradition in Ottoman mosques. The muezzin’s mahfil is placed in different positions in the Şehzade Mehmet, Süleymaniye and Selimiye mosques. Through the differ-

September - October 2011

a massive choir can produce the sufficient sound power for the room size of that interior volume. Therefore, it is evident that although there are cavity resonators in the dome, the sound energy will remain insufficient. Furthermore, in the even larger interior volume of the Süleymaniye Mosque (1558) Sinan tried to increase sound power by a number of sources (Fig. 7). For this purpose, he placed the muezzin's mahfil, near the mihrab, next to the southwest pillar and in addition, he added two small mahfils to the two north pillars. This explains that Mimar Sinan was aware of the acoustical challenge but these placements may lead to reflections and division of space to “sound rooms”. Moreover, in the positioning of the muezzin's mahfil for the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Mimar Sinan succeeded in finding a solution to the acoustic problem by designing a total space for the interior of the mosque, not divided into acoustic spaces reduced to the size of room. The interior volume of the Selimiye Mosque is approximately 75,000 m³ and, naturally, there is the problem of sufficient power of the sound source. To overcome this problem, Sinan placed the muezzin's mahfil exactly in the centre of the total space with the dome

21


LALE Features

Esbie van Heerden

and cavity resonators directly above the sound source (As a result, the resonator system that diffuses the sound energy into the room is close by and receives no reflected sound; it takes the sound energy directly from the source and diffuses it throughout the entire room space. The impact of this system is that a single human voice is reflected most beautifully, and if even the sound is amplified it does not resound nor does not fade even in the Selimiye Mosque’s huge space. As a result of Sinan’s knowledge and his experimentation with the positioning of cavity resonators in the dome and the positioning of the muezzin’s mahfil at the Selimiye Mosque (Fig. 8) for this first time an acoustic space was created. An acoustic space is defined as a space where the sound energy radiates from above and defines a space. In fact, in Mimar Sinan’s architecture no design decision is taken without reason. Recent renovations have brought to light that the acoustical design was not limited to the above measure but also to the choice of plasters and other finishing materials. In conclusion, Mimar Sinan created the first acoustical space in his Selimiye Mosque by the use of cavity resonators and many other planning solutions and research has shown that the technology of cavity resonators is an inheritance from ancient civilisations. The dome provides a particular acoustic challenge and Mimar Sinan’s solutions in the Selimiye Mosque creates a solution particularly suited to the quality of sound required for

22

such as huge space and with the timbre of sound needed for a place of worship. Research projects regarding Mimar Sinan’s design require the participation of engineers, physicists and other technical specialists. It should also not be forgotten that with every restoration effort, technology that was not completely understood were completely lost or still remain under plaster (Fig. 9). Therefore, all new restoration must be carried out by a team composed of experts from many divisions of science.

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

23


LALE Features

Ayşe Turgut

Contemporary Glass Art at CAMHANE With the recent surge of galleries throughout the Taksim and Nisantasi sections of Istanbul, Turkey now boasts a strong and lively contemporary art scene on the verge of international stage. Turkey’s deep Ottoman roots influence many Turkish artists. At the same time, there is major fluidity with a new generation of young artists, who are exploring current social, political, and religious themes of today’s Turkey. With each LALE issue, I would like to introduce IWI members to different aspects of the fascinating world of Turkish art. Bakiri’s glass sculptures are made from layers of hot glass formed using hands. She works spontaneously to create the forms before giving the glass the chance to cool. She is interested in glass for both it’s transparency and hard, but breakable qualities, which she feels gives her the most varied and interesting results in her work. She often combines different materials in particular wires and metals mesh with glass. Her most interesting pieces using this tecnique are her large-scale kaftans, which are inspired by the textiles in the Topkapi Palace Museum (fig. 1-2). The colors and form recall the Ottoman past, which she has clearly reinterpreted on her own terms. Another favorite is the simple oval shaped piece divided into vivid geometric shapes containing Ottoman derived motifs (fig. 3). Bakiri’s work has been exhibited internationally, and graces museum and provide collections worldwide.

We begin our series in Balat with the glass art center and gallery “Camhane,” which is run by glass artist Yasemin Aslan Bakir. The building, in close proximity to the St. Stephen Bulgarian metal church, was built in Ottoman times when the surrounding area was home to many glass making studios. Due to years of neglect, the building had collapsed. It was restored by the Istanbul Municipality in the last decade to breath life and continue the legacy of the area’s glassmaking tradition. The gallery’s permanent exhibit features Yasemin Aslan Bakir’s exquisitely crafted glass sculptures. Bakir, who received a B.A. in Ceramics and Glass from Mimar Sinan University in 1988 and continued her studies in England specializing in 3D Design Glass, shares her passion for the medium by showcasing temporary curated shows of other Turkish and international glass artists. Bakiri has studied with master glass artists including Annette Meech, Christopher Williams, David Taylor and Fleur Tookey. She transfers her profound knowledge and skill to anyone interesting in learning the craft in regularly held workshops at the Center.

24

According to Bakiri, glass has no boundaries. It can be both industrial and an art form. In addition to her sculptures, she also makes objects and wall decorations. She works with architects and commercial establishments on commission basis. Most importantly, glass is universal because everyone loves it. As an artist, Bakiri explores the surface nuances of the glass and its interplay with light and color. Indeed Bakiries skill lies in her ability to capture the international response through her expert handling of the medium. To see more of Bakiri’s glasswork, please visit www.camhane.com. September - October 2011


LALE Features

Feranek Gülsoy

COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Complementary medicine (CM) includes many different approaches and techniques for treating a patient. These are based on systems practised thousands years ago, as like as TCM, and can in fact be considered as one of original forms of medicine. They all have one aspect in common which is that they treat the patient as a whole person rather than treating a specific symptom or symptoms. The non-pharmacologic interventions of complementary medicine can employ mind-body interventions designed to “reduce pain and concomitant mood disturbance and increase quality of life”. “Complementary medicine treatments” are: Acupuncture (ear & body), Low-Level Laser Therapy, Medical Massages, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Meditation Techniques, etc. by itself or as combination therapy.

IWI - What is the basic idea of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? Dr. Feranek Gülsoy: Chinese medicine views the body as a small part of the Universe, and subject to universal laws and principles of harmony and balance. Chinese medicine does not draw a sharp line, as Western medicine does, between mind and body. The Chinese system believes that emotions and mental states are every bit as influential on disease as purely physical mechanisms. This means that the physical, mental, emotional and vital force are in balance between themselves. Some deviations in this balance will cause variety symptoms of different diseases.

IWI - How does Medical Acupuncture work? The classical Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works is that channels of energy or ‘Qi’ run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. The channels, called meridians, are like energy rivers. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance which apears as disfunctional symptoms or pain. Body Acupuncture - A more scientific explanation of this therapy is based on a theory which contents that bio-electricity (electric phenomena occuring in living organisms) has a tendency to follow certain paths in the body, scientific evidence of low skin impedance (higher electrical conductivity) on the points along the meridians seems to fit with the TCM theory. Ear Acupuncture therapy (Auriculotherapy) - A commonly cited analogy for understanding the brain is the example of modern computers. If the brain is compared to a computer, then the ear can be viewed as a computer terminal (keyboard), having peripheral access to the body’s central microprocessor unit. Needle or electrical stimulation of ear acupoints would be like typing a message on a computer keyboard. Having a peripheral terminal on the external ear allows more ready access to the central brain computer, thus facilitating cerebral reorganization of pathological reflex patterns. September - October 2011

IWI - In which medical problems Acupuncture Therapy is useful? In 1997 a National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference heightened public as well as professional awareness of scientific evidence as to acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating medical conditions. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommend acupuncture as an effective treatment for over forty medical problems such as: »» »» »» »»

Chronic Painful disorders: Migrain, Sciatica, Stiff neck, Frozen shoulder, Tennis elbow, Tendonits, Injuries after Sport Some gastrointestinal problems: Gastritis, Reflux & Dispepsi, Chronic constipation Hormon related problems: Painful periods, Pre Menstural Syndrome, Menopause Mental & Emotional Problems: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Stress, Addiction, Exogen obesity

IWI - What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and how does it work ? LLLT also called Soft Laser, Cold Laser, or Photo biomodulation. Cold Laser Therapy, according to medical information provided by Spine health.com, has been used as an alternative pain relief method for over four decades by physicians worldwide. There have been more than 2,500 international clinical studies on Cold Laser therapy since 1967, most of which have proven this type of Laser therapy to be effective for pain relief. Laser light could stimulate a response at the cellular level of tissues in the body, resulting in increased cellular energy level (ATP). This increase in cellular energy enables the body's cells to metabolise at a higher rate and speeds its natural ability to heal. In short, the body converts the laser light (photon energy) into a form of energy that it can use (biochemical energy) to repair itself and function at a higher efficiency level. This process is similar to the human body using the sun's energy to manufacture Vit D.

LLLT offers important advantages to patients; The technology of Cold Laser therapy uses such low-intensity laser beams that there is no risk for complications or side effects. The procedure is painless and has no downtime. Patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after one treatment session. In which cases LLLT can be effective: »» Chronic pain of Osteoarthritis, Rhomatoid Arthritis. »» Cosmetic applications: Skin rejuvenation, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Facial Tellangiectasias, Scar tissue, Burns. In 2002, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of LLLT for use in the United States.

25


LALE Features

Marc Guillet

Discover authentic Istanbul Strolling through ethnic and historic districts

I

stanbul is an old love of mine. I came here in 1983 for the first time as a reporter and have returned many times to write stories for Dutch media.

After my first visit I was hooked. The crazy, chaotic and dynamic Istanbul gives me a lot of energy. I wanted to stay as a correspondent in 1983, but my editor-in-chief was not in favor of it. He didn’t think Turkey was interesting enough to cover! After 7 years being a correspondent in New York (1999-2006) I decided to quit my job and finally realized my dream to work and live in Istanbul as a freelancer for several media. In my spare time I love strolling through the back streets of Istanbul’s ethnic neighborhoods and historic districts, because that’s the best and most interesting way to explore the many layers of history that make up the fabric of Istanbul. I love many things in this amazing metropolis: the warm hospitality of its people, the Mediterranean culinary culture, the melancholic music, the expanding art and music scene, the rich history, the remains of ancient civilizations and traces of early Christianity. The French emperor Napoleon once said: “If the world was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” This city is the former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Now it is the coolest city in Europe and the party capital of Europe. I live in Kadıköy (ancient Greek Chalcedon), a large, populous and cosmopolitan district on the Asian side of Istanbul, facing the historic city center on the European side of the Bosporus. It is the oldest part of Istanbul, settled in 676 BC. Byzantion, on the European side, was settled by other Greeks nine years later.

26

W

ith its numerous bars, cinemas, bookshops and galleries Kadıköy is the cultural centre of the Anatolian side of Istanbul. This old district even has an opera, the Süreyya Opera House. The building was designed by the Armenian architect Kegam Kavafyan in 1924 and built by Süreyya Ilmen Pasha, a former officer in the Ottoman army, who was an MP for Istanbul, an entrepreneur and a businessman. It was originally established in 1927 as the first musical theatre on the Anatolian part of Istanbul. However, due to lack of appropriate facilities and equipment in the theatre, operettas were never staged. The venue was only used as a cinema until the building finally underwent a functional restoration and reopened as an opera house by the end of 2007. From the Moda Aile Çay Bahçesi (family tea garden) I have a magnificent view on the sky line of the old city with the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi palace. On the right there is the famous and old Haydar Pasha railway station where trains depart to all destinations in Anatolia and to Iran and Arab countries. In the distance you will see four huge towers of the impressive Selimiye military headquarters of the First Army. This is the place where – during the Crimean war – Florence Nightingale took care of the wounded Turkish, British and French soldiers and where she became a legend. I love to stroll through Kadikoy with its own fish and vegetable bazaar, a lot of little restaurants and bars where young professionals and a lot of students hang out, perform live music and smoke September - October 2011


the water pipe in tea gardens. There are several old Armenian and Greek churches, little neighborhood mosques and a popular shopping promenade, Bahariye Caddesi. On the European side my favorite districts are Taksim, Beyoğlu and Cihangir. Taksim was the first modern neighborhood of Istanbul and the symbol of modern Turkey. It was always the district where most non-Muslim foreigners lived since Ottoman times. Here you find most pubs, restaurants and trendy shops; most live music venues and art galleries. It is still the most cosmopolitan area of Istanbul with many bars, restaurants, cinemas, shops, galleries, museums and live music venues. I love to join the night life scene here while enjoying good food and wine, and the company of friends. Beyoğlu isn’t known for religion as the old Fatih district is on the other side of the Galata bridge. But Beyoğlu has the biggest catholic church of Istanbul, a beautiful Armenian church and several synagogues. In this district Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Italians and other nationalities lived. It also has the largest concentration of Consulates. In the Asmali Mescit area you will find famous rock temple Babylon and many more live music venues. I like to share my experiences about Turkish culture, restaurants and night life during informal walking events. Strolling through the streets of this ancient capital of three empires is the best way to discover Istanbul and keep in touch with all the changes that also define this dynamic city. *For more information about Marc’s walking events check out his website http://www.enjoy-istanbul.com/ September - October 2011


LALE Features

Julie Balsiger

Welcome … to Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia! In an extraordinary union of nature’s artistic splendor and humankind’s resourcefulness, Cappadocia is one of those rare places that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. With bizarre rock formations, distinctively-rippled landscapes, splendid walking trails, mysterious underground cities, ancient rock-cut painted churches and abundant local artisans – Cappadocia is a feast for the senses…and Goreme, the village at the very center, is the best place to experience all the Cappadocia has to offer. Located in the central Anatolian highlands of Turkey, Cappadocia is a wonderful place for travelers of all interests, budgets and travel styles. Safe for all – especially solo women – the mild climate, ample and extraordinary hiking trails, quaint stone villages, richly layered history and local artistry combine to create a wonderful blend for the perfect holiday or short break. Many visitors find three full days just enough to experience the main sights and enough time to relax and enjoy the amazing climate and local life. Just a short flight from Istanbul, Cappadocia is also the perfect weekend getaway destination. The heart of Cappadocia is visually spectacular – beyond the amazing, unique landscapes and watercolor hues of the valleys – the local life is mix of traditional and modern with cows and chickens grazing in small alleys, and local artisans continuing the traditions of their forefathers. The famous Turkish Hospitality can be experienced while strolling through the village or on the many hiking trails. Many locals will greet you with a welcoming smile

28

and offer a sampling from their fruit trees or a tour of their cave homes. The main attractions of Cappadocia are open 365 days a year, with March-October being the busiest time of the year – winter is quieter with most activities still available. Each season offers a different treat for the senses. In spring (March-May) the valleys are graced with colorful wildflowers, blossoming apple, apricot and quince trees, and the sound of horse-drawn carriages bringing farmers to and from valley gardens and vineyards. In summer (June-August) bright blue skies and abundant sunshine showcase the verdant orchards mingled among the amazing colors of the desert-like valleys. Autumn (September-October) is harvest time and the abundance of locally grown grapes, fruits and vegetables is an exciting time to experience Cappadocia. Many local families still make their own homemade wine – pressing the grapes in the ancient foot-stomping method – often using the original stone basins carved by early settlers. Also in autumn, local village women can be seen throughout the cobblestone streets and alleys preparing syrups and sauces in large cauldrons over open fires. In winter (November-February), the valleys are at times blanketed in fluffy snow with a sugar-like coating on the fairy chimneys scattered throughout the village. The winter pace is slow and relaxed with locals gathered in the evenings in front of sobas – the wood and coal heaters commonly found throughout Turkey - and the familiar sound of Tavla (backgammon) games being played in cafes and teahouses. September - October 2011


LALE Features

Goreme – at the center of it all

The UNESCO World Heritage village of Goreme is nestled between two hills – featuring stone houses terraced over ancient cave dwellings, winding cobblestone alleys and of course, the famous fairy chimneys: the distinctive mushroom-shaped rock dwellings inhabited for centuries. With an abundance of unique cave hotels and breathtaking vistas all within walking distance of the spectacular valleys and the magnificent Goreme Open Air Museum – Goreme welcomes families, single travelers and couples from around the world. With easy access to all major sites as well as amazing views of sunsets and the awe-inspiring sunrises with hot air balloons filling the sky, Goreme is the preferred choice for many travelers.

Main Attractions of Cappadocia

Goreme is also world renown for hot air balloon flights – due to the excellent climate and mild wind conditions, Cappadocia is considered to be one of the top places in the world to experience hot air ballooning. It is also one of the best introductions to this spectacular region. Viewed from above, the unique rock formations, ancient stone villages and the patchwork of orchards and gardens create an astonishing mosaic of color and texture. Many balloon pilots navigate with precision into the deep, colorful valleys getting close enough to pick apricots off the trees in summer. Witnessed from the balloon basket, or from your hotel terrace, the morning sky filled with balloons rising up between the valley crevasses is an extraordinary delight. The balloon flights take place September - October 2011

Julie Balsiger

just after sunrise throughout the year – with guests delivered to their hotels just in time for a full breakfast and light rest before beginning their daily adventure. The other major attractions in Cappadocia are the Goreme Open Air Museum, magnificent valleys and the many underground cities. Long, long ago Cappadocia was inhabited by Christians who carved cave churches, chapels and monasteries out of the soft rock. Many of these churches were decorated with frescoes of medieval saints whose ghostly images still gaze down from the walls. Today these ancient churches make some of the most remarkable sights for visitors. The Goreme Open Air Museum is the UNESCO World Heritage site with the largest concentration of these amazing painted cave churches – but throughout the region it is common to stumble upon a hidden cave church decorated with saints and Biblical scenes from the New Testament. The extraordinary troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times, and expanded over the centuries as various marauding armies traversed Central Anatolia in search of captives and plunder. There are 36 known underground cities in Cappadocia – the widest one being the Kaymakli Underground City, while the deepest is located in the city of Derinkuyu. The astonishing creativity and resourcefulness of these ancient settlers can be witnessed in each room of the cities – from horse stables, school

29


LALE Features

rooms, wine cellars, unique air shafts and entrances secured with enormous rolling rocks – the underground cities are evidence that necessity is truly the mother of invention.

How Cappadocia’s amazing landscapes were formed

The breathtaking valleys around Goreme – each featuring different rock formations, colors and textures – cannot be fully explained without a brief history of how this exceptional landscape came to be. Millions of years ago a group of ancient volcanoes spewed out layer-upon-layer of thick tuff blanketing the countryside for miles around. Over millennia, the wind and rain worked their magic on the soft rock, carving out spectacular gorges and leaving behind the dramatic pinnacles that have created the sin-

Julie Balsiger

nic soil to create the perfect base for farming. Today the locals still maintain pigeon coves throughout the region, as well as keeping pigeons as pets - as the pigeon is considered one of the revered birds of Islam. Some breeds of pigeon common to this area are also amazing acrobats – performing somersaults in the air as they take off and land. The region’s exceptional history also offers evidence of the many cultures that have inhabited Cappadocia over the past 4000+ years. Hittites, Romans, Greeks, Ottomans, and Turks are among the peoples who have settled here, leaving behind their distinctive architecture, cuisine and artifacts – all blended into the modern life witnessed throughout Cappadocia.

gular Cappadocia landscape. In the days before tourism the local people called the strange rock cones that surrounded them kales, or 'castles'. Nowadays these amazing structures are usually called peribacalari, or 'fairy chimneys'. They come in an extraordinary range of shapes and sizes but most are tall and mushroom-shaped with a cap of harder stone that protects the softer rock underneath from erosion. Eventually these caps fall off, whereupon the wind and rain start to whittle away the cone until eventually it, too, collapses. Cappadocia has always been much more than its dramatic scenery. Humans, too, have left their unique mark on the region, carving storerooms, stables, houses and even entire underground cities out of the soft rock. To this day many of the soaring pinnacles are still inhabited and numerous rock-cut storerooms are stuffed with grapes, lemons, potatoes and flat bread waiting for the winter. In a symbiotic relationship with nature, the ancient settlers began carving out pigeon coves to entice the local pigeons to nest in the rocks. Their valuable guano is mixed with the volca-

30

September - October 2011


LALE Features

Julie Balsiger

Turkish Heritage Travel Agency

Cappadocia also offers exceptional opportunities to experience the local customs and traditions. Turkish Heritage Travel is a unique agency located in the very heart of Goreme. As an effort to promote their singular heritage and to showcase this amazing area to cultured travelers from around the world – while at the same time preserving the local life and traditions unique to Cappadocia – Turkish Heritage Travel was founded by Goreme locals and is operated in unison with Kelebek Cave Hotel, Sultan Cave Suites and Butterfly Balloons. Turkish Heritage Travel offers unique activities like cooking classes in a local home, fascinating local produce market tours, Kilim tours to the nomadic families weaving in the local mountains, historical tours with expert guides well-versed in the remarkable history of this region, hiking tours off-the-beatenpath to the more remote valleys and hidden wonders…and many other activities. The founders of the agency also are members of the Old Goreme Restoration Fund – a charity created by locals and resident foreigners to protect, preserve and restore the Cappadocian cave architecture as well as the unique environment and cultural heritage of Goreme village and surrounds. The travel experts at Turkish Heritage Travel specialize in custommade programs – both private and small group – to immerse you in Turkey’s rich history and traditions. Your travel experts for unique alternatives like exploring Cappadocia on horseback, cuisine tours, photo safaris, artisan tours, bird sanctuary tours and hot air balloon flights over the spectacular landscapes around Goreme, Turkish Heritage Travel can tailor-make your complete Turkey itinerary and provide you with experiences you’ll treasure forever. Want something unusual and enduringly memorable on your trip to Turkey? Contact Turkish Heritage Travel by email info@ goreme.com or have a look at their website www.goreme.com offering useful information on what to see and do in Cappadocia and throughout Turkey. Not sure where to get started? Send Turkish Heritage Travel an email and they will work with you to develop the best itinerary for your personal interests and travel style.

September - October 2011

31


LALE Features

Sarah Leavitt

Istanbul Trends Inspired by Antiquity

A meeting with Nilüfer Tarzi Kuran, a leading jewelry designer who gains inspiration from the past

I

stanbul is known for its bridges. One may refer to a bridge connecting the European and Asian sides of the city, or rather use a bridge as a metaphor for the city’s mesh of Western and Eastern philosophies. It is from these ‘bridges’ that Istanbul today is home to a thriving art scene inspired by cultures from around the world. The growth of boutique galleries and new designers is no news to us Istanbulites. However, we must ask how and why has this revival of Constantinople’s role as a center of new trends again taken root? To answer this, IWI staffers interviewed Nilüfer Tarzi Kuran, a highend jewelry designer who bases her collections on various eras from global history. In so doing, Nilüfer embodies what many of Istanbul’s contemporary artists are known for. Nilüfer took a liking to history- and more specifically jewelry- at a young age. A great-niece to Queen Soraya, wife of King Amanullah Kahn of Afghanistan, Nilüfer as a child loved to imagine the regal lifestyle of her great-aunt. She attributes her attraction to jewelry to a picture of Queen Soraya, wearing “marvelous jewels and her gorgeous tiara” that hung in her father’s house as a child. “As a little girl I gazed at this beautiful queen and her jewels,” Nilüfer stated. After studying in New York, Nilüfer’s big break happened while she worked with the luxury design store Beyman. Thrown into the world of high-end jewelry making in New York City, Nilüfer participated in trunk shows and witnessed what big-name celebrities like Oprah were drawn to. Before she knew it, “my jewelry was all over the magazines.”

32

Just as the traders from Constantinople used to bring together facets of Byzantium to ancient Egypt to the far eastern realms of Asia, Nilüfer similarly gets her inspiration through travel. “I travel a lot with my husband, Ergun and two boys, Memo and Ali, to very different parts of the world,” Nilüfer explained. One of her favorite pastimes is visiting museums and historical sites to better understand an era and gain ideas for her collections. That said, she is also a collector from coffee table books to historical biographies. “I feel very lucky that I can travel and read so much about the past as all my collections are named for certain periods in history.” Nilüfer became closer to her dream when the high-end jewelry chain Harvey Nichols included her pieces in its New York, London and Istanbul stores. But Harvey Nichols wasn’t her ultimate goal. While she admits it was “a big break for me,” her real dream was being part of a main attraction in her home town, the Grand Bazaar. And of course, it is only appropriate for an artist who receives her inspiration from different cultures all over the world, to take part in the bazaar’s six century-old function of trading and selling. Walking into Turks and Gifts, where Nilüfer sells in the Grand Bazaar, you might as well have walked through a time warp and arrived in a Pharaoh’s tomb or a Roman Goddess’s dressing chamber. From collections such as ‘Helen of Troy’ (ancient Greece) to ‘Mysteries of the Nile’ (ancient Egypt) to ‘Secrets of the Harem’ (16th century Ottoman), you feel as if you’ve found the hidden treasure tucked away under the bridge. When asked what customers should expect this year, Nilüfer explained “big chunky cuffs,” and “big choker necklaces with chandelier earrings embellished with semi-precious stones.” September - October 2011


LALE Features

Nilüfer is one of Istanbul’s many artists who help to keep the city’s ancient tradition of connecting different worlds alive. When visitors come to Istanbul, they get to experience the wonders of the Aya Sophia, the Mediterranean diet filled with Middle Eastern fusions, but also the role that Istanbul plays in radiating new trends, fashions, and world-acclaimed jewelry. Nilüfer connects antiquated with contemporary and east with west, in the

place that has been doing just that for centuries. Nilüfer’s stores can be found at the following locations: Turks and Gifts Grand Bazaar / Telephone: 0212-514-0646 Kempinski Barbaros Bay Bodrum Four Seasons Hotel on the Bosphorus Gift Shop Suisse Hotel’s Boutique in the main entrance floor

Yasemin Tarzi Güven - Diana Von Furstenburg - Nilüfer Tarzi Kuran

33


34

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

35


SPONSORED ARTICLE JOHN HENRY HAYNES A Photographer and Archaeologist in the Ottoman Empire 1881–1900

Robert G. Ousterhout

John Henry Haynes CoverCC v1.indd 3

18/8/11 7:46 PM

Every picture tells a story. Some tell more than one

His photographic odyssey took him from Athens to Istanbul, across Anatolia, and ultimately to Mesopotamia. With a discerning eye and a unique artistic sensibility, John Henry Haynes (1849-1910) documented two decades of exploration and the beginnings of American archaeology. And yet he remains virtually unknown today. In a landmark study, with many photographs published for the first time, Robert Ousterhout rediscovers his career. John Henry Haynes, A Photographer and Archaeologist in the Ottoman Empire 1881–1900 (Cornucopia Books, TL50) coincides with the Pera Museum’s exhibition Osman Hamdi Bey and the Americans (Oct 14 – Jan 8). In this rare Istanbul view, Robert College (today’s Bosphorus University), founded by American philanthropists in 1863, appears c. 1883 as a bit of New England dramatically perched on a hill above the Bosphorus. Cornucopia, the triannual Englishlanguage magazine, is offering IWI members 10% off the book’s rrp, and a Subscription + Book Gift Offer for just TL90. Post-free worldwide – the perfect New Year gift. Order online at cornucopia.net/iwi-offer.html, or phone or fax +90 212 248 3607. 236

September - October 2011 September & October 2011


LALE SPECIAL OFFER SPONSORED ARTICLE

September - October 2011 September & October 2011 ES

3 37


mums ‘n kids

William Bradley

Back to school... in a new environment... Traditionally, in the Northern Hemisphere, September is the time when the new school year begins and Turkey is no different to anywhere else in this respect. September the fifth will see students returning to schools all over the country, rekindling friendships and excitedly catching up on all the events of the long, hot summer. This happens in the local schools and it happens in the international schools as well. For most students this is a happy time, they are back with all their friends, they have moved up a year group or a grade and there are new things to learn in the coming year. In Primary schools they may have a new class teacher to get used to, in Secondary some of their subject teachers may have changed but for the vast majority of students in local schools things will be pretty much as they were last year. For a significant minority of students in international schools however, things are going to be very different! Although companies that employ expatriate staff may move them at any time of the year, most parents manage not to move their children to a new school in a new country until the start of a new Academic Year in September. For those students who are moving abroad to begin a new life style, be it for the first time or for those who are already expats but changing countries, this is a very stressful time. They don’t know what to expect, they are leaving behind friends who they may have known for most of their lives, they are losing teachers who really knew them and knew how they learned, they are leaving schools where they really were truly happy. And what are they going to? A new school where nobody knows them, where the kids might not want to be friends, where the teachers might not like them, no wonder that they don’t want to leave. The British International School Istanbul is what I would describe as a ‘true’ international school. We have over fifty different nationalities of student; very few of them will spend the entire thirteen years of their education with us as most of them have expatriate parents who are here because their work has brought them here. Every year we have students who move on to new countries, sometimes with very short notice and sometimes as a result of a long planned move. Every year we welcome new students from abroad. The 2011/2012 Academic Year is no different to any other, in excess of ten percent of the students who come to join us on September the fifth will be going to school in Istanbul for the first time and they are all ages from the little tots in the Pre School who can be as young as 2½ to the senior students in Year 12 who will turn seventeen during the year and are embarking on their pre-University studies in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Possibly the biggest worry that most students face is “Will I make new friends in my new school?” We at BISI understand this worry

38

and we work very hard to ensure that our new students fit right in with us. Small class sizes at all levels of the school, Form and Class Teachers who really get to know their students and work with them to make the transition to a new school as painless as possible, buddy students who know the school and know what it is like being ‘the new kid on the block’ all work together to bring new students into our community, to make them feel welcome and wanted. And because our students are used to moving themselves, they go out of their way to make friends and make new students welcome. So the answer is yes, at BISI your children will fit in very quickly, they’ll make new friends and before they know it they will be a full part of the community, learning everything they should, taking part in sports and activities, going off on trips and generally getting on with the business of being a student. They won’t forget their friends from their previous school, and no-one wants them to, but as they become more and more a full part of our community, so the pain will become easier and easier. Before they know it they will be having fun and actually looking forward to coming to school. So, that’s the students sorted out, what about the parents? What are their worries? Of course, the major worry has to be “Is this school going to provide the level of education that it is reasonable for me to expect?” BISI follows a modified version of the English National Curriculum from Pre School right up to Year 9, which is the third year of secondary school. Following this we offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Years 10 and 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Year 12 and 13. We have recently had our IGCSE and IBDP results from the summer examinations arrive in the school and we are very proud of how our students have fared. With above world average grades in the IBDP and excellent grades in IGCSE (44% of our exam grades were A* or A and 87% were between A* and C, in addition to this 94.7% of our Year 11 students gained 5 or more A* to C passes as against a UK national average of 74.8%) I think the answer is quite simply, yes we do provide the level of education you could reasonably expect, in fact, we exceed it. BISI has recently gained Accredited School Status by the Council of British International Schools, we are the only school in Istanbul with this status. We are a Candidate School for Accredited Status with both the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in the USA. We are also an authorised IB World School. We are proud of our status and this is our guarantee of our commitment to the best education possible for your child. * British International School Istanbul Director of Secondary and Principal of Zekeriyakoy Campus

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

39


mums ‘n kids

Nick Cullen

BACK TO SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL REFRESH TIPS According to specialists in the field of education most children lose some knowledge and skills over the Summer holiday period. I read recently that it is not uncommon for teachers to spend upwards of four to six weeks at the start of the new school year re-teaching material that pupils had forgotten over lengthy term breaks. Math calculation skills show the greatest decline but comprehension capability is also likely to deteriorate. Assisting your child to maintain (or even enhance) his or her reading and math skills over the Summer months and particularly in the weeks leading up to the start of term is essential to continued learning and development. As part of our focus on childhood literacy and education, the Tirtil Kids team provides below some simple tips for parents to smooth the transition for your child from Summer fun back into the classroom:»»

»»

»»

»»

»»

40

Visit a bookshop or library each week with your budding bookworm to brush up on reading, vocabulary and punctuation skills. To ensure kids enjoy the experience let your child select a book (within a pre-agreed price range to avoid instore dramas !) that they find of interest. After all you want to be sure your child will read it cover to cover once you are home. Do check however to make sure that the book is of a suitable level or ask the shop assistant if you are not sure. A book that is too hard can be frustrating. A book that’s too easy will be boring. But a book that’s “just right” helps kids have fun reading and encourages learning. When selecting books, keep in mind that reading is not only about storybooks and novels. Hobby, sports and comic books can be just as beneficial. The important thing is to maintain the young reader’s attention by tapping into his/her interests. If you are planning a trip to a museum or art gallery why not purchase a child friendly book about world famous artists or sculptors. The visit will be so much more interesting and fulfilling for all of the family if your child has the opportunity to learn some facts in advance about the featured artist or exhibit. Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary event. It can and should sometimes be interactive. Mom and dad, take the time to read with your kids whatever their age may be. Each family member can take it in turn to read a page aloud. At the end of each chapter take some time to discuss the storyline (for instance what do you think will happen next, discuss the characters, what would you have done if put in the same situation, etc). This will encourage young readers to focus on the book content and provide a fun family bonding session. Reading theatre script titles is also great fun for younger children and enables them to hone their reading and roleplay skills. Invite some of your child’s friends over and each can read a character part in these well known story lines. Some of these series even come with masks to encourage the kids to “get into” the role. Each character’s spoken lines are color coded to facilitate the reader knowing when to speak. Unknown to the kids the character text in each book is also

»»

»»

»»

»»

»» »»

graded according to difficulty so you can allocate roles (if required) according to reading ability. Educational workbooks and question and answer (Q&A) box sets are great aides to brush up youngster’s classroom skills. Select workbooks that have a colorful and appealing layout and format so kids are more likely to be attracted to them. Younger children like to earn stars or merit stickers for exercises successfully completed. The fun Q&A format taps directly into the pleasure youngsters derive from proving what they know and learning what they don’t. Also the portability of Q&A box sets ensure they are the perfect travel companion and can be played in pairs (with a parent or a sibling) or larger groups. Whether at home over breakfast, in the car or while standing in line at the supermarket, the Q&A format engages kids academically. Internet and video games so often these days transfix older children. Multi-platform titles (books that are internet linked) bridge the gap between reading and gaming and are particularly useful for reluctant teenage readers. Practice math skills when visiting the supermarket with mom and dad. Have your child compare prices to determine the best deals and estimate the total cost as you shop. Kids can practice their addition in restaurants by writing down the cost of all the dishes ordered on a paper napkin and seeing if the final figure matches the invoice. When taking a car journey ask your child to calculate the distance remaining and estimate the time it will take to get to your destination based on your speed and how far you still have to travel.

Summer can present wonderful and varied learning opportunities and experiences for children. So in the final weeks before school reconvenes why not spend some time with your children “brushing up” their English and math skills. Good luck and please remember that children learn best when they are having fun! NOTE: The Tirtil Kids specialist, multi-language bookshop stocks a wide range of education books for children of all ages and grades. We also work closely with many of the top schools in Istanbul. Our experienced staff will be pleased to advise parents on book titles to meet their child’s specific needs. For those who are unable to visit our shop in Etiler we offer an online purchasing facility via our website www.tirtilkids.com.

Nick is co-owner of Tirtil Kids, the specialist multi-language children’s book shop Website: www.tirtilkids.com

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

41


mums ‘n kids

Gigi Aksu

Early Language Development: From Birth to 5 years

A

s a Speech Language Pathologist, my focus has primarily been the very early years of language development, primarily birth to 3 years of age. The reason is that the first 3 years (and up to 5), when the brain is most actively developing, is the most intensive time for speech and language development (and the most fun!). Rather than get worried and start teaching your child a pile of words via flashcards, I encourage parents to have fun and build language into their daily interactions with their children. As a parent, your child can always sense your stress and that can backfire on you if you’re “trying” to get your toddler to talk. Once you figure out what motivates your child (this can be bath time, grocery store outings, mealtimes or books), you can encourage language development within those daily routines.

The following are a few strategies you can follow in your daily life:

speaking with their child in their dominant language. There will naturally be times when one parent will switch to the other language and that’s fine. A child will learn to apply language “rules” to specific people and setting. The acquisition of a second language in toddlers has two major patterns: simultaneous bilingualism and sequential bilingualism. - Simultaneous bilingualism occurs when the child acquires two languages at the same time, before the age of three. Children may mix words or part of words from both languages in the first stage. Mixing, or switching back and forth between two languages in a sentence or conversation, is known as “code switching”. This seems to be a normal part of the process of bilingual language acquisition. Stage two occurs at four years and older when distinction between the two languages occurs. After

- Observe: Let your child lead the interaction by following their interest. Example, if they are not talking yet and are pointing to a dog, you can match their interest and point, and say, “Hi Doggie”. Talk about what is immediately present. - Have a conversation with them: Through your interactions with your infant or toddler, they are going to learn to use language to communicate. If he/she makes a sound, gestures or uses words, respond and then wait for them to take a turn in your “conversation”. Try not to dominate the conversation with your infant/toddler by taking more turns or bombarding them with language. - Balance comments and questions: It is exciting to see your child communicating, and in that excitement, it can be easy to bombard them with questions. It’s important to be aware of whether you’re asking too many questions. Remember, you’re having a two-way conversation with your child. - Eye contact: It helps to have your child see you when you talk. Imagine, somebody talking over you and not being able to see their face. A visual model of you talking really does help them try to imitate. Floor time is always great for imitation. In addition within your daily routines you should try to make eye contact with them and keep the interaction going. - Naming: name common objects, activities or places throughout your day. Remember, depending on the age of your child, keep your language simple. That doesn’t mean you need to baby talk. It always helps to exaggerate your pitch or tone to build excitement.

Bilingualism and Language Development: In terms of raising your child in a foreign country with more than one dominant language, I recommend that each parent stick to

42

September - October 2011


The talent is in your child. At SMALL HANDS and UTOPYA we find that talent and improve it in readiness for a challenging world... Have a magical childhood by learning new skills, having new experiences, discovering great play opportunities and being autonomous.

INTERNATIONAL NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL 4 Campuses European Side: Etiler, Rumelihisar Asian Side: Selamiçeşme, Çekmeköy 5 Languages English French - German - Japanese - Turkish British Curriculum

BI - LINGUAL PRIMARY SCHOLL 1 Campus Asian Side: Çekmeköy 5 Languages Turkish English - French - German - Spanish Turkish Curriculum and European Languages Programmes

And big gardens to play in all seasons www.smallhands.org • www.utopyaokullari.com info@smallhands.org • info@utopyaokullari.com September - October 2011 Small Hands Etiler Small Hands Rumelihisar Tel: 0212 287 47 85 Tel: 0212 287 15 68

Small Hands Selamiçeşme Tel: 0216 411 91 21

Small Hands Çekmeköy Tel: 0216 642 69 33

Utopya Primary Shool 43 Tel: 0216 642 64 20


mums ‘n kids

a while, children work out the rules for which language they are supposed to speak to whom, and don’t seem to experience problems differentiating between the two. - Sequential bilingualism, or successive bilingualism, also takes place before the child is three years old. This happens when a child has one established language before learning a second language. The child is able to draw on the knowledge and experience of the first language while acquiring the second language. Research suggests learning difficulties occur in bilingual children just the same as they do in children who are monolingual. As a new Mom who has recently moved to Istanbul, I’m looking forward to seeing how my son acquires learning a second language. So far, he loves the interaction and child-loving nature of Turkish people. Below is a checklist of typical speech development from birth – 5 years. Your child should be meeting most or all of those milestones. If there any concerns, then you can consult your Pediatrician. Also feel free to contact me via email with any questions at asraghori@gmail.com. You can also contact the Gunisicocuk Clinic, which has 2 locations on both the European and Asian side of Istanbul (http://gunisigicocuk.com/).

Birth to 3 Months Reacts to loud sounds YES NO Calms down or smiles when spoken to YES NO Recognizes your voice and calms down if crying YES NO When feeding, starts or stops sucking in response to sound YES NO

announcements

Notices toys that make sounds YES NO Pays attention to music YES NO Babbles in a speech-like way and uses many different sounds, including sounds that begin with p, b, and m YES NO Laughs YES

NO

Babbles when excited or unhappy YES NO Makes gurgling sounds when alone or playing with you YES NO

7 Months to 1 Year Enjoys playing peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake YES NO Turns and looks in the direction of sounds YES NO Listens when spoken to YES NO Understands words for common items such as “cup,” “shoe,” or “juice” YES NO Responds to requests (“Come here” or “Want more?”) YES NO

Coos and makes pleasure sounds YES NO

Babbles using long and short groups of sounds (“tata, upup, bibibi”) YES NO

Has a special way of crying for different needs YES NO

Babbles to get and keep attention YES NO

Smiles when he or she sees you YES NO

Communicates using gestures such as waving or holding up arms YES NO

4 to 6 Months

Imitates different speech sounds YES NO

Follows sounds with his or her eyes YES NO Responds to changes in the tone of your voice YES NO

44

Has one or two words (“Hi,” “dog,” “Dada,” or “Mama”) by first birthday YES NO

September - October 2011


mums ‘n kids

announcements

1 to 2 Years

Talks about activities at daycare, preschool, or friends’ homes YES NO

Knows a few parts of the body and can point to them when asked YES NO

Uses sentences with four or more words YES NO

Follows simple commands (“Roll the ball”) and understands simple questions (“Where’s your shoe?”) YES NO Enjoys simple stories, songs, and rhymes YES NO Points to pictures, when named, in books YES NO Acquires new words on a regular basis YES NO Uses some one- or two-word questions (“Where kitty?” or “Go bye-bye?”) YES NO Puts two words together (“More cookie” or “No juice”) YES NO Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words YES NO

2 to 3 Years

Has a word for almost everything YES NO Uses two- or three-word phrases to talk about and ask for things YES NO Uses k, g, f, t, d, and n sounds YES NO Speaks in a way that is understood by family members and friends YES NO Names objects to ask for them or to direct attention to them YES NO

3 to 4 Years Hears you when you call from another room YES NO Hears the television or radio at the same sound level as other family members YES NO Answers simple “Who?” “What?” “Where?” and “Why?” questions YES NO September - October 2011

Speaks easily without having to repeat syllables or words YES NO

Mums ‘n’ Kids Greets a New Year Welcome to a new year with IWI Mums`n`Kids! Also new for us, we take over the Mums`n`Kids Coordination from Jasmine who did a great job last year. Having been active members of the IWI Playgroups for a long time, we always enjoyed the opportunity to meet other parents and get the latest updates on what is happening in Istanbul for kids. Now we would like to share our experiences by organizing a program you and your children can enjoy throughout the year. Currently, we have organized meetings mainly for children up to 3 years. If you have older children and would like to plan something for them i.e. Playdates in a special language, excursions or just a meeting with other parents and kids the same age – please don’t hesitate to contact us. Sometimes it only needs the first little step to get something great going and to discover how many others share similar problems, needs and interests as you do. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the Opening Meeting, Playgroups or one of the events. At the time of printing the programs team was still busy preparing exciting events for this Halloween. Please check our website www.iwi-tr.org and the e-newsletter for updates.

Coordinators: Karolina (with Carl - 2 yrs): karolina_ungefehr@web.de or 0531695-7887, Gigi (with Allegra - 3 yrs and Ela - 1 yr): gaksu05@yahoo.com or 0530-645-9494, Molly (with Stella - 2 yrs): mollyhouser77@yahoo.com or 0532638-4028.

NEW: “NIGHT OUT – WITHOUT KIDS” Having discovered how great it can be to spend an evening out without the kids from time to time, we would like to introduce a monthly meeting for parents without the kids – a time for uninterrupted talk, sharing experiences and just enjoying a nice evening out… When: Every 3rd Thursday of the month September 22, 2011 - First Meeting (on the day of the Opening Meeting) October 20, 2011

45


mums ‘n kids November 17, 2011 December 15, 2011 Time: 8 pm Where: Big Chefs, Nispetiye Caddesi, No: 89, Etiler. If you plan on attending or are interested in general and want to join the mailing list, please contact: Gigi Aksu: gaksu05@yahoo.com or 0530-645-9494, Karolina Meisloch: karolina_ungefehr@web.de or 0531-695-7887, Molly Grünberg: mollyhouser77@yahoo.com or 0532-638-4028.

IWI MUMS ‘N’ KIDS MEETINGS & PLAYGROUPS Please note that the age recommendation given is not a strict one –feel free to join the group to which you and your kid feel most comfortable. Also “Mums`n`Kids” doesn’t only mean that it’s for mums only – “Dads`n`Kids” are just as welcome! European Side

Pregnant & Infants (0 – 12 months) This is an opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and mums of infants, as well as share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. A guest speaker is invited periodically to talk to the group regarding pregnancy and new parenting topics. When: Every Tuesday. Time: 10 am – 12 pm. Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places. Cost: FREE. Coordinators: Elisabeth Wedam: Elisabeth.wedam@gmail.com or 0212-2639311, Asra Ghori: asraghori@gmail.com or 0535-036-2962, Christiane Sebald: christianesebald@gmx.de or 0531-928-9259.

Walkers – Younger Toddlers (13 – 25 months) When: Every Tuesday. Time: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places. Cost: FREE. Coordinators: Andrea Karapınar: a.koziel@gmx.de or 0533-276-0582, Karolina Meisloch: karolina@meisloch.com or 0531-695-7887.

This is a fun playgroup for our older ones. When: Every Wednesday. Time: 10 am – 12 pm. Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places. Cost: FREE. Coordinators: Gigi Aksu: gaksu05@yahoo.com or 0530-645-9494, Maria Petersen Çiftgül: mariabwp@hotmail.com.

46

announcements NEW: European Side Afternoon Meeting for Ages 0-3 A great opportunity for parents working in the morning, or those with children in several age groups, to get all together and have fun at the park, the playground, a café or a home. When: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon each month. Time: 3 pm. Location: The first meeting will be held on September 15 at the Playground in Bebek Park. Coordinator: Gigi Aksu: gaksu05@yahoo.com or 0530-645-9494. Asian Side

Pregnant & Infants (0 – 18 months) This is an opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and mums of infants, as well as share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. A guest speaker is invited periodically to talk to the group regarding pregnancy and new parenting topics. When: Every Tuesday. Time: Vary. Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places. Cost: FREE. Coordinator: Lucille Abendanon: lucille.abendanon@gmail.com or 0534-971-6584.

“Asian Babies” (6 months – 3 years) When: Every Wednesday. Time: 10 am - 12 pm. Location: A pre-arranged meeting place. Cost: FREE. Coordinator: Aischa Erten: aischa@erten.net or 0532-324-2739.

“Asian Babies” (Big Kids) This is a group for school goers who want to stop by after a long day at school or get together for a Playdate on weekends from time to time. Coordinator: Michele Kafer: michelekafer@gmail.com or 0537-504-7442.

Asian Side Weekend Playgroup This is our Weekend Playgroup for working and non-working IWI parents who like to meet on Saturdays to socialize with their babies and toddlers. When: Every Saturday. Time: Mornings or afternoons - according to majority decision. Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and outdoors. Cost: FREE. Coordinator: Jane Örer: janeorer@hotmail.com.

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

47


mums ‘n kids

announcements

IWI “MUMS ‘N’ KIDS” RESOURCES AND SUPPORT GROUPS Children with Special Needs For resources and recommended specialists for children with special needs. Coordinator: Debbie Sainte-Rose: debbiesainterose@yahoo.com or 0531-7691368.

Attachment Parenting International (API) Non-profit group to help parents & professionals network, find the support, information and empowerment they need to form strong bonds and enduring relationships with their children. Open to parents of children up to 3 years of age. Cost: FREE. Coordinator: Nilüfer Devecigil: ndevecigil@hotmail.com

Breastfeeding and Post-Partum Support Group La Leche League-type instruction about breastfeeding techniques and other relevant information facilitated by doula Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu. Date and Time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Location: Rotating mums’ homes. Cost: FREE. Coordinator: Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu: Julia@fullcirclehealing.org or 0537-4355552.

INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOLS & CENTERS’ PLAYGROUPS: Bosphorus International Pre-School (BIP), Emirgan www.bipschool.net

Teacher-organized-activity, song-and-circle time and half an hour of garden play (weather-permitting). Coffee, tea, milk and cookies provided. When: Tuesdays, starting Wednesday, October 5. Time: 10 – 11.30 am. Cost: FREE. Age group: 0 -3 years. Coordinator: Ms. Colette Laffan-Perşembe: cpersembe@bipschool.net or 0212-277-8444. Note: Call Mondays to reserve, there are only 10 spots. ONLY ONE known adult per child please.

48

British International School (BIS), Zekeriyaköy, Etiler www.bis.k12.tr

Indoor and outdoor garden play (weather-permitting), followed by snack and music time. Known adult to stay and supervise child. Days and locations: Tuesdays and Thursdays in Zekeriyaköy; Mondays and Fridays in Etiler, beginning Tuesday, September 14. Time: 9 -11 am (both campuses). Cost: 10 TL per session. Age group: 0 – 2½ years. Coordinator: Mrs. Amanda Ilhan, Preschool and Primary Deputy Director: amandailhan@bis.k12.tr or 0212-202-7027 ext. 116.

Eden’s Garden International Pre-School, Yeniköy www.edensgardenpreschool.com

Teacher-coordinated song and story time, along with baby music and ballet in the dance room, Arts & Crafts in the ceramics studio, or garden play (weather-permitting). Known adult must supervise child. Bring soft slippers. Also organizes birthday parties. When: Thursdays. Time: 9.30 – 11.30 am. Cost: 30 TL per session; includes a brunch at 10.30 am. Age Group: 0 – 3 years. Coordinator: Ms. Christina Heath: director@edensgardenpreschool.com or 0212-262-4302.

Woodsview International Nursery & Pre-School, Tarabya www.woodsviewpreschool.com

This is an international English-speaking Playgroup. Each session includes a simple craft activity, refreshments (coffee for the parents) and music time. There’s a large selection of toys to play with each week. It’s a great place for babies, young children and their mothers, fathers and caregivers to get to know each other. Come along and join in the fun! Free Play Time (getting to know colours, playing dough), Music Time and Tidy-up Time. Music time is much more than simply singing songs. We will try to incorporate some clapping rhythms, instruments, and a few action songs or dances to develop the children's coordination, and also their fine and major motor skills. Our mission is to get the kids rocking and rolling, tapping and clapping, banging and shaking, marching and stamping, moving and swaying to the beat - and they will be having a really great time. The parents will too!

September - October 2011


mums ‘n kids When: Thursdays. Time: 10 – 11.30 am. Cost: FREE. Age group: 0 – 3 years. Coordinator: Ms. Sharon Harding: Sharon@woodsviewpreschool.com or 0212-299-3906 (-67 65).

Etiler Kemer Kids’ Garden, Etiler www.kemer.k12.tr

Native English-speaking teacher leads Playgroup. Known adult must supervise child. When: Wednesdays Time: 2.30 – 4 pm. Cost: FREE. Age group: 0 – 3 years. Coordinator and reservations: Ms. Esra Dürüst: ekids@kemer.k12.tr or 0212-265-1723 or 0212263-6698.

announcements Several ‘Play & Learn’ 45-minute classes in English and Turkish, including food, beverage and Free Play for different age levels. Cost: 45 TL per class (Note: 8-week minimum for groups of 5). ‘Drop-off Program’ for ages 2 -3.5, including snack, music, art, fitness and play classes. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays. Time: 10 am – 12.30 pm. Cost: 70 TL. Coordinator: Ms. Esra Taşar: esratasar@gymboreeturkey.com or 0212-282-7666.

IWI’s Mums ‘n’ Kids Team organizes activities for you and your children to enjoy. We remind you that you are responsible for your child’s safety at all times. IWI cannot take responsibility for injury and extra cost incurred during any activity.

Gymboree, Ulus /Ortaköy www.gymboreeturkey.com Free Play’ for ages 0- 5, including coffee or a drink for mums. When: Every Monday. Time: 3.30 – 5.30 pm. Cost: 25 TL per session.

September - October 2011

49


mums ‘n kids Welcome to a new year with IWI Mums'n Kids. New also for us, as we take over the Mums'n Kids Coordination from Jasmine who did a great job last year. Having been active members of the IWI Playgroups for a long time we always enjoyed the possibility of meeting other parents and get the latest updates on what is happening for kids in Istanbul a lot. Now we want to share our experiences by organizing a program you and your children can enjoy throughout the year. Currently we have organized meetings mainly for children up to 3 years. If you have older children and would like to plan something for them (e.g. play dates in a special language, excursions or just a meeting with other parents and kids the same age or need from time to time), please don't hesitate to contact us. Sometimes it only needs a first little step to get something really good going and to discover how many others have the same problems, needs and interests as you have. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the Welcome Day, the playgroups or one of the events: Karolina (with Carl, 2 yrs) karolina_ungefehr@web.de or 0531 695 7887 Gigi (with Allegra 3 yrs and Ela 1 yr) gaksu05@yahoo.com or 0530 645 9494 Molly (with Stella 2 yrs) mollyhouser77@yahoo.com or 0532 638 4028

NEW: “NIGHT OUT WITHOUT KIDS” Having discovered how great it can be to spend an evening without the kids from time to time, we would like to introduce a monthly meeting for parents without the kids – time for uninterrupted talk, sharing experiences and just enjoying a nice evening… When: Every 3rd Thursday of the month 22nd September - First Meeting (on the day of the opening meeting…) 20th October 17th November 15th December Time: 8.00 PM Where: “Big Chefs” in Etiler (Nispetiye Caddesi, No: 89) If you plan to come or are interested in general and want to be on the mailing list please contact us.

IWI MUMS'N KIDS MEETINGS & PLAYGROUPS Please note that the age recommendation given is not a strict one – feel free to join the group you and your child feel most comfortable with. Also “Mums'` N Kids” doesn’t mean it's mums only – “dads'n kids” are just as welcome!

EUROPEAN SIDE: 1) PREGNANT & INFANTS (0 – 12 months)

An opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and mums of infants and to share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. A guest speaker is invited periodically to talk to the group regarding pregnancy and new parenting topics. When: Every Tuesday Time: 10 AM – 12:30 PM Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places Cost: Free Coordinators: Elisabeth Wedam

50

announcements Elisabeth.wedam@gmail.com or 0212 263 9311 Asra Ghori asraghori@gmail.com or 0535 036 2962 Christiane Sebald christianesebald@gmx.de or 0531 928 9259

2) WALKERS – YOUNGER TODDLERS (13 – 25 months) When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Location: Rotating turns at homes and pre-arranged places Cost: Free Coordinators: Andrea Karapinar a.koziel@gmx.de or 0533 276 0582 Karolina Meisloch karolina@meisloch.com or 0531 695 7887

3) OLDER TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS (26 months and up) This is a fun playgroup for our older ones! When: Every Wednesday Time: 10 AM – 12 PM Location: Rotating turns at homes and pre-arranged places Cost: Free Coordinators: Gigi Aksu gaksu05@yahoo.com or 530 645 9494 Maria Petersen Ciftgül mariabwp@hotmail.com

4) NEW: EUROPEAN SIDE AFTERNOON MEETING FOR AGES 0-3

A great opportunity for parents working in the morning or the ones with children in several age groups to get all together and have fun at the park, the playground, a café or at home. When: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon every month Time: 3 PM The first Meeting will be 15th September at the Playground in Bebek Park Contact: Gigi Aksu at gaksu05@yahoo.com or 530 645 9494

ASIAN SIDE: 1) PREGNANT & INFANTS 0 – 18 MONTHS

An opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and mums of infants and to share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. A guest speaker is invited periodically to talk to the group regarding pregnancy and new parenting topics. When: Every Tuesday Time: changing times Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places Cost: Free Coordinator: Lucille Abendanon lucille.abendanon@gmail.com or 0534 971 6584

2) “ASIAN BABIES” – 6 MONTHS – 3 YEARS When: Every Wednesday

September - October 2011


mums ‘n kids Time: 10 AM - 12 PM Location: Pre-arranged meeting place Cost: Free Coordinator: Aischa Erten aischa@erten.net or 0532 324 2739

3) “ASIAN BABIES” – BIG KIDS

This is a group for school goers who want to stop by after a long day at school or get together for a Play Date on Weekends from time to time. Contact: Michele Kafer michelekafer@gmail.com or 05375047442

4) ASIAN SIDE WEEKEND PLAYGROUP

This is our weekend playgroup for working and non-working IWI parents who like to meet on Saturdays to socialize with their babies and toddlers. When: Every Saturday Time: Mornings or afternoons - according to majority decision Location: Rotating turns at moms’ homes and outdoors Cost: Free Coordinator: Jane Örer janeorer@hotmail.com

IWI “MUMS'N KIDS” RESOURCE AND SUPPORT GROUPS: 1) CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

For resources and recommended specialists for children with special needs. Contact Debbie Sainte-Rose at debbiesainterose@ yahoo.com or 0531 769 1368.

2) ATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL (API) Non-profit group networking parents & professionals to help parents find the support, information & empowerment they need to form strong bonds and enduring relationships with their children. Open to parents of children up to 3 years of age. Membership is free. Contact Nilüfer Devecigil at ndevecigil@ hotmail.com.

3) BREAST FEEDING AND POST PARTUM SUPPORT GROUP

La Leche League-type instruction about breast feeding techniques and other relevant information, facilitated by Doula Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu. Date and Time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday Location: Rotating mom’s homes Cost: Free Coordinator: Julia Steils Paçacıoğlu Julia@fullcirclehealing.org or 537 435 5552

INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOLS & CENTERS’ PLAY GROUPS: 1) BOSPHORUS INTERNATIONAL PRESeptember - October 2011

announcements SCHOOL (BIP), EMIRGAN www.bipschool.net

Teacher organized activity, song and circle time and half an hour of garden play (weather permitting). Coffee, tea, milk and cookies provided. When: Tuesdays starting October 5th Time: 10 – 11:30 AM Cost: Free Age group: 0 -3 years of age Contact: Ms. Colette Laffan-Persembe cpersembe@bipschool.net or 0212-277 8444 Note: Call Mondays to reserve, there are only 10 spots. Only one known adult per child please.

2) BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (BIS), ZEKERIYAKOY / ETILER www.bis.k12.tr

Indoor and outdoor garden play (weather permitting) followed by snack and music time. Known adult to stay and supervise child. Days and locations: Tuesdays and Thursdays in Zekeriyaköy and Mondays and Fridays in Etiler beginning Tuesday, September 14th Time: 9 -11 AM (both campuses) Cost: 10 TL per session Age group: 0 – 2 ½ years of age Contact: Mrs. Amanda Ilhan, Preschool and Primary Deputy Director amandailhan@bis.k12.tr or 0212 202 70 27 ext. 116

3) EDEN’S GARDEN INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL, YENIKÖY www.edensgardenpreschool.com

Teacher co-ordinated song and story time along with baby music and ballet in the dance room, arts and crafts in the ceramics studio, or garden play (weather permitting). Known adult must supervise child. Bring soft slippers. Organizes birthday parties. When: Thursdays Time: 9:30 – 11: 30 AM Cost: 30 TL per session (includes a brunch at 10:30 AM) Age Group: 0 – 3 years Contact: Ms.Christina Heath director@edensgardenpreschool.com or 0212 262 43 02

4) WOODSVIEW INTERNATIONAL NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL, TARABYA www.woodsviewpreschool.com

International, English-speaking playgroup. Each session includes a simple craft activity, refreshments (coffee for the parent) and music time. There’s a large selection of toys to play with every week. It’s a great place for babies, young children and their mothers, fathers and caregivers to get to know each other. So come along and join in the fun! Free play time (getting to know

51


mums ‘n kids colours, playing dough), Music time and Tidy-up time. Music time is much more than simply singing songs. We will try to incorporate some clapping rhythms, instruments, and a few action songs or dances to develop the children's coordination and also their fine and gross motor skills. Our mission is to get the kids rocking and rolling, tapping and clapping, banging and shaking, marching and stamping, moving and swaying to the beat – and they will be having a really great time. And the parents too! When: Thursdays Time: 10 – 11:30 AM Fee: Free Age group: 0 – 3 years Contact: Ms. Sharon Harding Sharon@woodsviewpreschool.com or 0212 299 39 06(-67 65)

5) ETILER KEMER KIDS’ GARDEN, ETILER www.kemer.k12.tr

Native English speaking teacher leads playgroup. Known adult must supervise child. When: Wednesdays Time: 2:30 – 4 PM Cost: Free Age group: 0 – 3 years Coordinator and reservations: Ms. Esra Durust ekids@kemer.k12.tr or 0212 265 1723 or 0212 263 66 98

6) GYMBOREE, ULUS /ORTAKÖY www.gymboreeturkey.com

1. ‘Free play’ for 0- 5 year olds, including coffee or a drink for mums. When: Every Monday Time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM Cost: 25 TL per session 2. Several ‘Play and Learn’ 45 minute classes in English and Turkish including food, beverage, free play for different age levels Cost: 45 TL per class (Note: 8 week minimum for groups of 5) 3. ‘Drop off Program’ for ages 2 -3.5 years, including snack, music, art, fitness and play classes. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays Time: 10 AM – 12:30 PM Cost: 70 TL Contact: Ms. Esra Tasar esratasar@gymboreeturkey.com or 0212 282 7666 WARNING! IWI’S “MUMS ‘N KIDS TEAM” ORGANIZES ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN TO ENJOY. WE REMIND YOU THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. IWI CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY AND EXTRA COST INCURRED DURING ANY ACTIVITY.

announcements Young children and stress

It appears that children today are more stressed than ever beforeChildren experience stress the same way adults do, but because they are not able to handle it as well as adults, it feels worse to them. Parents can, however, learn to recognize the symptoms of stress, which will bring them a step closer to handling it. We can take a look at the common causes of stress among young kids and pre-teens. Some examples include a divorce, starting nursery school or first grade, being separated from their parents during the day, being bullied, fear of a test or exam, parents who argue frequently, the loss of a toy or pet, moving from one house to another, the pressure to obtain good grades at school, being exposed to sensitive news on TV and too many after-school activities.

Solutions to stress

Praise your child often from a young age to help build self-confidence. A healthy self-esteem is one of the biggest gifts you can give your child. Give your child a holiday instead of a toy. Encourage him or her to develop a healthy outlook on life; a child will be better equipped to handle a stressful situation if he or she is optimistic and positive. Eustress – healthy and positive stress – can, however, be good for your child. This kind of stress can occur when, for example, a student takes part in a school play and becomes nervous and excited. The opposite of eustress is distress, which can occur in situations such as when a child runs up against obstacles in trying to complete an assignment for school. Please do not shout, “How will you ever complete this?!” Instead, offer solutions by making a list of what needs to be done in order to finish the task. This will make your child feel like he or she is in control of the job at hand and that it is manageable. Divorce is also a huge source of stress. Divorcing parents should give their children a reason that they can understand while leaving out the finer details. The most important message you need to get across is that you and your partner will continue to love your children and that the divorce is not their fault. Parents should also try not to argue in front of their children, as a stressful home is one of the main reasons why children feel anxious. If your child struggles to make friends, encourage him or her to take part in sports activities where they can meet other kids while developing a new skill, which will help build up their self-confidence. Talk to your children about upsetting and sensitive news they see on the TV as it can make them fear for their own lives and those of their family members. Listen, listen and listen to your children. Parents can reduce the stress levels of their children just by being available to talk to them. Help your child understand stressful situations such as the birth of a new sibling. Explain what they can expect and encourage them to ask questions. When your child tells you that he or she is being bullied at school, encourage them to tell the teachers – but also contact the school yourself. Share your own personal experiences with your children to help them understand stress and to give them the coping strategies that they need. For those first terrifying days at school, assure them that you are always thinking of them and that they will see you in a few hours. When you feel stressed yourself, make a conscious effort to reduce your stress levels. If you are not able to hide it from your children, explain that you are experiencing a difficult time and tell them how you intend to deal with it. Carol Crous LEARNING SPECIALIST

52

September - October 2011


WWlcccc baaa...

tt eee jjj, nnnnnn nn raaalluu rstt. THE ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ISTANBUL

Akaฤ aรง sokak No:6-8 4.Levent, Istanbul +90(212)280 8038 info@teis.com.tr | www.teis.web.tr September - October 2011

53


54

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

55


IPWIN

Marie Theres Raberger & Cerstin Diewald

Let’s Start IPWIN Season 2011/2012 Hoşgeldiniz! We would like to welcome you to the new IPWIN season - whether you are returners or newcomers to Istanbul. We hope that you had had a wonderful summer and are back full of energy for the new IPWIN season. We – your IPWIN co-ordination team members - are ready to start! The IPWIN co-ordination team! Do you want to join? We would like to introduce ourselves: Marie Theres Raberger, Austrian, a mother of three, happily living in Istanbul since September 2007 and currently working as a project freelancer for a Turkish HR consultancy and Cerstin Diewald, German, a mother of seven year old twins, enjoying living in Istanbul for two years now, formerly working in Human Resources and also working as a project freelancer for a Turkish HR consultancy. We had a lot of fun last year working for IPWIN, organizing 20 events and hosting around 300 “professional” women. But as we are getting busier in our projects we are looking for an additional IPWIN team member. Let us know if you want to join us!

Our mission!

IPWIN as IWI interest group was founded 2 years ago and currently has more than 450 members from all over the world. It provides a platform for women of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds and includes women currently working, seeking employment or who are interested in developing and/or maintaining their professional skills. We value the variety of experiences and warmly welcome professional women in the Istanbul community to join us and experience the excellence, openness and warmth in all of our activities.

Our aims!

We provide the opportunity for networking to build professional and social relationships and make new friends in a relaxed environment. We encourage the exchange of business relevant information and experiences amongst women with different nationalities and career paths. We aim at developing, strengthening and maintaining our members´ personal and work-related competencies.

Our activities!

We meet monthly at our IPWIN First Tuesday. These informal get-togethers are an opportunity to meet other professional women to explore new ideas, share tips, information and to make new friends in a relaxed environment. Additionally, we schedule monthly special events throughout the year featuring business related topics to meet the needs of professional women. Upcoming events are advertised by email to our members, but will also

56

be posted on the IWI website.

You have missed our events last year?

So make sure you sign-up for IPWIN, when you (re)register for the new IWI season! Just go to the IWI Homepage, and adjust for profile just by clicking for IPWIN and Hoşgeldin/Welcome! You think you cannot join, because you are not currently working? You don’t have to be working to join our events – IPWIN is open to everyone. You may have small children or cannot work in Turkey for other/legal reasons. What unites us all is our interest in jobrelated topics and the wish to network with other women. So we invite all non-working, working women and we are also open to guests and non-IWI-members – as our main aim is to enable networking.

Let’s get started!

We will start our IPWIN year with our opening meeting – please keep posted for details (IWI newsletter, IWI homepage). Following the opening of the season, we will have different events related to the Turkish jobmarket and business. We will organize events for our entrepreneur members (though these events were also visited by non-entrepreneurs). Last year some of our guest speakers were IPWIN members! Also this year we are curious to hear your wishes and input. We are confident that among the many old and new IPWIN members there is a huge reservoir of knowledge and competencies all of us could benefit from. So please step forward!

You want to re-join us? September - October 2011


IPWIN So now it is your turn. Get ready and join, either at the IWI Open ing or at the IPWIN Opening itself. Or you can simply join IPWIN via the IWI homepage! We look forward to meeting you! Marie Theres & Cerstin

Here a list of our last year’s special events: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

27th of September 2010, IPWIN Opening At The German Consulate 9th of November 2011, Turkish Jobmarket, Murat Yeşildere of Egon Zehnder International 7th of December 2010, Work in Turkey/Turkish labour law, Karen Akinci of Akinci Law Office 22nd of January 2011, Social Media Workshop, Anastasia Ahsman, Tara Agacayak 22nd of February 2011, Excellence in the Turkish Health Sector, Melis Zorluoğlu at Acibadem Fulya Hastanesi 11th of April 2011, Informal Chat with Brita Wagener, German Consul General 23rd of March 2011, CV Workshop I, Mina Kuseyrioglu of Nestlé Turkey and 13th of May 2011, CV & Application Workshop II, Marie Theres Raberger, HR Consultant 24th of May 2011, The Secrets of Marketing with PUBLICISYORUM 14th of June 2011, Want to Write a Book? With Dorothy Waldman, (ghost) writer & editor & writing coach

September - October 2011

57


ıwı ınterest Groups

IWI ART CLUB

The IWI Art Club will take place twice month on Thursdays. The first Thursday of the month will be in the evening and the third Thursday in the morning. We will commence in October continuing with watercolour (aquarelle) but we will also experiment with other media.

Watercolour

Watercolor is applied with a brush onto a supporting surface and the resulting mark is transparent, allowing light to reflect from the supporting surface. The advantages of watercolor lie in the ease of its application, in the transparent effects achievable, in the brilliance of its colors, and in its relative cheapness. Unlike oil or acrylic painting, where the paints essentially stay where they are put and dry more or less in the form they are applied, water is an active and complex partner in the watercolor painting process. The difficulty in watercolor painting is in learning how to anticipate the behavior of water, rather than attempting to control or dominate it.

Pastels

The pastel medium was first mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495. Pastels have become popular in modern art because of the medium's broad range of bright colors. The 19th-century French painter Edgar Degas was a most prolific user of pastel. A pastel work is made by letting the sticks move over an abrasive ground, leaving color on the grain of the paper, sandboard, canvas etc. When fully covered with pastel, the work is called a pastel painting; when not, a pastel sketch or drawing.

Acrylics

Acrylic paint is fast drying paint that can be diluted with water and become water-resistant when dry. Depending on how much the paint is diluted (with water) the finished acrylic painting can

58

resemble a watercolor or an oil painting, or have its own unique characteristics not attainable with other media. Acrylic painters modify the appearance of the paint surface using acrylic media or by simply adding water. Acrylics have the ability to bond to many different surfaces, and media can be used to adjust their binding characteristics. Acrylic can be used on paper, canvas and a range of other materials.

Life drawing

In art, a figure drawing is a study of the human form in its various shapes and body postures - sitting, standing or even sleeping. It is a study or stylized depiction of the human form, with the line and form of the human figure as the primary objective, rather than the subject person. It is a composed image of the subject in a stationary position. The human figure is one of the most enduring themes in the visual arts, and the human figure can be the basis of portraiture, cartooning and comic book illustration, sculpture, medical illustration, and other fields. Figure drawing can be done very simply, as in gesture drawing, or in greater detail, using charcoal, pencil or other drawing tools.

Art Jamming

The exciting news is that Art Jamming has come to Istanbul! Join the fun at an “art jamming” party. Just like some people jam with music, why not jam with art? Artjammers express and discover while painting their own canvasses. It's a stimulating blend of selfexpression and social interaction. Watch the Lale or our website about the exciting new form of “paintertainment”! If you are an artist or craftsperson and would like to share your talents with us please contact esbie@iwi-tr.org. Please check our website www.iwi-tr.org for more detail or to reserve your place.

September - October 2011


September - October 2011

59


OTHER GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS Alcoholics Anonymous / Al-Anon

Open AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings are held in the Union Hanbuilding on Istiklal Caddesi, Tünel, next to the Swedish Consulate at 7 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and at 6:30 every Thursday. We also have a Sunday meeting in Harbiye at 4:15 pm. Contact Michael: 05327616466 or 05374338368. michael.kuser@gmail.com For details see: www.aa-europe.net/ countries/turkey.htm

Art Lovers of Istanbul

ALI is an informal group for artists, art collectors and all art lovers living in Istanbul. It is open for any English speaker who enjoys the arts. We hold monthly meetings to share our ideas and talents. We meet to create and inspire! For more information visit www. artloversofistanbul.com or contact us through artloversofistanbul@hotmail.com

know about Turkey, whilst making new friends and discovering new activities and interests. Aiming to help each other to settle in with tips, trips, food demos, potluck lunches and a little charity help when and we can manage it.

Circolo Roma

The Italian Association organizes several activities, such as rithmic gymnastic for girls, cooking classes, drawing and painting, yoga, salsa dance, Italian and Turkish conversation, sale of Italian Books, Italian Cinema and more and more. The wonderfull liberty hall can be used for private parties and conferences upon contribution. Please contact info@circoloroma.com.

Die Brücke

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 year-round program of tours and lectures for members and guests. Membership is open to all interested residents of Istanbul. For further information: 0212 257 81 11.

“DIE BRÜCKE e.V.” (‘THE BRIDGE’) 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 for everyone who speaks German. “DIE BRÜCKE e.V.” issues a monthly newsletter. Different gatherings, charities, information concerning daily life, bi-national education, help with bureaucracy and immigration laws in Turkey are covered as well as assistance to newcomers. Many cultural activities are also organized, like visits to concerts or exhibitions. Contact: +90 212 458 98 50, www. bruecke-istanbul.org, info@bruecke-istanbul.org

AWI (American Women of Istanbul)

NVI

ARIT (American Research Institute of Turkey)

The AWI is a social network open to Americans, Canadians and spouses of U.S. or Canadian citizens living in Istanbul. The AWI provides social programs 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. Contact Sharon Lewis email: awiistanbul@gmail.com

British Community Council

The British Community council (founded 1942) supports ten pensioners and local charities by its fundraising events. Helpers and new members of the BCC are always welcome.. Contact person: Michael Ashor, chairman@bccistanbul.org, 0212 2497 296, 0 545 588 1933, www.bccistanbul.org

Bridge Group - All Levels

Our bridge group meets on Fridays at 11a.m. All levels of bridge players are welcome. Please contact Sandra at (212) 257-9781 or 0532-483--5319.

CHICAS - Spanish Speaking Women of Istanbul

A group open to all ladies who speak our language, or would like to practice it. We have lots of fun, hilarious Latin parties, and last but not least, cultural venues. Come on, jump on in, you won’t regret it! Contact: Ninoska Gutierrez Sierra 0533 651 35 81 , Norma Maranges 0532 314 29 34, Lorena Martinez 0533 388 63 09 e-mail: chicasestambul@yahoo.com.mx It has also an own blog: http://chicasestambul.blogspot.com/ and it’s in Facebook under “Chicas Estambul”.

Corona Ladies Group

Corona Ladies are an informal group of English speakers who would like to welcome you to Istanbul, explore the city together, and make the most of our time here. We have permanent members as well as new comers and are open to all nationalities (ability to speak English is necessary) who wish to join us in getting to

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 organize a get together. Among the festivities we do the typical celebrations like Sinterklass (5 December) and Koninginnedag (queensday). For further information and details check our website www.nv-istanbul.org or contact: secretariaat@ nv-istanbul.org Mariska Steenkamer 0530 828 65 65.

Fransız Fakirhanesi - Little Sisters of the Poor Contact: Mother Mary 0212 296 46 08.

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 scent in Turkey and to contribute to the cultural life of Istanbul. For further information, please contact Jasmine Taranto – VIP Coordinator & International Relations at 0 212 244 7171, info@contemporaryistanbul.com

Friends of India

Contact: Geetali Bajpai 0542 292 92 34 or Sonica Purl 0544711 01 23

InterNations

is the first international online community for people who live and work abroad. Our network is represented by more than 230 local communities all over the world. InterNations users can exchange reliable information on expat-specific topics, both on a global and a local level. The members of InterNations Istanbul meet every month at different locations. Please contact Gundula Strittmatter for information and to join our Istanbul community: gstrittmatter@internations.org, 0538 6948728 www.internations.org


OTHER GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS Istanbul Accueil

Welcomes French-speaking newcomers in Istanbul. We publish a bimonthly newsletter with many activity groups (bridge, baby groups, cooking, cultural outings and social events, etc.) Our common language is French and all French-speaking people are welcome! www.istanbulaccueil.org, email: istaccueil@gmail.com

The Istanbul Ottomans Rugby Club

Practice every Saturday afternoon at the Dikilitas Spor Klubu in Besiktas (directions available at www.ottomansrugby.com). Players of all ages (14+) and levels of fitness welcome, including ladies for our newly formed Ottomans Women Rugby Club. Please contact Ozer Onkal at +90 533 482 6262 or email: ozer.ali.onkal@ ottomansrugby.com or ozer212@yahoo.com

Patchwork Group

Contact Cynthia Royce 0536 348 4086, cynthroyce@hotmail.com

PAWI (Professional American Women of Istanbul)

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 professional and personal growth. Members inspire each other to achieve and share success. PAWI meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. Each meeting features a guest speaker, and locations alternate between the European and Asian sides. Contact info@pawistanbul.com or visit www.pawistanbul.com

SEDplatform for animals

SEDplatform has been formed by a handful of expat and local volunteers to make a change in the way animals are being perceived and treated in Turkey. To this aim, we have launched education in schools, educational activities, proper on-hand care of street animals, sterilization and adoptions campaigns, pet care brochures and World Animal Day activities in Istanbul. We have been active since 2001. Contacts: Big Dog Yuli 0532 314 8238, Kit Kat Robi 0542 423 0633 or Cat Lady Leyla 0555 404 3113; email: sahiplenelim@sed-tr.org New kitty site: www.onlarbizimkedilerimiz.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 Debbie L Sainte-Rose for more information at 05317691368 or debbiesainterose@yahoo.com.

SWEA

(Swedish Women Educational Association) A world-wide network for Swedish or Swedish-speaking A worldwide network for Swedish or Swedish-speaking women with a chapter in Istanbul. Contact Helene Fredell helene.fredell@hm.com

Toastmasters International-Istanbul Chapter

English-speakÄąng Istanbul Toastmastersclub is the only local branch of Toastmasters International, an organization that helps its members improve their communication and leadership skills in a supportive enviroment. The ITM meets on the first and third Wednesday at 19.30 of each month at the Kervansaray Hotel in Taksim. Guests are welcome to attend two meetings free of charge. For further information contact: Edith Heidelberger, President 2010-2011, 0533 263 2806 or Alper Rozanes, Vice President Membership, 0532 243 3753.

*Please check our website www.iwi-tr.org for updates to this page. If you represent a group and want your group updated or listed on these pages, e-mail esbie@iwi-tr.org. These pages are for your information only; the IWI does not accept any responsibility regarding these groups or their activities.

Speech Bubbles

Is an international group aiming to perform high-quality Is an international group aiming to perform high-quality musical theater and donating the income to NGO’s supporting children and education. Speech Bubbles is composed of amateur and professional dancers, singers and musicians from II countries. Contact Tom Godfrey 0532 736 7702; www.speechbubbles.org

Sublime Portal

The Sublime Portal is your expat on-line community reference for all things Turkey. Here you can find a lively group of people who discuss everything about Turkey, network and organize social events. Over a 1000 members and still growing... www.sublimeportal.com

September - October 2011

61


classıfıed ads TURKISH LESSONS: PRIVATE AND CONVERSATIONAL

For ladies and men, group or one to one lessons, at your home or workplace, from an experienced native teacher fluent in English and French. Adjustable to your needs and time schedule. Please call 0530 310 21 32 or email rbensan@superonline.com for full information.

English Lessons

American native - English speaking tutor and homework helper available for the academic year. Travels to locations between Taksim, Sarıyer, Üsküdür, Bostancı. CV and reference available Experinced with ages 2-15 years old. Contact Renée 0539 466 55 50 renee.elaine@gmail.com

Short and medium stay apartments in Beyoğlu and Galata

istanbul!place offers high quality apartments for short and medium-stay rental (holiday or business), in the heart of Istanbul. The properties are all in historical buildings, stylishly furnished and recently renovated, retaining original architectural features and the spirit of another age. Contact Julia Bayne www.istanbulplace.com - info@istanbulplace.com ISTANBUL PLACE APARTMENTS

London Apartment to rent

Luxury one bed flat to rent on a weekly or monthly basis in the heart of Chelsea, London. For more information and details please call 0532 285-9249

62

Ginger Pilates:

Improve your body and relax your mind with a pesonal trainer. Barbara, cerified Pilates instructor, works with at your level and the location of your choice. After one session you’ll already feel the difference. Sessions are in English. Contact Barbara at info@gingerpilates.com or go to www.gingerpilates.com

Professional Massage

I can come to your house: pregnancy massage, cellulite massage, relaxing massage, full-body - osho rebalancing massage or wax. Call me for more information - Hatice Yildirim (Tirli) 0532 260 41 18 / 0542 434 19 32

GUITAR LESSONS for Children or Adults

Spice up summer with private guitar lessons available in rock, blues or jazz by graduate of the Berklee College of Music with 30 years’ performance experience. Gentle, non-stressful approach with mature Turkish instructor who speaks English. Can travel to your home. Reasonable rates.Also has jazz duo, trio, quartet group for weddings and parties. Contact: Ali Ağca, 0533 353-1221, erdoganagca@yahoo.com

For Sale: Peugeot 307cc 2.0

Peugeot 307cc 2.0, convertible, hard-top, Model 2005, Blue, M plate, 72 000km, automatic (tiptronic) leather interior, CD player, electronic sensors (back) new tyres, new air-con compressor, serviced and new TüV. Owner leaving the country, 28 000TL. Please call Marianne: 0530 202 0200 or Rolf: 0533 597 71 12

September - October 2011


Directory - International Schools

September - October 2011

63


IWI Policies & Advertising Membership

Membership is open to all women who hold a Non-Turkish passport or who are married to a foreign passport holding spouse. For application details, please visit our website www.iwi-tr.org. Membership registration is also possible at our weekly “Newcomers Meeting” held every Thursday at Meet Café, Alkent, Etiler from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. Parking is available. Contact the Newcomer Coordinators held every Thursday for information and directions. You can also become a member online.

Changing Address or Lale Problems?

Don’t forget to give us your new address (postal and/or e-mail) to avoid delay in the delivery of your Lale magazine or for upto-date IWI member information. Contact our Membership Secretary Ann Lancaster by e-mail at membership@iwi-tr.org.

In case you failed to receive your copy of LALE, please contact us at laledelivery@gmail.com Membership Directory

Advertising

To place an advertisement please contact us at advertising@iwi-tr.org. Advertisements must be confirmed through signed contract before any payment is accepted. Classified ads are restricted to 50 words. Member cost: $25 + 18% V. A. T. / Nonmember cost $60 + 18% V. A. T. All advertising costs are payable by bank transfer. No cash payments accepted. A copy of the payment transfer (dekont) should be sent via email: advertising@iwi-tr.org. Only paid advertisements can be included in Lale.

Payment Details

Bank: Garanti Bankası Branch Code (Hesap Şubesi): 340 Etiler YTL Account (YTL Hesap): TR03 0006 2000 3400 0006 2991 17 USD Account (USD Hesap): TR09 0006 2000 3400 0009 0939 67 Customer Name: Istanbul Uluslararası Kadınlar Derneği İktisadi İşletmesi Advertisement deadline for every issue of the Lale is the first of the month prior to publication.

Disclaimer Lale Content

The IWI as an organization and the IWI Board members act within the laws of Turkey pertaining to publishing but they do not accept any liability regarding the accuracy or content of the contributions supplied by our advertisers or members’ articles. In order to comply with these laws or publishing standards the IWI reserve the right to reject or edit any submission to Lale. Furthermore, the IWI does not accept any responsibility for any of the services rendered by any of our advertisers.

Programs

Cancellation of a program reservation after the deadline remains fully payable. Please refer to our website www.iwi-tr. org for up to date details, last minute additions or program changes. The IWI reserves the right to cancel programs due to insufficient numbers. You are responsible for both you and your child’s safety and the IWI cannot accept responsibility for injury or extra cost incurred during any activity organized by the IWI, or advertised in Lale.

It is strictly against IWI policy to give the Membership Directory to any non-member of the association. If requested by a non-member, or company to supply membership data please refer them to the IWI Chairwomen. Members are entitled to the directory for their personal use only, never for business purposes. All member information should be handled with confidentiality. Membership directories are available from the Membership Secretary.



MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF ISTANBUL September & October 2011

TRICI VENOLA UNIQUE TALENT THE HEART of CAPPADOCIA!

Discover authentic Istanbul

JEWELRY TRENDS INSPIRED BY ANTIQUITY


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.