A look back at the best of 2023
Plus, art, design & travel ideas for 2024
It’s hard to believe that 2023 is coming to a close, so I wanted to say a massive thank you for reading The Istanbulist and to take a moment to reflect on all the twists and turns of the last 12 months as well as what’s in store for the year ahead. I launched this newsletter back in January to spotlight the creative brilliance in the two cities I call home and I am so so glad I did.
It’s been a wild year of surprise trips, new acquaintances and unexpected discoveries as well as personal and professional highs (and, yes, some lows too). I’ve interviewed some super talented artists, designers, gallerists and curators in London, Istanbul & beyond; travelled to places I’d never heard of before moving to Turkey; and discovered a newfound confidence in myself and in my writing. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the inspiring people, places and things I’ve encountered along the way.
In celebration of all that has been achieved this year, big and small, I’ve rounded up five of my most popular posts, which cover everything from secret spots in Sifnos to rooftop bars in Istanbul. You’ll also find a selection of personal highlights as well as five art, design & travel ideas for your radar in 2024. Make sure you add them to your New Year’s to-do list.
Before the New Year rolls in though there’s Twixmas (the days between Christmas and New Year) to navigate. If you find yourself at a loose end during this liminal time caught between festive gluttony and the next round of celebrations, then have a dig into the Istanbulist archives to catch up on any articles you may have missed. My favourite has to be this one on magical winter escapes in Turkey — Cappadocia really is extraordinary in the snow.
As ever, please do let me know what you love about this newsletter via DM or the comments so I can continue to make it as engaging and enjoyable for you as possible. If you’d like to receive all feature articles straight to your inbox in future, make sure to sign-up below. Your support really does mean the world to me and is what keeps The Istanbulist going.
Which brings me to next year. 2024 is going to be one of the biggest yet for me as we welcome our first little one in Turkey. I’m feeling all of the emotions, as I am sure you can imagine, so I will be taking a short break from posting as I settle into our new routine. I look forward to slipping back into your inbox soon. In the meantime, I’m wishing you all the very best for a happy, healthy and adventurous 2024.
Love Lucy Xx
5 of the most popular articles on The Istanbulist in 2023
5 professional wins in 2023
Being freelance means being your own biggest cheerleader. Which can be hard, especially when confidence wavers or self-doubt sets in. So here’s to celebrating the wins, big and small. I’d love to know what you’re especially proud of (personally or professionally) this year via DM. These are five of my highlights to get the ball rolling…
Having the confidence to launch The Istanbulist and dive head first into a new world of arts, design and travel. I’ve been out of my comfort zone plenty of times over the past 12 months but I’ve grown more resilient and confident as a result.
Reviewing My Arbor, a spectacular treetop spa retreat in Italy’s South Tyrolean mountains, for the brilliant Citizen Femme. Go, go, go!
Having the opportunity to interview some trailblazing women in the arts, including Georgia Powell and Liza Shapiro of Cura Art for Christie’s
Being invited on a Turkish press trip to explore Birdcage 33, a recently opened boutique hotel perched high above Yalikavak Marina in Bodrum
Hosting a private gallery hop during Frieze Week in London with Mayfair Art Weekend
5 art, design & travel ideas for your radar in 2024
Book tickets for the long-awaited The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure at the National Portrait Gallery in London, from 22 February
Plan a spoiling stay at the Kempinski Ciragan Palace in Istanbul — a CN Traveller Gold List 2024 hotel
Set a reminder to see Vanessa Bell: A Pioneer of Modern Art at the Courtauld Gallery in London, from 25 May
Book a treat weekend away at Bodrum Loft, a boho-luxe hideaway on The Turquoise Coast
Incorporate Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s colour of the Year 2024, into your wardrobe, home and make-up bag. I’m absolutely loving these Missoma Rhodochrosite earrings, this silky blush powder from Hermes and this small palm tree candle holder from Les-Ottomans.
And finally…follow me on Instagram for more art news, design inspiration and travel tips in London, Istanbul & beyond. Until next time.