Les Arts Turcs

24 March, 2008 (14:30) | Favorites, istanbul

Before my first trip to Istanbul, I searched the web because I knew nothing of the country, let alone the city. I found two websites in my searching called BazaarTurkey and Les Arts Turcs during my research.

I read an article on the site which created the first enchantment with Istanbul that still holds me to this day. I’ve lost that article but it was beautifully written, conjuring up the magic of the city that lures one in. Eventually, I sent an email asking questions to the owner of the site, Mr. Nurdogan Sengular.

Map to Les Arts Turcs Thus began my friendship with Nurdogan that lasts till today. When I return again to the city, we will meet again. On my trip to Istanbul, I went to the center where one can see the Hagia Sophia looming large from the window. I spent the afternoon with him, sipping tea and talking. We listened to music and I ended up buying some CDs of the music I loved and some unusual evil eye ornaments. It was an afternoon well spent with Nurdogan, both enlightening and refreshing. We talked books, art, photography and a little politics thrown in for more spice. For what is a conversation about art without a little dash of politics?

Over the years, I have done some English editorial work for his site, donated a photograph, communicated by email with him and he has published an article about my project, ImagineIstanbul. Many international artists and writers who travel to Istanbul have dropped into the center and later written about the organization and Nurdogan. If you would like to read some of their articles about Les Arts Turcs organization, click here to learn what they have to say. You too will become enchanted and fall in love with the city.

Les Arts Turcs was established about ten years ago as an international artists’ organization in the center of Istanbul. I like its global perspective, the act of reaching out inclusively to all cultures and all art. It is a meeting place for painters, photographers, artists, singers, journalists, professional guides and entrepreneurs. The organization attempts to form a bridge between cultures, and in return, promote an understanding of all Turkish art and culture. Its goal is as a center for all types of artists of all cultures to share ideas, discover the works of artists, artisans and photographers, writers. Recently, the Center became the sponsor of the film by writer and director Gökhan Yorgancıgil “Sıfır Dediğimde” (“When I Say Zero”)

The center offers classes which can be arranged on anything running from painting, carpet design, weaving, belly dancing, music, calligraphy, ceramics. You can also arrange lodging, individualized and interesting tours of Istanbul and the rest of Turkey. Your trip will be enriched by the experience of the various classes you can take. You can dive in and truly experience the culture of this magnificent country with these specialized tours.

As well as running the artists’ center, Nurdogan is responsible for a site where you can purchase online anything from ceramics, jewelry, glassware, music, books… the list is endless and helps to promote the work of individual artists and artisans. Perhaps you forgot to buy something in Istanbul when you were there. You can still buy it now and remember your dreams of Istanbul. Or, you can go back once again to the city that enchants you and call Nurdogan and see if you too can stop in for tea.

The Center now has two locations:

Les Arts Turcs I
Incili Çavus Sok. No: 37 Kat:3
Alemdar Mah.
Sultanahmet 34400
Istanbul, Turkey

Les Arts Turcs II
Ishak Pasa Caddesi
No:6 Cankurtaran
Sultanahmet
Istanbul / TURKEY

Telephone: Tel: 90 (212) 527 68 59 – 90 (212) 638 12 15
Tel: 90 (212) 511 75 56 – 90 (212) 638 76 06

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