Tales of Beyoğlu | European Capital of Culture Agency

Beyoğlu is the ‘bohemian quarter’ – of Istanbul. Once one of the districts (I think) that housed non-Muslims who were encouraged to worship freely upon payment of a religious tax, it has evolved to become one of the city’s most colourful and thriving districts, and arguably the cultural heart of Istanbul.

I first visited Istanbul on holiday 25 years ago, and immediately fell in love with the city. Since then, I’ve returned many times and have always found myself being drawn back to Beyoğlu.

In this feature-length documentary I explore the area by profiling some of its most creative characters.

By learning about them and their lives I hoped to create an intimate and engaging portrait of a unique place.

I produced, directed, narrated – both the Turkish and the English versions – and filmed Tales of Beyoğlu.

European Capital of Culture Agency

2010