Dear Istanbul
by Remzi Gökdağ
A blend of memoir, interviews, and stories…
Istanbul is a city caught between two worlds: one rooted in history and tradition, the other constantly evolving and modernizing. As skyscrapers replace old neighborhoods and green spaces make way for malls, the city’s transformation raises questions about what’s being lost. In Dear Istanbul, Remzi Gokdag interviews twenty individuals whose lives are intertwined with the city’s rich past, from artists to shopkeepers. Their stories reflect a deep connection to a city that’s changing, yet remains unforgettable.
Soul of Istanbul through the voices that shaped it…
Through their memories of old Istanbul, Remzi Gokdag captures the nostalgia and resilience that define the city’s soul. Though the skyline shifts and familiar landmarks fade, the spirit of Istanbul persists. This book is a tribute to that enduring spirit—an exploration of the joy, sadness, and love for a city that continues to evolve but will never be forgotten.
Memories about Istanbul
Dear Istanbul brings together the stories of twenty individuals whose lives are deeply connected to the city. Through interviews with figures like Ara Güler, Hıfzı Topuz, Halit Kıvanç, and Muhterem Nur, Remzi Gökdağ captures personal memories of an Istanbul that once was. From childhood moments to surprising encounters, these stories offer a glimpse into a city that continues to transform.
“For anyone who cherishes Istanbul’s past, this book is a treasure trove of truthful and joyful memories.”
Once upon a time in Istanbul…
Whether you were born in Istanbul, have walked its streets as a visitor, or simply dream of experiencing its magic, Dear Istanbul will take you on an unforgettable journey. It is a tribute to a city that refuses to be erased, to the resilience of its people, and to the timeless spirit that makes Istanbul, Istanbul. Step into their stories. Let the past come alive. And, most of all, let yourself fall in love with Istanbul all over again.
A Love Letter Through Time
Through personal recollections, the book captures the essence of Istanbul—the glamorous, the lonely, the bizarre, and the wondrous. From the bustling streets of Beyoğlu to the hidden corners of Üsküdar, embark on a journey through time and witness the immense changes the city has undergone. Gökdağ’s evocative prose immerses readers in the emotions and memories of each interviewee, reflecting the diverse experiences of those who call Istanbul home.
A captivating collection of interviews with 20 iconic figures whose lives are intricately woven into the fabric of Istanbul.
SAFA ÖNAL
AYDIN BOYSAN
HIFZI TOPUZ
DOĞAN KUBAN
NURETTİN SÖZEN
ADALET AĞAOĞLU
HAMDİ ARPACI
MURAT BELGE
HASAN PULUR
HALDUN HÜREL
MUHTEREM NUR
JOHN FREELY
OĞUZ ATALAY
MÜJDAT GEZEN
ARA GÜLER
HALİT KIVANÇ
RÜKNÜ ÖZKÖK
YORGO OKUMUŞ
HALDUN DORMEN
OKTAY AKBAL
Dear Istanbul
Interviews, memories, stories about Istanbul
Istanbul is a city caught in the delicate balance between two worlds. On one hand, it’s a city steeped in history, with centuries-old memories and cultures woven into every corner. On the other, it’s rapidly towering skyscrapers and shopping malls replacing the narrow streets we once knew. The city is changing, faster than some of us can keep up with. And yet, beneath it all, the soul of Istanbul remains.
In Dear Istanbul, Remzi Gökdağ invites you on a journey to discover how those who’ve lived through this transformation feel about it. Through conversations with twenty people—artists, shopkeepers, teachers, and more—he uncovers the intimate stories of their lives in this ever-evolving city. Each one calls Istanbul “my Istanbul,” yet their stories are as diverse as the city itself. For some, the changes are exciting, a sign of progress. For others, it’s a loss of a simpler, slower time when life was lived in close-knit neighborhoods and memories were made on familiar streets.
As Gokdag delves into their memories, he paints a picture of a city that’s slipping through our fingers—whether it’s the young girl feeding pigeons in Eyüp, the mesmerizing domes of Sultanahmet, or the bustling streets of Nevizade. The stories are both joyful and bittersweet, reflecting a deep love for a city that feels both familiar and foreign all at once.
Even the legendary photographer Ara Güler, whose black-and-white images have captured the soul of Istanbul for decades, admits that no photo or word can truly encapsulate its essence. But that doesn’t stop Gökdağ from trying. His quest is to capture the heart of a city that is constantly changing, yet whose spirit refuses to fade.
Through Dear Istanbul, Remzi Gokdag shows us that the city’s physical transformation may be inevitable, but its heart—the people and their stories—remains. This book isn’t just about what’s been lost; it’s about what’s been gained, what remains, and what will continue to endure in the hearts of those who love this city. Istanbul’s story is one of resilience. Time may reshape its landscape, but its soul—rich, mysterious, and full of echoes from the past—will never be lost.
If you’ve ever walked the streets of Istanbul, dreamed of doing so, or simply longed for a piece of its magic, Dear Istanbul will take you there.