The Rough Guide to Istanbul

by Terry Richardson, Zoe Smith (Contributor)

The Rough Guide to Istanbul is the perfect introduction to a vibrant mega-city, fast-becoming as popular for its nightlife and arts scene as it is for its unique historical heritage. All the major Byzantine and Ottoman sites, plus a myriad of lesser-known gems, are easily tracked down using clear, comprehensive maps. Whether you wish to watch the faithful at prayer in the iconic Blue Mosque, admire the glittering- gold mosaics in the Church of the Holy Wisdom, relax in an historic Turkish bath, cruise up the continent-dividing Bosphorus or dance the night away in an über-cool club, you can find out where and how in The Rough Guide to Istanbul. Evocative photographs of the city's highlights complement the text and two full-colour sections introduce the fascinating world of Ottoman Turkish architecture and the culinary delights of the Turkish kitchen. There are up-to-date descriptions of the city's best bars, cafes, clubs, hotels, restaurants and shops for all budgets, and a detailed section on 'out of town' trips including the legendary city of Troy and the former-Ottoman capitals of Bursa and Edirne.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

340 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Richardson has shot campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Aldo, Supreme, Tom Ford, and Yves Saint Laurent among others. He has also done magazine editorials for publications such as Rolling Stone, GQ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, i-D, and Vice.
There are several repeating themes in Richardson's work, notably that of putting high-profile celebrities in mundane situations and photographing them using traditionally pedestrian methods, such as the use of an instant camera.
His work also explores ideas of sexuality, with many of the pieces featured in his books Kibosh and Terryworld depicting full-frontal nudity and both simulated and unsimulated sexual acts.
Initially, many of Richardson's subjects would be shot before a white background but he eventually expanded to other backdrops. He is also well known for posing with his subjects, often trading his trademark glasses with them so they may "pretend to be him" and vice versa.

Reviews

[Bridget Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info., but soemtimes a bit light on specifics if actually trying to use it to get somewhee (i.e. info about how to get from the ferry terminal in Bursa to the Bus stop, and from there into town was pretty scant). Also, slightly more detailed maps wouldn't go astray, but then this goes for most guidebooks, in my experience.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helped give a feel for the city and the best places to visit, included the culture and many other hints for getting the most of being in Instanbul

[Marte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful and inspiring. Recommended.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually got the 2012 edition for my current trip. This is a great series.

[Haley]

Excellent guide, even my cousin, after living there for a few months, learned new things about Istanbul from it.

[Martin Rundkvist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful guide by a writer interested in history.

[Theut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interessante e ricca di dettagli.