43 Comments

It was very interesting learning more about you, thank you for sharing! I look forward to your newsletters and enjoy them immensely. And I really appreciate that they don’t come too often (which is great for my overflowing inbox).

I will be visiting Istanbul next summer for the first time, which I am very much looking forward to. As an architect, I have always dreamt of seeing Hagia Sophia and experiencing the atmosphere of it. It really makes me sad that I won’t be able to see it fully (as a non-Muslim and a woman).

All I know about Istanbul is from art and architecture history, my (fading) knowledge of history and Orhan Pamuk’s books. I have just started reading A Tale of Three Cities by Bettany Hughes. What books (or travel guides, blogs…) about Istanbul would you recommend, to discover the texture of the city, the way of living… ?

My cousin has moved there for a temporary work assignment so I will be covered for the most famous sights, markets and places to eat out. What I am looking for are places to explore all the colourful ways people live and get some insight into the urban topography of Istanbul. Any suggestions and recommendations are welcome!

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Thank you so much for your support and kind words. I am a great fan of Orhan Pamuk and you might already know he has a book about Istanbul: Memories and the City https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11690 Please allow me a few more days and I will get back to you with some Istanbul related recommendations.

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Sep 27Liked by Burcu Basar

Lovely post Burcu, I really enjoyed it, thank you 😊

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Thank you for your support Joanne, I really appreciate it.

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Sep 27Liked by Burcu Basar

Thank you for the introduction, I've loved discovering your photos on notes and it's so great to learn more about you!

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Thank you for reading it!

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Sep 27Liked by Burcu Basar

Oh, and do you have any feedback on where I should stay in Tokyo in April if I'm worried about being overwhelmed?

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Are you looking for an Airbnb, long-term accommodation, or hotels? I recently met a couple who stayed in an Airbnb in Edogawa-ku, located further east of the Asakusa area, beyond the Sumida River. They really enjoyed the low-key atmosphere and the chance to experience a different side of Tokyo. I also live in that region, though not in that specific district. It’s definitely away from the crowds and has a more traditional charm, but it’s not as stylish as Western Tokyo (and certainly not as lively) or some other eastern districts like Kuramae. Please feel free to email me at burcu@lettersfromjapan.com or DM here if you would like to discuss more.

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Sep 27Liked by Burcu Basar

Probably a week long Airbnb. I love the idea of historical charm, but I’m open to lively and stylish. I’ll look up both options. Thank you so much!

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Sep 28·edited Sep 28Author

I hope you have a wonderful visit. Also an American friend recently stayed at this apart hotel in very central part of Tokyo with his family and they were very satisfied both with the location and facilities: https://hotel-monday.com/apartment/uenookachimachi/?wovn=en

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Yay! Thank you!

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I thought better late than never :)

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Oct 1Liked by Burcu Basar

It’s a delight to get to know you Burcu. I’m rediscovering my own country thanks to your beautiful posts <3

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Thank you for your time and reading Akiko-san. Also how I love your newsletter - a delight for eyes and mind.

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So kind of you, thank you!

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Oct 1Liked by Burcu Basar

Can’t believe I discovered your Substack just now because I’ve been a fan of your writing and photography for a long time. Happy anniversary!

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Cok tesekkurler. Merhaba! Demek instagramda yeterince duyuramamisim newsletteri ☺️

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It was so nice to learn more about you!

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As always, thank you for your time Kate.

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thank you for this intro! i love all your photos

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Thank you for reading Nicole!

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Nice. On the subject of Turkey. I’m a big fan of Turkish food. Any recommendations in Tokyo/Yokohama?

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Hi Igor. I heard good things about this restaurant in Ginza from some other Turks but I have never been there myself so I cannot comment on the food: https://istanbul.co.jp/ This Tokyo Weekender list looks good as well - especially the Ege one in Kamakura (but again never been to any of these): https://www.tokyoweekender.com/food-and-drink/rare-foodie-finds-finding-authentic-turkish-food-tokyo-beyond/

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As someone that just found your newsletter, couldn’t be better timing. Great to hear your thoughts on notes vs instagram.

1,000 caring readers better than thousands of bots elsewhere.

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Maybe the only good thing about the current state of Instagram is that it`s became so unrewarding that the addiction is long gone for me :)

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Thank you for the intro!. I've been enjoying your newsletter for a while now so it was interesting to learn a little more about you. I did have a question: I don't speak Turkish so I'm not sure how to read your name phonetically. Is the u like the ou in boulevard or the oo in book? And the the c (ç?) like a k or more like a ch?

Sorry about this awkward way of asking. I'm not a linguist so I don't know how to ask in a more scientific way. If I can hear a name, I can usually pronounce it (being from the former Soviet Union with our long names has at least some advantages 😁) but I'm left guessing when reading.

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Hi Oleg, thank you for your interest and asking ☺️ it is not like a k - closer to somewhere between ch and j.

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Thank you!!

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Sep 27Liked by Burcu Basar

Ehy Burcu, thanks for this late introduction, I really love your photos from Japan.

And, on a side note, even If I'm not a Turkish speaker, I know how to pronounce your name. When I met "a Burcu" they are always shocked that I knew how to pronounce the name correctly :D

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Oh hi Matteo, I am already very impressed and yes shocked!

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Happy to read about you and your walks and travels!!

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Thank you Leanne. And I also enjoy your posts a lot - so thoughtful and informative.

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Good luck with your next year, Burcu - and merhaba from another Tokyo resident!

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Thank you for saying hi Jeffrey and merhaba back to you :) Enjoy the rainy weekend :)

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It’s so good to learn a bit more about you! Thank you for sharing. What an interesting journey!

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And thank you for reading Susanne!

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happy anniversary!

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Oh, thank you :)

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