Poltory Bookstore Istanbul
Unique bookstore in Çukurcuma
Hey there! So, I recently had the pleasure of visiting a unique bookstore in Cukurcuma, Poltory, which sells books exclusively in Russian and Ukrainian.
Poltory Bookstore greets you with an awesome graffiti of Joseph Brodsky, the famous writer and poet. The bookstore is named after his Nobel prize-winning book – “In a Room and a Half (Poltory Komnaty)”. It immediately caught my attention and got me curious. The book is about Brodsky’s experience of isolation through his description of his family home in a Soviet communal apartment. Today, this old apartment is a museum in the poet's hometown, St. Petersberg.
Poltory isn't just a regular bookstore—it's a cultural hub! They hold exhibitions, adding an artistic twist to the whole experience. They also serve fresh coffee, tea, and yummy sweets that add to the cozy vibes. Even more impressive is that the Tatar and Ukranian owners of Poltory are writers themselves. You can feel their passion for literature in every nook. They've created a space where book lovers can come together and share their love for words in the most stunning neighborhood of Istanbul.
I left Poltory feeling inspired and proud of this hidden gem, showcasing its openness and embracing the diversity of cultures. The sense of community and cultural exchange that the place fosters is amazing. If you're looking for a unique and enriching experience right in the heart of the cosmopolitan Çukurcuma Neighborhood, I can't recommend Poltory enough. Check their Instagram account for more.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
The Pera Museum
An alternative art museum for all
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Shoe-shine boys
A unique experience
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Fenerbahçe Steamboat
Now in the past
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Holy Fragrance sellers
Various perfumes
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Simit
The Turkish Bagel
"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant
The best haricot bean
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Udonya
A good Japanese restaurant
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kontraplak
The best place for 2nd hand vinyl
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Naval Museum
Largest maritime museum
The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Archaeology Museum
Stop for all history lovers
The Istanbul "Archaeology Museum" is just huge. As someone who always visits these museums, these ones (there's actually three!) are a must.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
