The Tortoise Trainer Istanbul
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
Like most people this is one of my favourite paintings to stare at for hours. It is a painting by Osman Hamdi Bey which was originally called in Turkish "Kaplumbağalar ve Adam" (The tortoises and The man) but later, with popularity, it was generally named The Tortoise Trainer.
The painter painted two versions of this, one in 1906 and the other in 1907. The one documented in the photo is the first version and is located in one of the best contemporary/orientalist/classical museums of İstanbul Pera Museum. It is displayed in this Museum for the public and photos can be taken (without flash obviously).
It's an oil on canvas with 221,5 x 120 cm dimensions. If you are an art lover I would definitely suggest you have a stop at the Pera Museum just to only see this painting as it's extremely worthwhile.
About this spot
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Müz Botanik & Kahve
Muses dancing all around
"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.
by
Arzu
Damli
Bord İstanbul
Fine dining at the museum
"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...
by
Arzu
Damli
Helvetia
Just like your mum's cooking
"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...
by
Arzu
Damli
Craft Beer Lab
Fancy a pint?
"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Sobremesa Coffee
Mi casa es tu casa
"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!
by
Seyda
Vardar
Nail Kitabevi & Cafe
Bookstore around the corner
"Nail Kitabevi & Cafe" in Istanbul is in a historical baroque, rococo-style building. I come here for peace of mind and a nice cup of coffee with my book!
by
Vildan
Ay
Dem Kadıköy
Cheesecake heaven
"Dem Kadıköy" is cheesecake heaven in Istanbul. They've got more than 35 different types (!) and all of them are inspired by some Japanese tea on the menu.
by
Vildan
Ay
Firuze İKSV
Sunset dinner at the Golden Horn
"Firuze İKSV" in Istanbul is a beautiful place for meze, cocktail and raki with a modern twist. It has a stunning view over the Golden Horn - how lovely!
by
Arzu
Damli
Maezae
Local design store
"Maezae" is my must-visit place whenever I am in Istanbul's Karakoy. I can just spend hours and hours in this lovely, inspiring local design store...
by
Seyda
Vardar
Jacqueline Cookies
The best cookies I've ever had
"Jacqueline Cookies" Istanbul: my favorite cookies, period, even though they're much more American than Turkish. Try the Extra Dark Chocolate & Pecan Nut.
by
Vildan
Ay
Misk
A lovely taste experience in a flower garden
"Misk" is one of my favorite places in Istanbul -- their beautiful flower arrangements and sense of decoration really pushes their moniker 'floral cafe'.
by
Arzu
Damli
Cuma Cafe
See you at brunch!
"Cuma Cafe" is my favorite spot for a long brunch or coffee & dessert in Istanbul. Their scrambled eggs w/ goat cheese on sourdough toast is a must-taste.
by
Arzu
Damli
Heading to Istanbul?
236 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
✓ 236 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:
