Living in Istanbul

I love this book. The pictures alone transport me back to Istanbul. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

An absolutely beautiful book, LIVING IN ISTANBUL is a feast for the eyes, that’s for sure. Photographer Jérôme Darblay presents us with captivating shots throughout this old and mysterious city, if not instantly transporting us there, certainly making us want to go. Broken down into sections on Impressions of the Bosporus, A Day in Istanbul, Interiors, Palaces of the Bosporus, Traditions, and Rendezvous, each contains photos and texts introducing us to and giving us a deeper appreciation of the city and some of its lesser-known corners. Accompanied by a text that (usually) provides a good description and context, the book is (usually) likewise a pleasure to read. That text, however, does not always live up to the photography. Often exceptionally obscure, sometimes a bit too flowery in its descriptions, certain sections lower the overall flavor and impact of this tome. Still, it is the photos that most will come for (after all, there are many travel books and travelogues for simply the written word) and they are worth your time. Although this cannot replace one of those travel books, it references many places, and provides captivating photos of them, that I took notes along the way and will use it as a springboard for ideas if I am ever lucky enough to get myself there. In all, LIVING IN ISTANBUL is well worth it.

the ornate elegance of istanbul...the history...it's amazing. i visited the city some years ago and was completely enchanted by the setting, with its palaces, mosques, museums, restaurants, grand markets. there's so much to see, and the people are welcoming. this books offers looks at its sumptuous qualities, with interesting information about furnishings and dwellings.

I have visited Istanbul many times and wanted a quality coffee table photography book. This book arrived well packaged but damaged. First it has a plastic dust jacket, like a public library has on their book but it is not removable. I don’t want to display a book with that type of cover. The book was also damaged on two corners of the hard cover of the book, so if I removed the plastic cover the book was damaged. I found the photographs to be of poor quality and very dark and sometimes difficult to make out what the photograph was even. This book is being returned because of the poor quality.

thank you for keeping a promise and delivering this book on December 24th!!! you helped me make a great surprise to my friends in Florida who just really do love the book!! as per what i was told, the pictures are really something and i really do appreciate you did deliver that quickly!! thank you! petra

It's one of favorite books about Istanbul. Lots of beautiful photography showing glorious Istanbul at its best.

There were two things in this book that I enjoyed most. The first was John Freely's tour of some of the more interesting parts of Istanbul. Freely is an American expatriate who has lived in Istanbul most of his life and has written some excellent books about the city, including John Freely's Istanbul and Istanbul: The Imperial City . While I was not familiar with the authors of the other chapters, they clearly know their subjects and were a pleasure to read. The second thing was the chapter that shows the interiors of some of the nicer Yalis, the luxurious mansions that line the Bosporus. Like the other photographs in the book, these are of excellent quality.

This book is a visual feast- beautiful photos throughout.

Sehr gut erhaltenes Buch mit wunderschönen Fotos von Istanbul. Sehr schnelle Lieferung.

Perfect as described and very quickly delivered.

Living in istambul lo consiglio caldamente a tutti coloro che hanno intenzione divisitare istanbul o a quelli che gia sono stati,e' preparatorio ed evocati vo allo stesso tempo ,ti richiama alla mente le mille e mille emozioni di viaggio continuo tra passato e presente,tra oriente ed occidente in una unica magia che solo questa citta ti puo'offrire. Foto bellissime suggerimenti colti eraffinati simonetta tugnoli

It is a good coffee table book. I recommend it. Gives an overall idea about late 19 hundred's living and homes.

I was disappointed with this book. I found the pictures quite drab and not reflective of the vibrance I saw in Istanbul.