BREIF: THE ARTEMIS DESIGN CO. BLOG IS AN EXTENSION OF THE COMPANY’S VALUES AND COLLECTIVE INTERESTS. ITS FOCAL POINTS ARE INTERVIEWS WITH INSPIRING ARTISTS, PHOTO JOURNALS, INFORMATIVE ARTICLES ON OUR PROCESSES OR MATERIALS, AND, OF COURSE, TRAVEL GUIDES! EVERY PAIR OF ARTEMIS SHOES TRAVELS ABOUT 5,000 MILES BEFORE THEY’RE EVER WORN, AND THEY’RE MEANT TO CONTINUE THAT JOURNEY ON YOUR FEET. ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE TIMELESS AND INTRICATE WEAVE OF THE TEXTILES, EACH AND EVERY ARTEMIS PRODUCT HAS A STORY TO TELL.
WHEN I WORKED TO EDIT AND COMPILE BLOG COPY, I WANTED TO ENSURE THE READER COULD BE INFORMED, INSPIRED, AND HAVE THEIR ATTENTION CAPTIVATED FOR THE DURATION OF THE ARTICLE. THAT MEANT FINDING THE PERFECT LENGTH, THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF INFORMATION, AND THE PERFECT VOICE — DIARISTIC, WISE, AND EXCITED ABOUT LIVING LIFE AS AN ARTEMESIAN.
ISTANBUL TRAVEL GUIDE
EAT & DRINK
FRESH JUICES
On every corner, and in every neighborhood, freshly squeezed juice is plentiful! The most common juices you’ll find are orange and pomegranate, but specialty shops will have all sorts of fruits available. I love to order my juice “mixed” (orange + pomegranate). It’s about 5TL a glass, or about $1.50.
FISH RESTAURANTS
Some of the most delicious and fresh fish that I’ve ever eaten has been in Istanbul. They serve the fish whole and perfectly grilled, with a half of a lemon to drizzle on top. Avoid the touristy spots under the Galata bridge, and head for one of the locals' favorite spots. The following are some of my favorite spots that I’ve been to with friends from Istanbul.
KARIŞMA SEN
I went here on my most recent trip with a Turkish friend who recommended it. It’s right near Sultanahmet, so it’s very easy to take a cab or walk to. I’d recommend trying as many of the mezes as possible, and of course, the grilled fish.
ISTANBUL HALIC SOSYAL TESISLERI
A delicious and classic Turkish fish restaurant, right on the Bosphorus.
360 FOR DRINKS
This restaurant/bar has a 360 degree view of Istanbul that is stunning. I like to go just before sunset, order one of their signature cocktails (the food is nothing to write home about), and sit outside to enjoy the views on their patio. Watching the sun cast a golden hue on the beautiful domed architecture of the mosques, while listening to the day’s last call to prayer echoing all around you is nothing short of magical.
PERA PALAS FOR AFTERNOON TEA
One of the oldest and most storied hotels in Istanbul, this is where Agatha Christie's 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express was written, and where Ernest Hemingway and Alfred Hitchcock frequented on their trips to Istanbul. The afternoon tea is everything you could ever hope for and more. Perfect and beautiful little pastries, homemade confections, delicious tea sandwiches, and perfectly brewed pots of tea all set in a spectacular room with a singing pianist. Being here for tea time makes you feel like a character in The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Following are some photos from one of my visits — the pink velvet furniture, waitress uniforms, and tea cakes are all drool-worthy. Our silk and velvet sandals and loafers are the perfect fit for this interior.
ASITANE RESTAURANT
The restaurant serves Ottoman cuisines, and more specifically, they strictly follow historical recipes directly from the Royal Palace. The dishes and flavors here are like nothing you have ever tasted before (think roasted whole sea bass stuffed with walnuts and topped with rose water dressing). In fact, they specialize in rediscovering “forgotten flavors”, combinations of foods that were served only to the Sultans around the 1600s. The last time I had lunch here, I tried to order a cappuccino at the end of the meal — they replied that they couldn’t make it because milk frothers didn’t exist in the Ottoman times.
Tip: Asitane is located right next to the Chora Museum (also on my list), so I’d recommend making a reservation for the restaurant on a day that the church is also open for viewing.
GULLUOGLU BAKLAVA
Multiple locations and some of the best Baklava in Istanbul. Delicious with a Turkish coffee or tea.
CENGELKOY KOKORECCISI
A famous little restaurant on the Asian side of Istanbul, renowned for their stuffed mussels. You can stand outside and help yourself to a heap of these tasty little mollusks. The rice stuffing has all sorts of herbs and spices, and the flavors are delicious with some lemon drizzled on top.
DO & SEE
THE MUSEUM OF INNOCENCE
Based on the famous book, The Museum of Innocence, by Orhan Pamuk. It's my favorite book and has become a favorite of everyone that I’ve recommended it to as well. It is the most enchanting story about a wealthy man from Turkish society, who falls in love with a shopkeeper, and basically becomes so hopelessly in love with her that he creates a museum out of objects that remind him of her — I won't give anything else away! The museum actually exists and is one of the most hidden gems in Istanbul. Everyone I know who has gone has ended up going back again and again because it is so moving. If you have time, you should buy and read the book before you leave, and don’t forget to bring your copy to the museum for free entrance (one book = one ticket to the museum).
BEYOGLU
The neighborhood surrounding the Galata Tower, and one of my favorite spots in Istanbul. It’s a great place to stay, and also a fun area to walk around for shopping, dining, nightlife, and more. There is a world-famous jazz club called Nardi’s in this area. Definitely buy tickets in advance if you’d like to go, because they tend to fill up.
CIHANGIR
A very cool neighborhood filled with vintage and antique shops design stores, great little cafes and restaurants and art galleries. It feels a little bit like the West Village in Manhattan.
ISTANBUL MODERN MUSEUM
This world class museum has an impressive permanent collection of Turkish artists and also rotating contemporary shows. Every time I go there is something new and fascinating happening here. I’d also really recommend visiting the museum cafe/restaurant for a drink or coffee. The views of the Bosphorus River are lovely.
Chora museum
You will have to take a taxi to get here, but it is worth it. It is an old Christian church with some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world. Make a reservation for Asitane before you go (at least a couple of weeks in advance) because they are located right next to the museum.
ALL OF THE POPULAR MONUMENTS
The Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern — they are all must-see and absolutely breathtaking sites.
SHOPPING
THE GRAND BAZAAR
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest shopping centers in the world, and is the best place to find the perfect carpet or Kilim to bring home with you. Full of beautiful textiles, it's where I often search for the perfect carpets to be made into our Kilim shoes! It can be a bit overwhelming, as many of the shopkeepers will hassle you until you come into their shop. They’ll always offer something to drink, and I’d recommend the apple tea — it is sweet and delicious! It is so much fun to sit back, sip tea and listen to the different stories about the Kilims and the regions they are from. It’s nearly impossible to leave the Grand Bazaar without at least one new Kilim. Tip 1 — Shop owners can often ship the carpet home for you, or pack it into its own little bag, all airplane ready. Tip 2 — Definitely negotiate over the price of the carpet, but keep in mind that if you do make an offer and they accept, it is considered rude to not follow through with the purchase.
THE SPICE BAZAAR
Also called the Egyptian Bazaar; home to spices, teas, natural cosmetic products, and many other great Turkish staples. I love the selection of natural sea sponges and loofahs and always end up going home with at least a few new Turkish cosmetic products. There are delicious teas for whatever ails you, and spices you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Not many people realize that there is a garden and pet bazaar right next to the spice bazaar. I love strolling through there to see the animals, and the interesting and different plant species.
KURUKAHVECI COFFEE
Located right next to the Spice bazaar — this coffee is some of the best in the world. There is always a fast moving line of locals lined up outside to buy their weekly coffee. You can view the beautiful and efficient operation through the glass windows- coffee being roasted and ground, and young men making and stacking neatly wrapped paper packets of the aromatic product.
END NOTE
We love visiting Istanbul for all of its sights, flavors and sounds, but most of all, we love visiting to source Kilim carpets for the Kilim shoes that we are known for. Our artisans are experts at working with Kilim material, and have been doing so for centuries. The rich heritage of the Kilims themselves, as well as that of our cobblers, allow us to create a beautiful and meaningful product.
Mad about Kilim!
Every Artemis product is handmade with love using a magical textile called Kilim. We travel to Turkey to pick Kilims that are durable, timeless, and of the best quality. We look for unique patterns and intricate weaving, with thoughtful intentions to preserve each fabric’s expression of storytelling and history.
What, exactly, is a Kilim?
Kilims are flat-woven textiles and rugs with a centuries-old history, and origins in Turkey’s Anatolia peninsula. Traditionally made from wool, cotton, and other natural fibers, Kilim is a pileless, interwoven fabric with identical front and back patterns.
These thin, flat-woven carpets can be traced to 7000 B.C. in Central Anatolia, when they were commonly used as durable, lightweight floor coverings for nomadic tents. The ancient art form traveled by trade and settlement through Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia, evolving with regional nuances, variations of flat-weaving technique, and everyday uses. From prayer rugs to table covers to wall hangings, Kilim has warmed homes all over the world for centuries.
While mass produced, machine-made Kilim entered the European market in the 19th century, handcrafted techniques continue to be passed through generations in Turkey. We source Artemis Kilim from the Turkish regions: Kayseri, Esme, Kars, and Sumak. Each regional maker has her own distinct style and manufacturing methods; a representation of Kilim's versatility and enduring elegance.
Types of kilim
Our earliest designs feature a range of handpicked Kilim that we source with our wonderful rug dealer in Turkey. We’ve since expanded our collection to incorporate lustrous silk velvet and plush Oriental carpet, but classic Kilim will always be at the root of Artemis’s DNA.
Kayseri Kilim
Small, delicate motifs featuring flowers and asymmetrical patterns. Because of the asymmetry they are harder to use for shoes, but great for pocketbooks and wallets. Usually this type of carpet is “double winged” — they are two large strips made on smaller looms, and are threaded in the middle to create a larger carpet. Oftentimes sisters would work side by side creating them and then stitch them together once finished. We use Kayseri Kilims from the 1930s or earlier.
Kars Kilim
Humble earth tones that are perfect for everyday wear. Kilims from Kars typically large-scale and feature an interesting border and a larger scale geometric pattern in the middle.
Esme Kilim
Beautiful geometric designs in bright and muted colors that make for gorgeous statement pieces. This region is also known for producing large carpets, so each Artemis design using Esme Kilim features bold, exaggerated design.
Sumak (or Soumak) Kilims
Vibrant and crisp — these are a fashionable, classic favorite and a must-have for every Turkish textile lover. Sumak is a more intricately detailed, textured weave with a ragged back, unlike traditional kilim. The sumak carpets we’ve chosen incorporate all sorts of fun creatures and motifs that make every cut truly special. Our Kilim Shoes made from Sumak Kilim often feature crisp reds, whites, and blues, making them perfect for a classic summertime wardrobe.
Why kilim? A BRIEF INTRO TO SYMBOLISM, PATTERN AND COLOR
Milicent fell in love with Kilim after visiting Turkey’s famed Grand Bazaar in 2007. The colors, textures, and pattern of the Kilims were the first thing that caught her eye:
"The deeper that I got into the history and symbolism of the pieces, the more I fell in love with the craft."
More than beautiful rugs, rich symbolism and time-old stories are woven into each one-of-a-kind textile. In Turkish culture, Kilim creation is a women-dominated industry, and female artists weave their desires, anger, and happiness through a sacred language of color and symbols. Arrows pointing in opposite directions represent a horse, a sign of family unity, while a simple bird may signal a longing for news. A Kilim is not just a piece of art — it is a piece of a life story.
In the words of our rug dealer:
“When I see the kilim, I know the region, the people who make them, and each pattern has meanings. When I unfold and reveal the design, I imagine how tough, or how happy those times were for the people who made them. Often, the carpet shows the happiness of the woman who made it through light, bright colors. The mood of the kilim reflects the mood of the weaver. Every kilim brings different excitement, like a fine piece of art.”