In 2016, the Turkish-born artist Refik Anadol joined Google’s Artists and Machine Intelligence Program for an unusual residency. He used machine learning to sort 1.7 million documents from Salt, a cultural institution in Istanbul. He then created an immersive installation, Archive Dreaming, from the interacting data points, and presented it in the Salt Galata building. “[The project] invited viewers to explore the intersection of memory, history, and the future of information,” Anadol explains. He named the new art form “A.I. Data Painting.”
According to The Economist, “Anadol is becoming the most visible digital artist of his generation.” In 2023, New York’s MoMA acquired his work Unsupervised — Machine Hallucinations. Last May, he projected an installation onto the facade of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, in Barcelona. Now, he is working on opening Dataland, the world’s first A.I. arts museum, in Los Angeles; designed by Frank Gehry, it will be unveiled next year. Though the artist runs his studio practice out of L.A., he often travels back to his hometown. Here, Anadol shares his favorite cafes, museums, and restaurants in Istanbul.
Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern is one of the world’s most forward-thinking art institutions. By bridging the past and the future, the museum deepens our understanding of the evolution of art while incorporating new and diverse mediums into its collection. This progressive approach ensures Istanbul Modern’s prominent role in the global art scene, highlighting the museum’s commitment to the universal language and transformative power of art. (istanbulmodern.org)
SALT
Salt is an innovative cultural institution that merges research, art, and critical thinking. I appreciate Salt for its commitment to exploring the complexities of contemporary culture. For me, it embodies the spirit of Istanbul—a city that constantly reinvents itself while honoring its past. Our collaboration on Archive Dreaming is a testament to this spirit. (saltonline.org)
Turk Fatih Tutak
Turk Fatih Tutak beautifully encapsulates the essence of modern Turkish cuisine. Chef Fatih Tutak’s innovative approach to traditional dishes reflects Istanbul’s unexpected and delightful blend of history and contemporary life. Dining here is an experience that stimulates all the senses—just like how I hope to connect with people through my art. (turkft.com)
Hacı Abdullah Beyoğlu
Abdullah Beyoğlu is a haven for Turkish Delight lovers and those seeking traditional sweets. It is a family-owned confectionery that has been one of my staples in Istanbul for decades. For me, visiting Abdullah Beyoğlu is like stepping back in time and tasting recipes that have been perfected over generations.
Tea Time at the Pera Palace hotel
The Pera Palace Hotel is a symbol of Istanbul’s opulent past. Tea time here is a must. Beyond its elegant decor, Pera Palace is known for hosting famous guests, including Ernest Hemingway. The hotel is also home to Turkey’s first electric elevator, adding a touch of history to the experience. (perapalace.com)
KARAKÖY TUNNEL
The Karaköy Tunnel is a historic marvel and one of my favorite places in Istanbul. Completed in 1875, it’s the second-oldest subterranean urban rail line in the world. Traveling through the tunnel is like taking a journey back in time, yet it remains an integral part of the city’s modern transit system—another example of the mix of history and modernity that makes Istanbul so unique.
MAIDEN’S TOWER
Maiden’s Tower, with its enchanting history and picturesque location, is one of the most iconic symbols of Istanbul. As a child, I often heard legendary tales about this tower—stories of love, fate, and mystery that captivated my imagination. Over the years, this place has become a symbol of the city’s enduring charm, standing as a solitary sentinel over the Bosphorus. For me, the Maiden’s Tower represents the timeless beauty of Istanbul—a city where myth and reality intertwine.
Pierre Loti café
For one of the best views of the city, go to Pierre Loti Hill. Located in the Eyüp district, it offers a stunning panorama of the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that separates the western shore of the Bosphorus into two. Named after the famous French writer who frequented the area, this hilltop café is one of my favorite places to sit and relax with a cup of Turkish tea while taking in the city’s breathtaking skyline and timeless beauty.
