Turkish culture has a strong oral tradition. The rate of literacy has always been low throughout Turkish history. Think that the printing press came 300 years later to our ancestors than in Europe. Not much has changed in modern Turkey. Although schooling is mandatory and literacy rate is 97 percent according to official statistics, a simple observation is enough to tell that Turks do not like reading. They simply love to chit chat. On top of this, the increasing presence of social media in people’s lives worsened the situation. But, the irony is that there are some delightful bookstores scattered round the city for book lovers. If you are one of them, you might enjoy spending time in books stores in Istanbul. Some of these books stores are extremely tiny but with rich collections, the others have chic cafes inside in which you can drink your coffee and enjoy the books you purchased, other secret gems allow you to stroll through the aisles getting lost among books of all genres.
Bookstores also have a wide range of translated books from Turkish to English as well as English books on Turkish cuisine, culture, architecture and history.
Try Minoa both in Akaretler and in Pera. Both of the stores are a delight to be in. You can also enjoy spending time in their cafes. They have a wide selection of English books as well. You will especially be amazed by the building of Minoa in Pera. The building originally was Union Francaise which was a meeting place for the Frenchmen in Istanbul in the 19th century.
Minoa in Akaretler also has concerts in the evenings which allow you to enjoy your drinks and food along with music. It is a cosy but lovely place.
Another bookstore I suggest you discover is Robinson Crusoe that is a hidden gem. There are two of them inside in Salt Buildings in Beyoğlu and Bankalar Caddesi.
One other book store chain I will suggest is İstanbul Kıtapçısı (which literary means Istanbul Bookstore). The books are mostly about Istanbul but there is also a rich collection of art, literature, history and archeology books. One of my most favourites is the one above the Sirkeci Ferry Station and the one in Tünel, Beyoğlu.
Don’t forget to purchase some amazing books about Turkey and Istanbul. See some selections below:
