I am an heir to one of the few remaining Istanbul families. I grew up with stories and memories of the old Istanbul. Istanbul which has grown 20-fold in only 70 years is a city that has gone through massive transformations due to influx of immigrants from Anatolia.
Istanbul in the 1940s
My family has been the witness of this dramatic change. My grandparents have witnessed the final years of Istanbul as the capital of the declining Ottoman Empire and as the shining star of a young republic.
My maternal grandmother Nebahat Vina, 1920s
My parents witnessed the belle époque of Istanbul with its buzzing energy, jazz bands, ball room dancing and elegant dressing. An Istanbul of gentleman and ladies.
My father Feridun Dogrusoz on the far right at a music hall in 1950s in Beyoglu
My father on the far left on a ‘premonade’ with friends in Beyoglu in 1950s
My mom (second on the right, standing) with her friends at Pavli Island, Pendik, 1950s
Now, I – as their daughter- am living in a completely different Istanbul. A city with a unique character: eclectic and vibrant.
Mahan Dogrusoz at the Pera Palace Patisserie
I have been a part of the corporate world working for multinationals. Now, I am running my own business. I am a lover of Istanbul.