Istanbul, a city that balances modernity and history, is one of the world’s most cultural destinations. In the fall, it transforms into a global destination for contemporary art lovers. Originally scheduled to host the Istanbul Biennial 2024 from September 14 to November 17, one of the world’s largest art events, it has been postponed until 2025. However, the event remains a cultural highlight, as it aims to explore the role of art in addressing loss and trauma through new artworks created specifically for the occasion.
What sets the biennial apart is not only the art on display, but also the stunning venues in which it is displayed, such as Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum and After. These venues were ready to welcome the creations of artists from all over the world, offering holistic visual experiences that combine innovation and contemplation. As the city awaits the return of the biennial in 2025, art remains an integral part of Istanbul’s spirit, extending to the unique culinary experience that awaits you at its heart.
Istanbul Biennial 2024 – Art Beyond Borders
Istanbul Biennial is not just an art exhibition; It is a platform for reflecting on the challenges facing the world through the lens of contemporary art. Under the direction of renowned curator Iwona Blazwick, artists from around the world were expected to come together to offer unique perspectives on pressing issues such as technology, sustainability, and the environment. The 2024 Biennale would have featured works that engage with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, at Istanbul Modern, giving visitors the opportunity to engage in innovative digital experiences.
At Pera Museum, the Biennale would have combined traditional and contemporary art, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past and the future through works that engage with culture and heritage. The strength of the Istanbul Biennale lies in its ability to transform the city into an open art platform, with performances taking place in unconventional spaces such as historical sites and public streets, making art an integral part of the city’s urban fabric.
Although the Biennale has been postponed until 2025, the focus remains on presenting interactive works that reflect on the role of art in addressing modern-day issues. Upon its return, the Biennale will reimagine the relationship between art and the city, making all of Istanbul part of the artistic experience, immersing visitors in a journey of creativity, contemplation and engagement.
After exploring the arts – what experiences await you in Istanbul?
After a busy day exploring the Istanbul Biennial 2024 and its various art exhibitions, the city opens its doors to you for a magical nighttime experience that is no less creative than during the day. At sunset, neighborhoods such as Beyoglu and Karakoy turn into vibrant centers, where lights blend with the sounds of music, creating a distinctive atmosphere that blends art and daily life.
Whether you want to relax in one of the small cafes, or are looking for the best restaurants near museums in Istanbul, you will find that the city offers a complete experience that suits all tastes. You can enjoy a cafe experience overlooking the Bosphorus, where you will watch the sparkling skyline to the tunes of calm music, or head to Besiktas and Galata, where restaurants and cafes there provide a lively atmosphere amidst stunning views.
If you are looking for restaurants that offer an artistic experience in Istanbul or places to eat after cultural events, the city will not disappoint. The Istanbul nighttime experience is an extension of your artistic journey, where food intersects with art to live unforgettable moments that combine culture and flavor.
Dining in Istanbul – A Journey of Unique Flavors
After a night spent among the contemporary art galleries of the Istanbul Biennial, it’s time to enjoy a unique culinary experience that reflects the city’s luxury and rich history. Nothing completes a day of exploring creativity more than a sumptuous feast in the heart of Istanbul, where dishes blend with the high-end artistic atmosphere.
Start your experience with Iskender Kebab, a dish that is a masterpiece in itself. It consists of grilled meat slices on a thin bread covered in spicy tomato sauce and melted butter, accompanied by a generous amount of fresh yogurt. Each bite of this dish combines rich flavors and soft textures to take you on a culinary journey that matches the artistic experience you have lived.
If you want to try lighter dishes, Turkish meze offers a colorful palette of diverse flavors. Try dishes such as smoked eggplant, soft hummus, and yalanji (stuffed grape leaves), which add a touch of originality and innovation to each meal. Each dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making the dining experience no less wonderful than visiting an art gallery.
For dessert, try baklava, made with layers of thin pastry filled with pistachios or walnuts, and drizzled with golden honey. This luxurious dessert is the perfect way to end your day with a thick Turkish coffee, enhancing the experience and making it a natural extension of the luxury you have experienced during the day. Alternatively, try sutlash, a simple baked and seasoned rice pudding, adding a touch of tradition to your sophisticated experience.
Or perhaps you prefer to try new flavors? Why not explore Persian cuisine and discover its differences from other cuisines? Treat yourself to a special evening that combines luxury with unique flavors that you will not find anywhere else. We invite you to visit Ariya restaurant, where we offer you an authentic Persian culinary experience. Enjoy dishes such as Iranian kebab and Zereshk Polo in an elegant atmosphere that adds an artistic touch to your evening, ensuring you have an unforgettable evening that combines culture and flavor.
Ariya Restaurant– An Oasis of Persian Flavors in the Heart of Istanbul
After a busy day exploring the creativity of the Istanbul Biennial, we invite you to visit our Ariya restaurant to complete your cultural journey with a distinctive dining experience that takes you on a journey through authentic Persian flavors. The restaurant is located 30 to 40 minutes away from the Biennial sites, allowing you to enjoy the magical night scenes of Istanbul along the way, as the city lights up with its lights and unique history.
At Ariya restaurant , you will find yourself surrounded by an elegant atmosphere that blends traditional elegance with modern luxury. The restaurant’s design is inspired by Persian culture, with contemporary touches that provide a calm and comfortable atmosphere that suits your special occasions. Our dishes are not just meals, but sensory experiences; you can enjoy tasting the Iranian grilled kebab with its rich flavors, or try the Zereshk Polo, where saffron rice, sour berries and marinated chicken combine to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ariya restaurant is the perfect place to relax after a day full of cultural and artistic events, as we offer you a dining experience that exceeds expectations. At Ariya restaurant , we strive to make every visit an unforgettable experience, where luxury blends with unique flavors, ensuring you have a special evening combining art, culture and fine dining in the heart of Istanbul.
Completing the Artistic Experience with an Evening of Memories
In Istanbul, the artistic experience is not limited to exhibitions and museums only, but extends to evenings that combine artistic beauty and refined flavors. After a day full of creativity, restaurants become a place to relax and continue talking about the artworks that have aroused admiration. In a quiet atmosphere, at candlelit tables, discussions are renewed and memories that were immortalized during the day come to life.
Whether you are with a group of friends exchanging opinions about the exhibits or at a romantic dinner where food harmonizes with quiet conversations, an evening in Istanbul becomes a special moment. With a view of the Bosphorus or one of the illuminated neighborhoods of the old city, dinner turns into an experience that enhances the relationship between art and daily life, so that each meal becomes part of an artistic memory that remains engraved in the memory.
Complete your Istanbul experience by booking a table for your evening at Ariya Restaurant
After a day full of inspiration from the Istanbul Biennial, you can complete your cultural journey with a unique dining experience at Ariya restaurant . Booking a table at our restaurant is not just an invitation to dine, it is an opportunity to taste authentic Persian flavors that add a new dimension to your day. Just as you enjoyed viewing the outstanding works of art, you will enjoy an unparalleled dining experience, combining luxury and distinction in a sophisticated atmosphere. We advise you to book in advance to ensure you enjoy an exceptional evening at Ariya restaurant , where art and food blend to create unforgettable moments in the heart of Istanbul.
