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A Book Hunter’s Guide: Best Secondhand Bookstores in Istanbul

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Ömer Faruk Kino
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Kapak Görseli

Who wouldn't want to go on a magical journey by breathing in the smell of old books that preserve time on their shelves? A book of poetry that you heard from a friend but is no longer in print, or a novel that you read in your childhood and were very impressed by and lost over the years... Pursuing such special books is like building an emotional bridge with the past. Sahafs are places where memories that connect the past and the present breathe. Moreover, visiting these places is not only for book lovers who want to access rare second-hand books, but also one of the best ways to preserve memories that have been put away in chests. Here, we have compiled the most beautiful bookshops of Istanbul, one of the first cities that comes to mind when it comes to second-hand bookshops.

Source: Perapalace

At the Heart of History and Literature: Turkuaz Sahaf

At the Heart of History and Literature: Turkuaz Sahaf Görseli

Founded in 2001 by Emin Nedret İşli and Püzant Akbaş, both graduates of the Faculty of Literature, Turkuaz Sahaf is one of the most visited bookshops in Beyoğlu. Emin Nedret İşli is also a successful writer who has authored important works such as Kitaphaneden Yayınevine Babıâli and Sahafname. This unique bookstore is a frequent destination for book lovers, researchers, academics, and collectors.

Turkuaz Sahaf's collection is a cultural mosaic. It contains approximately 40,000 works in Ottoman Turkish, Armenian, Greek, Hebrew, French, Turkish, English, Italian, and German. While the collection focuses on history and literature, it is also possible to find rare books in many fields, from bookbinding to medicine, law to art history. The atmosphere of the shop takes visitors on a journey through time, opening the door to a completely different world.

Source: GZT

A Corner of Fairy Tales: Beyoğlu Sahaflar Çarşısı

A Corner of Fairy Tales: Beyoğlu Sahaflar Çarşısı Görseli

Beyoğlu Sahaflar Çarşısı, which dates back to ancient times, is located on Sahne Street, right next to the historic Çiçek Pasajı on İstiklal Caddesi. This market has been etched into memory thanks to the unforgettable bookstore scene in Çağan Irmak's iconic film Issız Adam, and its popularity has once again increased.

Inside the market, you will find not only rare books but also old film posters, magazines in every language, old records, cassettes, and postcards. In fact, the antiques, sculptures, ethnic jewellery, brooches and watches awaiting visitors at the side entrance of the market are like treasures. It is a must-see place for those who want to experience the culture of bookshops in depth and take a journey into the past in the historical atmosphere of Beyoğlu.

Source: Pingpong University

A Place Where Peace Reigns: Heybeli Sahaf

Also known as the ‘Time Shop,’ Heybeli Sahaf first opened in June 2011 in Beyoğlu as a small and intimate shop called ‘Sahaf Nazım Hikmet.’ In 2016, it moved to Heybeliada, a peaceful island surrounded by the sea. This bookstore, which is a popular destination for many local and foreign tourists visiting the island during the summer months, has also become a meeting place where islanders enjoy spending time.

The owner of the shop, Sahaf Nazım Hikmet Erkan, has a unique story: Heybeli Sahaf collects his books from flea markets, second-hand shops, and occasionally from homes, carefully selecting them and placing them on the shelves. His collection is not limited to contemporary books; rare works from the 1800s in Greek, French, and English also find their place on his shelves. If you ever find yourself on Heybeliada, you should not leave without stepping inside this nostalgic world.

Source: Bookinton

The Address of Nostalgia: Aslıhan Passage

Located in the Beyoğlu Sahaflar Çarşısı (Beşiktaş Antiquarian Book Market) and one of the most well-known passages, Aslıhan Passage is one of the rare places that still preserves the spirit of the past. From old books to magazines, posters to comic books and records, many different types of works await readers here. It is a treasure trove, especially for collectors, with valuable classics, first editions and hard-to-find books.

When you enter this passageway from the street directly opposite Galatasaray High School, you will find not only books but also a sense of discovery. Every shelf and every shop opens the door to another story. Every moment spent in Aslıhan Passage becomes part of a special connection with the past.

Source: Gezivita

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