tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post4197826589393194101..comments2025-01-16T00:22:32.884-08:00Diane Dorrans Saekshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259292681678952448[email protected]Blogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-89580056751755019322014-05-05T15:37:09.704-07:002014-05-05T15:37:09.704-07:00When a friend told me that she&#39;s going to Istanbul, I immediately sent her to your wonderful blog for the best information about to shop, eat, stay, etc. You have the most reliable information out there. Thank you! Berynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05612165379442270550[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-85830593842433436722011-03-11T17:17:54.990-08:002011-03-11T17:17:54.990-08:00Great post!..I&#39;m a graphic designer but I just started a travel blog of my own and stumbled upon yours while searching for Turkish textiles and prints. Your blog is a wealth of information! It&#39;s great to see others who share the same love of travel and design. Hopefully, mine will grow as well as yours has...I&#39;ll make sure to check back here regularly now!<br />Best,<br />Lorena<br />:-)Anonymous[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-42799945067312942072010-09-05T12:10:25.112-07:002010-09-05T12:10:25.112-07:00I have been dying to visit Istanbul, and thanks to your great post I have even more incentive to go, plus fab shopping sources. Macka Palace seems the place to be. <br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />ClaudiaClaudia Juestelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17389119986741070713[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-29444097092125181912010-08-30T12:55:56.271-07:002010-08-30T12:55:56.271-07:00What a pleasant surprise to read your latest post! I&#39;m leaving for Istanbul in September and happened to have booked at the Park Hyatt. What a wonderful coincidence.<br /><br />I knew that it would be a trip of a lifetime and now I&#39;m even more excited! I&#39;m definitely taking Madeline&#39;s List with me. I cannot wait.<br /><br />Thank you so much!<br /><br />KariAnonymous[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-27019259246203430702010-08-30T11:03:33.994-07:002010-08-30T11:03:33.994-07:00The last time I was in Istanbul I was a mere babe of 21 and had no idea what to do with the Grand Bazaar...far too overwhelming! And I would never have known of a nightclub with yacht parking...but now after reading this I feel I simply must must must go back now that I am older and oh so much more sophisticated...and with more disposable income to buy some of those fabulous rugs and textiles!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02085413093222573852[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-39811368930574553412010-08-29T20:16:27.048-07:002010-08-29T20:16:27.048-07:00The colour, the style, the mix of design principles, just amazing. I have been wanting to visit this city for a long time and this might be just the push I need! Just found your blog and loving it so far...Treadgoldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00880027017551005755[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-65685677241797796272010-08-29T12:41:52.200-07:002010-08-29T12:41:52.200-07:00HI ALBAROSA- Lovely to hear from you. Yes, you are right that Istanbul is now a very lively cross-cultural center. Sotheby&#39;s recently opened an office there--which reflects the market&#39;s interest in art and antiques of the region. To note: the Turkish economy is booming (construction in particular) and I see such growth in the region. Most fascinating. But the old Istanbul can still be found.<br /><br />Hi Splenderosa--Yes, you are right that it is hard to find these treasures unless you have an expert to head you in the right direction. I so appreciate Madeline&#39;s insight and special focus on design, antiques, home decor and textiles and jewels...all the things we love. I can&#39;t want to hear back from friends who follow her trail. Many friends of mine are going to be in Istanbul in the next few months. Fortunate!<br />cheers, DIANEDiane Dorrans Saekshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02259292681678952448[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-6940981229391583702010-08-28T08:59:16.958-07:002010-08-28T08:59:16.958-07:00Love this post, Diane. And the Park Hyatts. Thanks for all the shopping advice too, this is so much better than stumbling around with a guide who only takes you to places he gets paid to take you. <br />I adore Istanbul, it&#39;s a lovely way to be introduced to the Middle East. xx&#39;sSplenderosahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06421992667097947469[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-28574373075523548222010-08-26T20:31:01.958-07:002010-08-26T20:31:01.958-07:00I have been to Istanbul and other places in Turkey a few times in the past and I have great memories of my trips, you brought them to life again with your vivid dexscriptions. I know Istanbul has retained its superb beauty and its complex history roots but also that has become in recent years a vibrant cultural centre. I will certainly return there with Madeline&#39;s List.Brillante Interiorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05829930791068801175[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-39395917278132148782010-08-26T16:13:29.187-07:002010-08-26T16:13:29.187-07:00Dear Friends--Looks like everyone&#39;s &#39;little shoes are dancing&#39; as Peggy said...to get to Istanbul. It is such an original and mind-altering location, and each time it offers up something amazing and thrilling. Thrilling is the key.<br /><br />Dear Heather--thank you, it is always such a pleasure to hear from you in Phuket! You are right that Istanbul is so rich in detail and history and wonderful people. You would need years to get to know it all.<br /><br />Hello, Joe--welcome to blogland. Your new blog looks great. TONY BOURDAIN! Yes, that Roman tribute program was brilliantly done, especially as he bears a good resemblance to Mastroianni! I saw it on the travel channel...and his shows are generally informative, provocative (intentionally) and inspiring. My favorite recently was a show on Sardinia (his wife&#39;s family is from there) and his wife and young child were with him (the soft side of AB) and he was vulnerable and endearing...and the food cooked by his mother-in-law and family was most memorable. Very original.<br /><br />Dearest VV: Ah, well...of course, TANGO! It is everywhere. My biggest surprise, tango-wise, though was that it is HUGE in Finland, and there are major tango clubs there. Imagine in the cold cold Finnish winter--to be clutching your dearest one and tango-ing through the night. <br />Turkey: Sufi dancing, tango...Istanbul has it all. Wow.Lovely to hear from you.<br /><br />Ingela-Hello. Thanks for your great comment...and I will see if I can find that book. Istanbul is always and always a discovery and I am always surprised at every turn. Just walking through the bazaar...stopping here for an emerald ring, there for a rug, here for a beautiful aqua necklace. Madeline&#39;s tips are especially useful--as it is really hard to find good stores in the maze and geography of Istanbul. Lovely to hear from you.<br /><br />Peggy, Dear--you are so lovely to send such a wonderful note. Thank you so much for enthusiasm and cheer and joyful messages. Love it.<br /><br />very best to all, DIANEDiane Dorrans Saekshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02259292681678952448[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-66423149506683017462010-08-26T15:47:36.112-07:002010-08-26T15:47:36.112-07:00I must travel to Istanbul-my little shoes are just dancing to go! Without a doubt I adore all of your post.<br />You have given me the courage to begin posting! I dearly appreicate you! xx PeggyPeggy Braswellhttp://peggybraswelldesign.com[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-51416482797475606912010-08-26T13:48:31.359-07:002010-08-26T13:48:31.359-07:00Dear Diane,<br />you had everything portrayed in such a lovely way...like taking a tour live.<br /><br />I&#39;m ecxited you mentioned Gonul Paksoy, she&#39;s one of my favourite textile designers......she does exquisite and rare things.<br /><br />I guess you have read her book - From collection to creation, which is so hard to find. <br /><br />Thanks for a very inspiring post!<br /><br />IngelaLove Your Homeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01851498393111241566[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-74041569684020527642010-08-26T13:10:25.188-07:002010-08-26T13:10:25.188-07:00On my list of places to go.<br />They have a great tango scene there, and Alberto &amp; I would love to teach some workshops there.<br />Wonderful comprehensive post that I will book mark for sure.<br />xo xoVisual Vamphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17703228111473936714[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-46483143863124501842010-08-26T06:12:59.493-07:002010-08-26T06:12:59.493-07:00Another beautiful presentation Diane, I have spent many years in and around the Middle East while working based in the Gulf as a designer and Istanbul is the designers tool box... ancient history and culture converge dramatically. As a devotee of Orientalism, I am encouraged to present more from my files of Ottoman Treasures. Thank you.<br />JoeDesigner on Designhttp://designerondesign.com/[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-31490508163428737002010-08-26T03:56:21.247-07:002010-08-26T03:56:21.247-07:00Istanbul...now REALLY on my list!...happy to have you back, I was wondering where oh where you were? This certainly is one for the files...fabulous hints! Cheers HeatherConcrete Junglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01719831749205797925[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-61746591039473388632010-08-25T23:39:22.692-07:002010-08-25T23:39:22.692-07:00Hi Vicki-<br /><br />This is perfect. Without a really good list such as this one, it is very hard to find the right places.<br />Madeline has selected a range of stores and galleries and people--from old-style in the bazaar, to newer ones. You will find your dream shop.<br />I wish you a wonderful visit.It is such a mystical and marvelous place--surrounded by water and history and life and mystery. Happy travels and be sure to report back, DIANE<br /><br />Hi Natasha-I love your comment. Thank you so much. Istanbul is such a powerful place. There&#39;s the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn and the Galata tower (love that)...and Topkapi. I wish I were at Aghia Sophia now...they have just unveiled a wonderful mosaic of an angel with wings and a lovely face...oh, bliss. cheers, DIANE<br /><br />HI SHIREE--It is always such a pleasure to hear from you I love enthusiasm...yours...as it is essential in daily life. Cheerfulness and enthusiasm...the best combination. Thank you for your wonderful and bright comments. DIANEDiane Dorrans Saekshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02259292681678952448[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-87479495428979227342010-08-25T18:44:40.171-07:002010-08-25T18:44:40.171-07:00Diane, your blog is without a doubt the most knowledgable, most sophisticated and well written of any I have seen. Thank you for continuing to inspire and educate us. You give me something to strive for. Shiree&#39;shiree segerstromhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09482618172002009222[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-22158836680214562062010-08-25T17:44:00.799-07:002010-08-25T17:44:00.799-07:00Wow, I am out of breath, and now I MUST go to Istanbul for sure! How can anyone not want to go after such a wonderful post... ;)<br /><br />Northern LightNatasha @ Northern Light Designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09059475901507980212[email protected]tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543457325368639597.post-49138270935363774482010-08-25T16:12:56.604-07:002010-08-25T16:12:56.604-07:00I will be in Istanbul next month so this post could not have been better....thank you Diane, xv.vicki archerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07847183975086900816[email protected]