Ömer Hayyam Caddesi — The Sunday Market and the Real Istanbul

There are many sides to Istanbul, and some of the most interesting are found far beyond the beautiful waterfronts, polished shopping streets, and familiar tourist attractions. Ömer Hayyam Caddesi, in the heart of Tarlabaşı, takes you into a very different Istanbul. It is a gritty, bustling neighborhood with a character all its own, and while the area may not be everyone's idea of a charming afternoon, I have a very good reason for coming here: the Sunday market.

Every Sunday, the streets around Ömer Hayyam Caddesi transform into a lively open-air market. Stalls spill out with mountains of fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, nuts, clothing, household goods, fabrics, and all sorts of unexpected finds. Vendors call out their prices, shoppers move from stall to stall, and the streets fill with the sounds, colors, and energy of a traditional Istanbul pazar. It is busy, wonderfully chaotic, and full of opportunities to discover something you didn't know you needed. I love browsing the stalls, seeing what is in season, and experiencing a side of the city that feels wonderfully local and unfiltered.

Tarlabaşı itself has a complicated and fascinating history. Once home to a diverse population that included Greek, Armenian, Jewish, and other non-Muslim communities, the neighborhood reflected the cosmopolitan character of old Pera. Its historic buildings, many dating from the late Ottoman period, still tell the story of a time when this part of Istanbul was home to merchants, professionals, and families from different backgrounds. During the mid-20th century, political upheaval, economic pressures, and changing demographics contributed to the departure of many of these communities. Later, waves of migration brought new residents, reshaping the neighborhood into the diverse, working-class area we see today.

Tarlabaşı has also experienced significant physical change. The opening of Tarlabaşı Boulevard in the 1980s involved the demolition of hundreds of historic buildings, dramatically altering the neighborhood. More recently, large-scale urban renewal projects, including the development known as Tarlabaşı 360, have brought new buildings, investment, and redevelopment to the area. These changes have also raised difficult questions about the preservation of historic character, the displacement of longtime residents, and what happens to the communities that give a neighborhood its identity.

But for me, the Sunday market is the real attraction. It is a reminder that Istanbul is not just a collection of monuments and beautiful views; it is a living city, shaped by its neighborhoods, its people, and the everyday rituals that bring them together. The market offers a glimpse into that everyday life, and I find that every visit brings something new.

Ömer Hayyam Caddesi captures the vibrant, unexpected, and wonderfully authentic side of The Streets of Istanbul. The Sunday market is full of individuality — no two stalls, discoveries, or experiences are quite the same. That same spirit is at the heart of our sneaker collection. Using traditional Turkish rugs, we celebrate the beauty of handmade craftsmanship, where every pattern tells its own story and every pair is unique. It is about honoring the character of the past while bringing Turkish heritage into the rhythm of modern life.

The upper is cut from a handwoven silk velvet carpet. Silk velvet is one of the most prized textiles in Turkish weaving. Its dense silk pile catches the light with a natural luster, feels exceptionally soft to the touch, and deepens in character with age. Carpets like this were made to be treasured, and each one represents hours of skilled handwork.