Coloring Istanbul: Perhaps Istanbul’s Coziest Souvenir
- Martin
- May 30
- 2 min read
Coloring Istanbul is a bilingual adult colouring book that combines creativity with the city’s history and landmarks. A charming and unusual souvenir for anyone who loves Istanbul.
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There are plenty of books about Istanbul. But İstanbul’u Boyuyorum - published in English as Coloring Istanbul - is something a little different.
This adult colouring book has been published by İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) and Kültür AŞ, the municipality’s cultural company. Inside, you’ll find everything from Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower to Bosphorus ferries and the city’s historic streets, all waiting to be brought to life with colour.
While the illustrations may not always be of the highest artistic quality, there is something genuinely charming about the book. What makes it stand out is that each drawing is accompanied by a short text in both Turkish and English, explaining the place, monument or neighbourhood featured on the page.
As a result, Coloring Istanbul becomes more than just a mindfulness colouring book. It also serves as a gentle introduction to Istanbul’s history, architecture and cultural heritage.
The book is available exclusively from Istanbul Kitapçısı - IBB’s own network of bookshops located at several ferry terminals and cultural centres across the city - and costs 230 TL (June 2026).
A rather lovely and unusual souvenir from Istanbul, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual fridge magnet.
Note: This article is not sponsored, and neither IBB nor Kültür AŞ have had any involvement in this review or article.
