Istanbul is a vibrant city that offers a plethora of street art for art enthusiasts to explore. Here is a tour of some of the city’s best murals that you can check out:
Karaköy Murals
Karaköy Murals are a series of colorful street art murals located in the Karaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. The project was initiated by the Istanbul Street Art Association in 2013 with the aim of revitalizing the urban landscape of the area and providing a platform for local and international street artists to showcase their work.
The murals cover the walls of buildings, shops, and cafes in the neighborhood and feature a wide range of themes, including social and political issues, pop culture references, and abstract designs. Some of the most popular murals include a giant portrait of a cat, a mural depicting a mother and child embracing, and a colorful abstract piece featuring geometric shapes.
Since their creation, the Karaköy Murals have become a popular tourist attraction and have helped to transform the neighborhood into a vibrant hub for street art and creativity. The murals are free to view and can be seen by taking a leisurely stroll around the streets of Karaköy.
Kadıköy Murals are a series of street art murals located in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. The project was initiated in 2012 by the Kadıköy Municipality and the Istanbul Street Art Association with the aim of promoting urban art and revitalizing the district’s public spaces.
The murals cover the walls of buildings, underpasses, and other public areas in Kadıköy and feature a variety of themes, including social and political issues, local culture and history, and abstract designs. Some of the most notable murals include a depiction of a woman holding a birdcage, a colorful mural featuring Turkish pop culture icons, and a large-scale mural of a cat.
The Kadıköy Murals have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, and the project has helped to create a vibrant street art scene in the district. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals or join one of the guided tours offered by the Istanbul Street Art Association.
Balat Murals are a collection of street art murals located in the historic Balat district of Istanbul, Turkey. The project was initiated by the Balat Culture Association in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2016, with the aim of promoting cultural and artistic activities in the district.
The murals cover the walls of buildings, homes, and shops in the narrow streets of Balat and depict a range of themes, including local culture, history, and architecture, as well as social and political issues. Some of the most notable murals include a depiction of a traditional Turkish wedding, a mural depicting the famous Turkish coffee, and a mural of a woman wearing a hijab with a dove on her head.
The Balat Murals have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, and have helped to revitalize the district by transforming its walls into vibrant works of art. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals or join one of the guided tours offered by the Balat Culture Association.
The Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hammam Mural is a large-scale street art mural located on the walls of the historic Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hammam in Istanbul, Turkey. The mural was created in 2013 by the internationally renowned street artist, Banksy, during his visit to Istanbul.
The mural depicts a child-like figure wearing a hoodie and holding a bucket and a brush, which are commonly used by Turkish street vendors to sell their goods. The figure is depicted as standing on a chair and reaching up to a painted-over section of the wall, revealing a bright and colorful underwater scene behind it.
The Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hammam Mural has become a popular tourist attraction, and the building itself is a significant cultural heritage site in Istanbul. The mural has sparked much discussion and debate about the value of street art in urban spaces, and it remains a testament to Banksy’s artistic talent and influence on the global street art scene.
Haydarpaşa Murals are a collection of street art murals located in the Haydarpaşa district of Istanbul, Turkey. The project was initiated by the Kadıköy Municipality in collaboration with the Istanbul Street Art Association in 2015, with the aim of revitalizing the district and promoting urban art.
The murals cover the walls of the historic Haydarpaşa Train Station, as well as other buildings and public spaces in the district, and feature a variety of themes, including local culture, history, and architecture, as well as social and political issues. Some of the most notable murals include a depiction of a traditional Turkish wedding, a mural of a woman wearing a headscarf, and a mural of a man playing the Turkish musical instrument, the bağlama.
The Haydarpaşa Murals have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, and have helped to transform the district into a vibrant hub for street art and cultural activities. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals or join one of the guided tours offered by the Istanbul Street Art Association.
Moda Murals are a collection of street art murals located in the Moda neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. The project was initiated by the Kadıköy Municipality in collaboration with the Istanbul Street Art Association in 2018, with the aim of promoting urban art and revitalizing the district’s public spaces.
The murals cover the walls of buildings, underpasses, and other public areas in Moda and feature a variety of themes, including local culture and history, social and political issues, and abstract designs. Some of the most notable murals include a depiction of a mermaid, a mural featuring Turkish pop culture icons, and a mural of a tiger wearing a traditional Turkish fez.
The Moda Murals have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, and have helped to create a vibrant street art scene in the district. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals or join one of the guided tours offered by the Istanbul Street Art Association. Additionally, the Moda neighborhood is known for its cafes, bars, and boutique shops, making it a great destination for a day out in Istanbul.
The Gazi Murals in Sultangazi are a collection of street art murals located in the Gazi neighborhood of Sultangazi district in Istanbul, Turkey. The project was initiated in 2016 by the Sultangazi Municipality in collaboration with local artists and the Istanbul Street Art Association.
The murals cover the walls of buildings, underpasses, and other public areas in Gazi and feature a variety of themes, including social and political issues, local culture and history, and abstract designs. Some of the most notable murals include a depiction of a traditional Turkish tea service, a mural featuring Turkish pop culture icons, and a mural of a woman wearing a hijab.
The Gazi Murals in Sultangazi have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, and have helped to create a vibrant street art scene in the district. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals or join one of the guided tours offered by the Istanbul Street Art Association.
These are just a few of the many areas in Istanbul that offer fantastic street art. So put on your walking shoes and explore the city’s vibrant murals on foot!
