A little time at the helm of Time Out

I've just wrapped up a seven-month stint editing Time Out Istanbul, the local edition of the popular international line of arts and entertainment magazines. I spent nine years in the United States as an editor at Sierra, the magazine of the Sierra Club, and this brief return to my roots reminded me of how much I enjoy working with writers and conceptualizing packages -- or entire issue's worth -- of stories that will work together to provide a rich experience for the reader.

As the head of a very small team, I also did my fair share of writing at Time Out Istanbul. In addition to our Gezi Park protest coverage in the July issue, and our Istanbul Biennial preview in the forthcoming September issue, these are some of the stories I most enjoyed researching and writing:

“Hidden History”
A stroll through Istanbul’s Byzantine past with Context Travel

“Resisting Nostalgia”
An interview with Turkish artist Ali Kazma on his fascination with transformation

“Literature as Travel Guide”
Bored stiff by traditional guidebooks? Find your way in the company of the new 'city-pick Istanbul' anthology

“Getting Away From Them All”
Four sightseeing itineraries for escaping Istanbul's summer throngs

“Sharp-Dressed Man”
Meet the 83-year-old Turkish-German tailor who's become a hit in the fashion blogosphere