Welcome to Istanbul
The conference will take place in Istanbul embracing crossings of Europe and Asia, past and future, tradition and innovation. With its layered history, vibrant street life, rich food culture, and dynamic creative scene, Istanbul offers a colorful setting for conversation, discovery, and exchange.
As one of the world’s most historically and culturally significant cities, Istanbul has served as the capital of three great empires and continues to be a meeting point for diverse communities, ideas, and disciplines. From monumental landmarks to hidden local gems, the city invites visitors to explore it from many different perspectives.
Conference Venue
The conference will be hosted at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Faculty of Architecture, Taşkışla Campus, one of the city’s most distinguished historic academic buildings. Located in central Istanbul, Taşkışla combines architectural heritage with a highly accessible urban setting.
The campus is situated close to Taksim Square, one of Istanbul’s major transportation hubs, and provides convenient access to metro lines, buses, taxis, and pedestrian routes. Its location also places participants near a wide range of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions.
Taşkışla’s architectural character and central position make it an ideal setting for an international gathering in design and education.
From Istanbul Airport
Participants arriving at Istanbul Airport can reach the city center by airport bus, taxi, or private transfer. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey to the Taşkışla/Taksim area may take around 45 to 90 minutes.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Those arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side can reach central Istanbul by shuttle bus, taxi, or a combination of public transportation options. Travel times may vary significantly depending on traffic and time of day.
Taxi and Ride Services
Taxis are widely available throughout the city. Participants are encouraged to allow extra time for travel, especially during morning and evening peak hours, as traffic in Istanbul can be unpredictable.
Public Transportation
Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network that includes metro, tram, bus, funicular and ferry. The venue is most easily accessed via the Taksim area, which serves as a major interchange point. From Taksim Square, the Taşkışla Campus can be reached on foot in approximately 10 minutes. For public transportation, visitors are advised to obtain an Istanbulkart, the city’s rechargeable transport card, which can be used across most public transit modes.
Getting to the Venue
From Istanbul Airport
Participants arriving at Istanbul Airport can reach the city center by airport bus, taxi, or private transfer. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey to the Taşkışla/Taksim area may take around 45 to 90 minutes.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Those arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side can reach central Istanbul by shuttle bus, taxi, or a combination of public transportation options. Travel times may vary significantly depending on traffic and time of day.
Public Transportation
Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network that includes metro, tram, bus, funicular and ferry.
The venue is most easily accessed via the Taksim area, which serves as a major interchange point. From Taksim Square, the Taşkışla Campus can be reached on foot in approximately 10 minutes. For public transportation, visitors are advised to obtain an Istanbulkart, the city’s rechargeable transport card, which can be used across most public transit modes.
Getting to the Venue
As the conference venue is located in central Istanbul, participants will find a wide range of accommodation options nearby, from boutique hotels and business hotels to short-stay apartments and budget-friendly alternatives. For convenience, we recommend looking for accommodation in or around the following areas:
Taksim
The closest and most practical option for reaching the venue. Taksim offers a broad range of hotels and excellent access to public transportation.
Gümüşsuyu
A quieter area near Taksim and close to the venue, with easy walking access and views toward the Bosphorus in some locations.
Cihangir
A lively and popular neighborhood known for its cafés, independent shops, and creative atmosphere. Suitable for participants who prefer a more local and walkable setting.
Karaköy
A well-connected district with many hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. It offers convenient access to Taksim and other parts of the city.
Şişli / Nişantaşı
Good options for visitors seeking more contemporary shopping, dining, and hotel choices while remaining within easy reach of the venue.
*Participants are encouraged to book accommodation early, as central areas can become busy depending on the season and events taking place in the city.
Accomodation
As the conference venue is located in central Istanbul, participants will find a wide range of accommodation options nearby, from boutique hotels and business hotels to short-stay apartments and budget-friendly alternatives. For convenience, we recommend looking for accommodation in or around the following areas:
Taksim
The closest and most practical option for reaching the venue. Taksim offers a broad range of hotels and excellent access to public transportation.
Gümüşsuyu
A quieter area near Taksim and close to the venue, with easy walking access and views toward the Bosphorus in some locations.
Cihangir
A lively and popular neighborhood known for its cafés, independent shops, and creative atmosphere. Suitable for participants who prefer a more local and walkable setting.
Karaköy
A well-connected district with many hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. It offers convenient access to Taksim and other parts of the city.
Şişli / Nişantaşı
Good options for visitors seeking more contemporary shopping, dining, and hotel choices while remaining within easy reach of the venue.
*Participants are encouraged to book accommodation early, as central areas can become busy depending on the season and events taking place in the city.
As the conference venue is located in central Istanbul, participants will find a wide range of accommodation options nearby, from boutique hotels and business hotels to short-stay apartments and budget-friendly alternatives. For convenience, we recommend looking for accommodation in or around the following areas:
Accomodation
Participants who wish to explore the city before or after the conference will find many of Istanbul’s most well-known destinations within easy reach of the venue.
Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue
Just a short walk from the campus, this area is one of Istanbul’s best-known urban centers. Istiklal Avenue is lined with historic buildings, shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and cultural venues, offering a lively introduction to the city.
Cihangir
A charming hillside neighborhood known for its relaxed atmosphere, cafés, and views over the Bosphorus. Ideal for walking, coffee breaks, and discovering local street life.
Karaköy
Located near the waterfront, Karaköy is one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, where historic streets meet contemporary art spaces, cafés, and restaurants.
Beşiktaş
A lively district along the Bosphorus with a strong local character, known for its markets, eateries, and seaside atmosphere.
Sultanahmet
For those interested in Istanbul’s historic core, Sultanahmet is home to some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern.
Bosphorus Waterfront
A walk or ferry ride along the Bosphorus offers one of the most memorable experiences in Istanbul, with views of palaces, mosques, hillsides, and the city’s constantly shifting shoreline.
Explore the City
Participants who wish to explore the city before or after the conference will find many of Istanbul’s most well-known destinations within easy reach of the venue.
Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue
Just a short walk from the campus, this area is one of Istanbul’s best-known urban centers. Istiklal Avenue is lined with historic buildings, shops, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and cultural venues, offering a lively introduction to the city.
Cihangir
A charming hillside neighborhood known for its relaxed atmosphere, cafés, and views over the Bosphorus. Ideal for walking, coffee breaks, and discovering local street life.
Karaköy
Located near the waterfront, Karaköy is one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, where historic streets meet contemporary art spaces, cafés, and restaurants.
Beşiktaş
A lively district along the Bosphorus with a strong local character, known for its markets, eateries, and seaside atmosphere.
Sultanahmet
For those interested in Istanbul’s historic core, Sultanahmet is home to some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern.
Bosphorus Waterfront
A walk or ferry ride along the Bosphorus offers one of the most memorable experiences in Istanbul, with views of palaces, mosques, hillsides, and the city’s constantly shifting shoreline.
Explore The City
Food and Dining
Istanbul offers an exceptionally rich culinary landscape. Visitors may wish to try:
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Turkish breakfast
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Simit and bakery products
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Meze and seafood
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Kebabs
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Baklava
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Turkish tea and Turkish coffee
Around the conference venue and in nearby neighborhoods, participants will find many options for casual meals, coffee breaks, and evening dining.
As a city that never sleeps, Istanbul embraces movement, dialogue and diversity. It is a city best experienced through walking its streets, crossing the Bosphorus, resting on seaside while being surrounded by historical and contemporary traces that overlap in unexpected ways.
We hope you enjoy your time in Istanbul!