What do the Maldives and Istanbul have in common? Esin Güral Argat, the creator of two eco-luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean. After JOALI , the successful entrepreneur has just recently opened her second sustainable island resort, JOALI BEING, in the Maldives. As heiress of a Turkish glass dynasty, her roots are in Turkey. Not only thanks to her studies she is very familiar with Istanbul - she still lives in the Turkish capital.

The businesswoman launched her first Maldives resort, JOALI, in 2018, followed by the second, JOALI BEING, in late 2021. ©Muhittin Tüylüce

You spend a lot of time in the Maldives, as both of your resorts are located there. What do you miss most about Turkey during this time?
Actually, it's not things, but people I miss: my friends and my family.

The two countries are very different. What are three typical characteristics for Istanbul and three typical characteristics for the Maldives?
Typical for Istanbul: Bosphorus, Topkapı and blue fish (Note: a tasty fish caught in the Bosporus strait in spring when it migrates from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea via the Sea of Marmara). Three words for the Maldives: Island, nature and corals.

The magnificent Topkapı Palace was once the seat of government and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. ©Shutterstock

One look at JOALI BEING quickly makes clear how closely the Maldives are interwoven with nature. ©Joali Being

Turkey is famous for its coffee culture. Where can you get the best coffee in Istanbul?
I prefer to drink coffee at home.

Turkish coffee is prepared in a cezve, a copper and brass mocha pot. ©Shuterstock

Where do you go when you want breakfast or brunch out? To Lokma. Not only the food, but also the view of the Bosphorus is great there.

©Lokma

Which is your favorite restaurant?
I like to eat fish and seafood in the Balıkçı Abdullah (Eng: Fischer Abdullah), which is also located directly on the shore of the Bosporus.

©Sayak

What is the best local food for you?
Dried beans and rice.

Which rooftop bar has the best view?
In the bar on the roof terrace of the restaurant Mikla.

Where do you go if you want to experience typical local culture?
To Kuzguncuk (Note: a lively neighborhood on the Asian side of the Bosphorus with colorful houses and cafes). and Balat (Note: Formerly a Jewish neighborhood, now many colorful houses and staircases, cool boutique cafes and small stores).

Very Instagrammable: photo buffs love the colorful houses in both the Kuzguncuk and Balat neighborhoods. ©Shutterstock

For fitness fans: Where is the best place to jog?
In the Belgrade Forest north of Istanbul.

What do you do when you want to clear your head?
I meditate alone and in seclusion or go to the sea and watch the waves roll onto the shore.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Istanbul and why?
Kandilli and Çengelköy because of the flair of old Istanbul and because of the beautiful neighborhood culture.

The Kandilli and Çengelköy area is located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. ©Shutterstock

Where is the best place to shop in Istanbul?
In the Bağdat Caddesi (engl. "Baghdad Street") and in Nişantaşı (Note: The chic neighborhood with many Art Nouveau buildings is well known for its fashion boutiques of famous designers and hip restaurants).

Nişantaşı is home to upscale boutiques. ©Shutterstock

What is the best way to see the city?
On foot or from the water.

What is a must-see in Istanbul?
The Golden Horn and the Istanbul Modern Museum.

Istanbul Modern showcases contemporary art. ©Shutterstock

The Golden Horn is a bay about seven kilometers long on the Bosphorus. ©Shutterstock

What is the best thing about Istanbul?
In Istanbul you will find a deep-rooted historical and cultural diversity. Istanbul is also a very dynamic city, always good for surprises.