Countdown starts for Istanbul Shopping Fest

The Istanbul Shopping Fest (ISF), which was initiated seven years ago to make the city a shopping destination and a center of attraction, will be organized between July 1 and 16. 

The event will provide the joy of modern and traditional shopping with Design ISF pavilions that will be set up in malls and close to the Grand Bazaar. 

At a press conference held on June 13, Istanbul Trade Chamber (İTO) Chairman İbrahim Çağlar said the festival had been organized since 2011 and had become a global brand. 

He said the event had grown in strength with the collaboration of many organizations in Istanbul, adding that they would also give place to art and design activities this year in the festival. 

"People come to Istanbul not only for shopping but also to see the city's culture and arts. There will be different designs here. Competitions will be organized to choose the best designs. An award will be given by the Registered Brands Association. All events will be organized in nine shopping malls. The event will host nearly 200 Turkish and foreign designers, some 15 artists and their exhibitions, some 150 workshops and talks and more than 30 music and dance performances," he said. 

The number of participants was low because of the July 15, 2016, coup attempt last year, Çağlar said, but noted that they expected a strong increase in the number of participants this year.

He said all events would be organized in malls in order to be more organized but that the impact of the event would be seen on the streets. 

ISF increased by 20 percent every year 

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş said they were working for the city to acquire the place it deserves in the world. 
"TSF increased by 20 percent...