From Hidden Ateliers to The Best Bakeries, Hafsanur Sancaktutan Shares Her Istanbul Little Black Book

The Turkish actress is on sparkling form sporting Cartier jewellery on the shores of the Bosporus

There was never any question as to what Hafsanur would be when she grew up; while most girls her age were musing over options, she had already broken into showbiz. Today, the 24-year-old updates our black book with everything from the best baklava to vintage treatures in the Turkish capital…

Where can one find solace amidst the city’s chaos?

I think a person can find this within themselves… but if you have a nice drink and a comfortable chair, I would say the Khedive Palace.

What hidden bakery offers the city’s best baklava?

I love baklava and the answer is very clear to me: Gaziburma in Pendik. It’s the best you can find.

Where can one find soulfully handcrafted accessories?

I’m someone who loves vintage jewellery; you can find beautiful, rare pieces in almost all of Istanbul’s bazaars.

What about the perfect leather jacket?

I’m still looking for the best one!

What hidden atelier creates bespoke pieces?

Again, I think you can find very rare pieces in the Grand Bazaar if you tour it patiently.

Any vintage stores you rate?

There are really nice little shops in Çukurcuma. You can find the best hidden treasures there.

Which hairstylist should we have on speed dial?

İbrahim Zengin.

What hidden park is a local’s secret escape?

Göztepe Özgürlük Parkı.

Where can one find an authentic morning feast, untouched by tourism?

In Suadiye you can find many traditional breakfast places. Perfect for a Sunday breakfast.

Where would you go for brunch to catch up with girlfriends?

Suadiye, La Mia Lucce.

Best date spot?

For kebab lovers, my favourite place is Kineba in Erenköy.

And where can we snap the most spectacular city vistas?

I think every view in İstanbul is great but my personal favourite is from Galata.

Lead image credits: Panthère de Cartier Bracelet in Yellow Gold with Onyx, Emeralds and Diamonds; Panthère de Cartier Bracelet in Yellow Gold with Onyx, Black Lacquer and Tsavorite Garnets; Panthère de Cartier Small Model Quartz Movement Watch in Rose Gold with Diamonds, POA, all Cartier Dress, POA, Zimmermann

Photographer: Can Büyükkalkan. Stylist: Laura Jane Brown. Hair: Mustafa. Make-Up: Burcu Taş. Manicurist: Semahat Akpınar. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Production: Krank Photography. Producer: Aşkın Tosun. Production Manager: Neşe Deniz Demirdöven. Communications Manager: Johana V. Dana. Photographer’s Assistants: Mete Bektaş & Ege Emiştekin. Styling Assistant: Yusuf Emre Akbulut. Special thanks to Ciragan Palace Kempinski

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2024 issue.