Cornucopia Magazine

I can still remember seeing Mica and Ahmet Ertegun’s Bodrum villa for the first time. It was decades ago in a publication I have now forgotten, but I recall being immediately smitten with the allure of the exotic seaside location and the white washed stone house filled with Turkish furnishings.

Mica Ertegun Bodrum villaYears later Istanbul remains high on my travel bucket list. And I’m clearly not alone. According to Instagram, it seems I might actually be part of a minority who hasn’t been there. So I was intrigued when artist/designer (and Quintessence reader) Tania Vartan wrote, from Turkey naturally, to tell me about a publication she thought I might be interested in. She was, of course, right on the money.

Cornucopia Magazine

It’s hard to beat Tyler Brülé‘s description, “Cornucopia is a cross between World of Interiors and National Geographic, with a gentle Turkic twist.Published twice yearly, Cornucopia Magazine has been around for twenty years, its longevity no doubt due to its quality, in both content and production. With a wide range of subject matter, it is a luxurious, intelligent and chic publication. Thick glossy pages entreat you to enter the opulent world of the Sultan’s new city, for example, in the most recent edition, Issue 51.

Cornucopia MagazineDolmabahçe Palace, completed in 1856, was Sultan Abdümedid’s “exercise in rebranding the Ottoman Empire as a modern power.” The article includes paintings and vintage photographs documenting the creation of the palace in the context of the history of the city. With confusing Ottoman names and striking photography, there is enough for both serious scholar and dilettante aesthete (that would be me). If I have time, I know I can always go back for the more detailed history lesson. In the meantime, I can savor the exquisite imagery and design inspiration, such as the beautiful Liberty-style flower motifs surrounding a fountain in the Harem’s tiled Hamam.

Cornucopia Magazine

Issue 50 from last year (I ordered the last two issues) covers The Sultan’s City, referring to the earlier years of Mehmed II. It was during this era, starting in 1459, that Topkapi was built. For the next 400 years the impressive hillside complex remained the seat of the government and Ottoman sultans.

Topkapi in Cornucopia MagazineBelow, one of two rooms in the Harem, featured in this double page spread, proves the sumptuous decor is still relevant and inspiring.

Topkapi Harem in Cornucopia Magazine

We also learn the golden age of Süleyman the Magnificent produced three architectural masterpieces including Süleymaniye Mosque (1544-55) with its spectacular central dome.

Cornucopia magazine

Some pieces meld old and new such as an article on the opening of the long-awaited Naval Museum with its incredible ornate imperial barges. To get a sense of scale, note the museum director in the background.

Sultans' barges in Cornucopia Magazine

And for more contemporary interests, there are articles on food and wine (the Turkish barbunya bean below), music and other cultural interests.

Cornucopia Magazine

And of course there is shopping, with guides to shops and the bazaars. Iznik ceramics are calling my name.

Cornucopia Magazine

Cornucopia is indeed an apt name for this publication of plenty, overflowing with Turkish beauty, inspiration and edification. You can read some of the pieces online but I recommend owning a copy or two. Issue 52 was not yet available when I purchased mine but a current offer includes the last 3 copies and a stylish tote designing by by Turkey’s own Rifat Özbek.

Cornucopia Magazine

It’s Turkey for the Connoisseurs. See you in Istanbul!

8 thoughts on “Cornucopia Magazine

  1. We visited Istanbul with Fine Art Travel, a specialist in unique, high quality art tours, and had the good fortune to visit many private homes, not open to the public. We were intoduced to Cornucopia then and it has rewarded us with fascinating insights into the history, art & culture of the region. Well worth every penny….buy the collectors numbers too….you will not be disappointed!

  2. Stacey I have not traveled to Istanbul; however have always been intrigued by its beauty and wonder! Thank you for the introduction!

    xoxo
    Karen
    The Arts by Karena

  3. Great story! Tania stayed with us in Bodrum on her trip to Turkey and we ultimately became friends, as she stayed quite a while. What a lovely talented artist she is!
    I am one of the earliest subscribers of Cornucopia and I think I missed only issue #1, having read issue#2 in the Istanbul Kempinsky on a trip from Hanoi, where I was living at the time, in the early 90’s, . When I finally retired and moved to Bodrum, I recall Berin and John, publisher and editor, paid a visit to my home, as they were curious as to who the subscription in Vietnam was going to. A real gem of a magazine.

    We love the quality of the magazine and leave them in our 3 suites for guests

  4. I knew you would love this publication.
    I have subscribed to it for the past three years after a short trip to Istanbul. I makes me want to see the rest of this splendid country.
    You serve your readers right introducing Cornucopia. Hope many will subscribe. The best alternative to visiting Turkey. Each issue is spectacular.

  5. You heard all a bout my incredible trip to Istanbul with Peter 2 years ago when he was at IMG
    I wish I had heard about the magasine before that trip but thankfully I was pretty prepared and between the private tours I arranged at the Four Seasons on the Bospourus and the friends from Fashion week plus the amazing trip to the Hammam with Arzu Kaprol I have no regrets other than not visiting Bodrum and Antalya

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