Expat author and aficionado on Türkiye, Lisa Morrow, has released her first guidebook, which uncovers 50 off-the-beaten-track destinations in Istanbul that are well worth discovering.

The Australian expat, author and sociologist’s new guidebook offers some of the most captivating yet lesser-known places of interest in Istanbul. From mosques to churches, doll museums and more, Morrow’s new guidebook, “Istanbul 50 Unsung Places” offers in-depth knowledge.

The 50 lesser-known sites are broken down by different districts in the city. Each site contains personal directions and instructions on how to visit and why.

Morrow has been in Türkiye for over 20 years and while she now lives on the Asian side of Istanbul, she has lived in several cities in the country from the central Anatolian province of Nevşehir to coastal city of Antalya and has been writing about her experiences in books and international publications for the last decade.

“Istanbul 50 Unsung Places” is her first guidebook and came about through her fascination with the history, social life, religious customs and personal stories to be found in less famous sites around the city.

This eclectic guide celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul, combining history, little-known facts, transport information, directions and handy tips.

The guidebook is the culmination of thorough research and field trips to 50 destinations throughout the city that are for the most part overlooked. Morrow details how exactly to get to the destinations, which include places such as mosques, tombs and museums. Of the 50 unsung places, 24 are on the European side, while 26 are on the Asian side.

“The names of sights are listed in Turkish because I know outside tourist areas not as many people speak English,” Morrow explained, adding that “the index is in English.”

Available online in ebook and paperback form and soon to be available in bookshops in Istanbul, Morrow foresees people taking a screenshot or printing out the pages for the destinations they want to see and taking it along with them as the road map for their adventure.

“The guide includes descriptions of transport hubs in Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Taksim and Eminönü. The idea is you know what you want to see and how to get there, so you can enjoy the moment rather than constantly having to check your phone for directions. I also know not all tourists have Wi-Fi while they’re here, so readers can screenshot a walking route in advance.”

The interior of the Yeraltı Mosque is seen in Karaköy, Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Morrow)

As for how the book came about, Morrow says: “I’ve spent years going to less visited places in Istanbul, all by public transport. People were always interested when I talked about what I’d seen and learned, both Turks and internationals, so I decided to put together a guide.

“I really want people to experience the Istanbul I live in, a place where tradition and modernity combine to create a unique and distinct atmosphere I call the ‘everyday extraordinary.”