The annual Istanbul Shopping Fest (ISF) will hold its 7th festival July 1-16 with the motto of "sharing" this year. The shopping fest, which aims to turn Istanbul into an attractive shopping hub, will offer the pleasure of modern and traditional shopping styles, with a special Grand Bazaar experience along with activities in shopping malls. Moreover, besides shopping discounts of up to 50 percent for visitors from all around the world, ISF will host art and design activities.

"Visitors to Istanbul come not only to see the city but also to discover the culture and art of the city. There will be design contests, where the best designs will be selected, awarded by Turkey's Trademark Association. All the events will be held in nine different shopping malls," said Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Chairman İbrahim Çağlar at a press conference held in Istanbul yesterday. Çağlar added that approximately 200 local and foreign designers will participate in the shopping fest. He noted that 15 artists will hold exhibitions and around 150 workshops and more than 30 music and dance performances will add joy to the shopping fest.

Speaking at the press conference, Kadir Topbaş, mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, underlined that the annual Istanbul Shopping Fest has been growing by 20 percent each year. Even in 2015, the total trade volume of the event was up by 48 percent compared to the previous year.

The hosts of the shopping fest are quite hopeful this year, as last year the July 15 coup attempt affected the event.

Designated "Design ISF" areas will be located at major shopping malls including Akasya, Capitol, Emaar Square, Forum Istanbul, Istinye Park, Kanyon, Palladium, Venezia Mega Outlet and Zorlu Center. These areas will provide an opportunity for visitors to meet famous designers like Bahar Korçan, Arzu Kaprol and Gamze Saraçoğlu and experience special design products including jewelry, accessories, furniture, ceramics, graphics, fabrics, books, stationery, glass, lighting and organic food.

The Uninvited Jazz Band, Tango Rojo, Can Türkkan, Arbil Çelen, Jülide Hatay, Deniz Güngör and Ali Deniz Kardelen will perform during the shopping fest.