Galeri Apel, Istanbul

This gallery shows contemporary, emerging artists, primarily Turkish but also international. The art is cutting edge, often conceptual or experimental by young artists but also represents some of Turkey's and Europe's finest contemporaries. The soul of the gallery is the director, Nuran Terzioglu, an icon and pioneer gallerist in Istanbul's modern art scene. She takes risks with young unproven artists (so some shows are unpredictable) but she has been around for years, exhibiting and encouraging some of Turkey's most established artists back when they were struggling and unknown. The space itself is incredible. The architect has retained original surfaces: arches and exposed brick, wood and metal, yet the space has a very modern feel and is a perfect setting for the exhibitions.