Istanbul’lu
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Logo Design, Brand Identity, Marketing Collaterals
Reimagining Turkish Tradition for a New Generation
Rebranding of a traditional Turkish restaurant aiming to attract a younger audience.
The brief.
Istanbul’lu is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Somerville, MA, known for its homey and authentic cuisine inspired by the Black Sea region of Turkey. While it has a loyal customer base among the Turkish community and local families, the restaurant sought to broaden its appeal to a younger, more modern audience. The challenge was to craft a new identity that honored its deep cultural roots while embracing a contemporary look and feel, creating a bridge between tradition and modernity.
The design solution.
The rebranding of Istanbul’lu centered on the restaurant’s essence: authentic, home-cooked Turkish cuisine and its cultural significance. The creative concept drew inspiration from Turkish folk art, which is rich with symbols representing life, fate, and community. A key focus was the "elibelinde" motif, a traditional design symbolizing motherhood and fertility. This emblem became a metaphor for the restaurant's nurturing and welcoming atmosphere.
To attract a younger demographic, the visual identity incorporated a mono color palette inspired by tomatoes, a cornerstone of Turkish cuisine. This bold yet simple color choice added a modern twist, while the clean typography balanced the traditional motifs with contemporary design sensibilities.
Logo before
Logo after
