February 16, 2025

At the Centre: Central Market

by Fatoş Yalın

“From the very first moment, it felt as though I had always lived there, as if Athens had welcomed me as one of its own.”

Athens is a city of “unexpected modesty,” where authenticity and preservation create a soulful charm that feels like stepping back in time. Walking its streets, Fatoş Yalın found herself captivated by the sincerity and stories etched into its corners.

“One day, after wandering through the antique shops in Monastiraki, we stumbled upon the nearby Central Market. I haven’t tried every restaurant, but one in particular left an unforgettable impression—an open kitchen with stools and counters where you eat right there. Every visit to Athens now includes a stop at this tiny yet monumental spot.”

From the rustic charm of Diporto to the lively Exarchia market filled with sirtaki melodies, and even the timeless bar at the Grand Bretagne, Athens revealed itself to Fatoş as a city full of hidden beauty and meaningful connections.

 

Discover Fatoş Yalın’s full story and her favorite Athens addresses in the first issue of CentreMag.

Fatoş was born in Ankara and raised in Istanbul from the age of nine, a city that shaped her profoundly. After graduating from Galatasaray High School, she began her career in the 1980s at Vizon magazine, coordinating the Vizon Show for eight years. Following a brief stint in retail with Yargıcı, she returned to publishing, spending a decade as Fashion Editor and eight years as Editorin- Chief at Marie Claire, Türkiye’s first licensed magazine. She later became General Manager, overseeing nine magazines for seven years. In 2012, she transitioned from publishing to launch Fey, a passion project that continues to inspire her today.