Organized by Hediyem Istanbul (My Gift Istanbul), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Culture Inc.'s brand that manufactures the reproductions of Istanbul-themed souvenirs and historical and cultural works, "Istanbul-themed Wooden Toy Design Competition" has recently been concluded.Hediyem Istanbul's competition aims to offer more local and high-quality products for children who get to know foreign cultures before their own because of the international toys sector and embrace the codes of that culture easily due to their perspectives. Children will be able to meet Turkey's cultural symbols at a very young age and envision the long-forgotten culture items thanks to Istanbul-themed wooden toys. Hediyem Istanbul toys will be manufactured using wooden materials and natural paints by giving particular importance to children's health.In "Istanbul-themed Wooden Toy Design Competition" organized for the for the first time, Oğuzhan Yılmaz ranked third with his design named "Mahalle Istanbul" (Neighborhood Istanbul) and Türker Acartürk ranked second with his piece named "Martha & Morty," while Doğukan Karapınar's "Istanbul Topaçları" (Istanbul's Peg Tops) won first prize.In addition, Ulaş Tigin, Evren Yazıcı and Veysel Sever won the jury special awards with their designs named "Make Istanbul," "Galata Kulesi" (Galata Tower) and "Istanbul Kalıpları" (Istanbul's Molds) respectively. The winning designs and their stories are as follows:Istanbul's Peg Tops"Istanbul's Peg Tops," a contemporary interpretation of the traditional peg top toy, was designed with inspiration from Istanbul's architectural and cultural symbols: The tea cup, Galata Tower, city ferry, colorful stairs, traditional and modern architecture.While peg tops' simplified designs increase their turning capabilities and ease its production, it is designed to attract both adults and children. Various forms which can be frequently seen in Istanbul were used in the peg tops' designs. Therefore, the peg tops were designed with an aesthetic form and cultural reflection. While six different peg tops introduce a traditional toy to the new generation on one hand, it also promotes Istanbul on the other.Designed with wooden materials and natural paints, the peg tops consist of only one piece, and it is appropriate for small children as it poses no swallowing risk.Martha & MortyOne of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Istanbul is the seagulls fighting one another for a piece of simit (Turkish sesame bagel). "Martha & Morty" is a wooden toy that depict this struggle in an entertaining way.Designed for the children 12 years and up, the fully mechanical and wooden puzzle, "Martha & Morty" comes out of the box in pieces and it is put back together without using any additional materials.Neighborhood IstanbulThe concepts of neighborhood and neighbors are slightly getting lost within the urban memory following the frequent saying, "Where are those old neighborhoods of Istanbul now?" By designing neighborhood prototypes that will continue their existence in the minds of children, the assurance of our future, the aim is to revive the concept of neighborhood in the children's minds. Traditional Turkish neighborhood and structure in line with Istanbul's identity were minimized in the design.Istanbul's old neighborhoods are not planned structures, but the settlements that were naturally established by themselves or due to certain reasons such as natural causes, water line, slope, road, transportation artery, et cetera. This automatic and dynamic structure enables children to shape their own neighborhoods. Children can create a more interwoven or more scattered neighborhood concept if they want.Make IstanbulAiming to enable children to envision people and events through symbolic imagination, "Make Istanbul" is designed for children aged 8 and over to introduce and endear Istanbul's culture and heritage. A set was created from places and figures of Istanbul, thus enabling children to create many different variations and a wide collection by placing buildings, historical structures, background objects, historical figures and accessories on an Istanbul map.Galata Tower (do-it-yourself)The game based on building a tower by putting the pieces together for children aged between 2 and 6 years old, was redesigned with inspiration from one of Istanbul's most important landmarks, Galata Tower. Such games for children improve users' intelligence and ability to perceive geometrical distinctions. The difficulty level of this game is higher than others like it which are currently available. The pieces are too big to swallow in accordance with the safety criteria and they have no sharp edges.Istanbul's MoldsAlong with the molds of historical places that became a part of Istanbul's skyline, children will be able to create historical structures by using play dough. "Istanbul's Molds" offers a gaming experience that will improve children's 3-D perspective and imprint the structures to their memories.