The 21st work of the Sermet Muhtar Istanbul Library is Districts of Old Istanbul (1931-1965). The work brings together the author's articles on the districts of old Istanbul written between 1931 and 1965. These articles were published at various dates in the Akşam, Son Posta, Yeni Sabah, and Tasvir-i Efkâr newspapers; the Aydede and Amcabey magazines; and the Istanbul Encyclopedia.

Sermet Muhtar’s articles regarding Istanbul’s districts were published independently under the umbrella title "Istanbul Kazan Ben Kepçe" (Istanbul is the Cauldron, I am the Ladle) in the Akşam newspaper between 1938 and 1939. The work titled "Districts of Old Istanbul," which you currently hold, consists of a compilation of writings published separately and individually from those aforementioned articles.

In these articles, Sermet Muhtar makes use of his own memories while comparing the old and new states of the Istanbul districts he discusses. In the writings, where the change of the districts over time can be followed, the stories of the buildings and spaces the districts possess, as well as the people who live/have lived in those spaces, bring old Istanbul life to the present day through Alus’s unique narrative style.

The book consists of two sections; in the first section, the district articles are listed alphabetically. The second section, titled "From Where to Where," features journeys describing trips from one district to another. What is seen along the route presents the life of old Istanbul to us in scenes.