People always ask me why I came to Istanbul.
And it got me thinking: Was it the history? The food? The views?
I’ve given a few answers over the years. I love the sea! Walking by it or simply seeing it makes me happy. That’s why I love the Turkish name my friend gave me: Deniz, which means “Sea.”
I love the cats, of course. I believe this is the City of Cats. It is so heartwarming to see people treat these cute animals with love; they are literally everywhere, with food, water, and small houses prepared for them on every corner.
And I do love the nature. I’ve been on a few hikes in the forests here, and every time, it was a well-worth experience. And from all these years, I’ve picked up my favorite foods: Tantuni, Kaymak, Cold Baklava, and Cağ Kebap, just to name a few.
But… honestly? I came here for love.
When that relationship fell apart, I thought about packing my bags and leaving. But a voice in my heart told me to explore more, to immerse myself in this new city. Slowly, I realized Istanbul was a hidden gem to me. It cured me.
I got to stay with a local family and eat amazing homemade food. I met helpful people who taught me about life and this country.
Of course, like every place, there are dark sides too. I’ve been there; I’ve fallen into a few traps. And I complain about the inflation just like any local, and you might face those issues too.
My goal for this website is to share my experience, honestly. I want to share the information I found helpful so that you have a pleasant stay, whether you are here for a week or a lifetime.
This is Istanbul Guidebook: your sincere guide to visit, live, and survive in Istanbul.
As Ayşe Kulin wrote in Last Train to Istanbul:
“Love is like a flame; it burns itself out eventually.”
Although that one relationship ended, a new flame has come, and it has been keeping me warm ever since.
This site is like my love for Istanbul; I will keep feeding it.
When you find your own flame here, feed it with fuel and let it burn brighter. And you too, my friend, will find your fire in this wonderful city.
