About Our Istanbul Travel Guide

Hi, I'm Berk

I moved to Istanbul in 2009 from the UK, and what was supposed to be a one-year adventure turned into a lifelong love affair with this incredible city.

After 15+ years of living, working, and eating my way through Istanbul's neighborhoods, I've learned that the real magic of this city isn't found in the guidebooks - it's in the hidden corners, the local eateries, and the conversations with shopkeepers who have been in the same spot for generations.

Why I Started This Blog

I created Istanbul Cool to share the authentic side of Istanbul that most tourists miss. Whether it's finding the perfect esnaf lokantası, navigating the ferry system like a local, or discovering neighborhoods that haven't been Instagram-ified yet, I'm here to help you experience Istanbul the way locals do.

My Approach

• First-hand experience: Everything I write about comes from personal visits and experiences
• Local perspective: I focus on places where actual Istanbul residents go, not just tourist hotspots
• Practical information: Real prices, current opening hours, and honest reviews
• Cultural respect: I approach Turkish culture with curiosity and respect, not stereotypes

Contact

Have questions about Istanbul or suggestions for future articles? Reach out at info@istanbulcool.com