Hi, I’m EMİR
Hi, I’m EMİR
I’ve lived in Istanbul for 15 years
I speak English, Spanish
I am a Tour Guide
Hey, I’m Emir! I absolutely love the sweet chaos of Istanbul – a city that’s alive with energy and rich history. From the mesmerizing Bosphorus to the hustle of the local markets, there’s always something exciting happening here. I’ve spent years uncovering the best-hidden spots, from charming rooftop cafés with breathtaking views to local shisha lounges where I hang out with friends. One of my favorite things to do is take visitors on a journey through Istanbul’s past, exploring the Grand Bazaar and the Historical Peninsula. I’m a bit of a history nerd with a deep knowledge of the Ottoman and Eastern Roman eras, so if you're into discovering the city’s fascinating past, you’re in for a treat. But Istanbul’s also about modern life – the shopping, the hidden gems – and I know all the best spots for both. Let’s dive into the vibrant life of Istanbul together, and I’ll show you why this city has captured my heart!
My knowledge & interests
Food
Drinks
Arts
History
Shopping
Architecture
Culture & customs
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Unique & unusual foods
Theater
Art galleries & museums
Street art
Political history
Economic history
Social history
Architectural history
Religious history
Portrait photography
Modern architecture
Wine
High-end fashion boutiques
Vintage shops
Street markets
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Popular culture
Religious customs
Lifestyle culture
Rituals & ceremonial customs
Alternative or underground culture
Vegetarian food
Vegan food
Traditional drinks
Traditional art
Contemporary art
Art history
Thrift stores
Second-hand markets
Specialty shops
Bookstores
Video game stores
Antique shops
Landscape photography
Action photography
Food photography
Commercial photography
Night photography
Post-modern architecture
Spanish colonial architecture
Ottoman architecture
Ethnic culture
My reviews
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Emir was our excellent personal Guide that made our entire day with him in Istanbul an amazing lifelong memorable experience. He took the time to teach us about his City, Culture and Country. Emir ensured that we tried all types of local street foods, Turkish teas and coffees. We traveled to all the various neighborhoods of Istanbul and Emir did everything to ensure we were learning as much as we could.
April 2025
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Emir was great, showed us around old town and into the highlight places to see. It was our first day and he explained a lot of Turkey and the local history.
April 2025
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Really great tour - Emir tailored the tour to our tastes as we wanted to see more authentic places and not just the main tourist sites. We wanted to get a feel for what life was like in Instanul for the citizens and Emir delivered and more. She was friendly and was very knowledgeable. After our tour we felt we knew a much more about the city and had a better feel for life in Turkey.
March 2025
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As a woman traveling solo, having a guide to take me to the places I wanted to see was wonderful. Emir narrated beautifully and even worked out a route that ended back at my hotel. Pro tip: when exploring the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, go early in the day. They get more crowded as the day progresses.
March 2025