Founder & Editor, DoInIstanbul
Born and raised in Istanbul. Still discovering it.
I was born and raised in Istanbul, a city I've loved for as long as I can remember. Yet even after all these years, Istanbul still has a way of surprising me.
Over time, I began noticing something interesting.
Millions of visitors come to Istanbul every year, but many experience only a small part of what the city has to offer. They explore its magnificent historical landmarks, visit the famous bazaars, and spend time in the neighbourhoods that have welcomed travellers for generations.
And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. These places are extraordinary, and they're an essential part of Istanbul's story.
But Istanbul is so much more than its famous landmarks.
There's another side of the city — the Istanbul we experience in our everyday lives.
It's the neighbourhood café where we meet friends. The quiet waterfront where we sit with a glass of Turkish tea and watch the ships pass. The little workshops where craftspeople have been practising their trades for decades. The local markets, the seaside walks, the family-run businesses, and the places we return to simply because we love being there.
I began to realise that visitors and locals often experience Istanbul in surprisingly different ways. Not because either experience is wrong, but because their paths rarely cross.
I wanted to help bring those two worlds a little closer together.
That's why I created DoInIstanbul.
My goal is simple: to help visitors discover and enjoy Istanbul the way those of us who live here do.
To make that possible, I draw not only on my own experiences but also on the knowledge of friends, local craftspeople, business owners, and people who know different corners of this remarkable city.
Some of them have been part of my life for many years. When I share their stories, it's because I believe they offer something genuinely interesting — not because they've paid to be featured.
DoInIstanbul is built around local knowledge, personal experiences, curiosity, and honest recommendations. Where a commercial relationship exists, we disclose it clearly.
I don't believe there's just one right way to experience Istanbul. Whether you love history, food, art, shopping, the sea, or simply wandering through unfamiliar streets, I hope this guide helps you find your own Istanbul.
Welcome to the Istanbul I know and love.
— Ekrem Gül
Founder & Editor, DoInIstanbul