Discover More, Istanbul in Istanbul
We sent Çiler a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul to get her perspective on what it means to use a travel guide in her hometown.
With this project I tried to look at Istanbul like a tourist. Now I admire my city even more. I’m in love with Istanbul.
Place you live: İstanbul
How would you describe Istanbul? Even if I go to the same place every day, I discover new things. Or I’m able to see the same thing from a different perspective.
How would you sum up the people of Istanbul? Istanbul is the perfect mix of people from different cultures. There are many different languages, races and beliefs.
What was it like looking through a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide of your hometown? It was surprising to discover new spots in a city I thought I knew very well.
Did you find anything new or inspiring about your city in the book? I had never taken the 90-minute walk from Beyazit to Galata that was suggested in the book. I’m planning to incorporate that walk soon into my weekly Instagram walks.
How did the guide influence the photos you took of Istanbul? I didn’t want to miss the iconic districts that people easily recognize. These are the best shots to tell the story of Istanbul.
Occupation: Musical director at Beyoğlu Hayal Kahvesi, one of the oldest live music venues in Istanbul.
What is a perfect day in Istanbul? Discovering new exhibits and galleries in Karaköy, shopping at the boutiques in Galata, taking a coffee break in Cihangir, having dinner in Nişantaşı, then going to work at Beyoğlu Hayal Kahvesi.
What do you love about Istanbul? The chaos.
What do you dislike? The traffic.
If Istanbul was a person or character who would it be? Istanbul would definitely be a woman, one who melts you with her looks like Türkan Şoray, one of the best actresses in Turkey.
Can you give a couple of tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? Keep it simple. Keep it sincere.
What was your impression of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul? I always read guidebooks before I travel somewhere new. But I always had the feeling I was missing something. When I read the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul, I was very impressed that it included information for tourists and natives. From now on I’m definitely reading DK Eyewitness travel guides when I go to a new place.
We have teamed up with our friends at DK Eyewitness Travel to bring you a VERY exciting giveaway. 20 DK Eyewitness Travel Guides and 2 big Global Yodel prints are up for grabs! Who wants them? Jump over HERE to win!
Name:Çiler Geçici
City:
Istanbul
Best place to eat?
Lades Beyoğlu, it’s a buffet of Ottoman cuisine.
Best place to drink?
Best place to shop?
The boutiques around Galata Tower.
Local tip?
You should take the iconic Istanbul ferries from Eminönü to Kadıköy. Don’t come back from the Anatolian side before having a coffee break at the Moda district in Kadıköy.
If someone was visiting what must they do?
Find a way onto the rooftop of the Grand Bazaar and watch the sunset from there.