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Joined 2024
Yasin K.
Available Areas
Istanbul (Living)
Languages
Turkish (Native), English
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
About Tour Guide Yasin K.
Merhaba (Hello) from a friendly Istanbulite! My name is Yasin, a licensed tour guide who is in love with his city.
First of all, Istanbul isn’t just a city; it’s a living museum where empires, religions, and cultures have collided and harmonized for centuries. I've been living in this amazing city for 38 years and have about 11 years of experience as a guide. My purpose isn't just to show you historical monuments but to help you feel the true soul of this city through its rich history, vibrant culture and incredible cuisine.
I am very interested in both Roman/Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul, so I can offer you very specific tours which you'll always remember. I have basic information on ancient/medieval Greek and can read Ottoman Turkish. I can also explain caligraphic inscriptions easily. I believe that to truly experience the magic of historical architecture, you need to understand what its inscriptions are telling us. That is why I have dedicated years to mastering this field.
I’m also passionate about photography and exploring healthy, traditional local cuisine and fortunately, Istanbul offers endless opportunities for both! I’d be delighted to share these experiences with you as well.
Feel free to contact me for either a full-day or a half-day tour. I can provide you with a complete program or customizable itinerary. Let's explore this amazing city and unique culture together!
Important
I can work everyday
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
Is one day not enough to explore Istanbul? Let's make it two! On our first day, we’ll visit iconic classics including Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern (or the Cistern of Philoxenus) and the Hippodrome, On the second day, we'll dive into vibrant local markets and historic neighborhoods to give you a true taste of local life. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to customize this itinerary or extend your stay beyond two days!
2-Day Private Tour in Istanbul
The Marvels of Istanbul (Full Day)
Would you like to explore the wonders of Istanbul in a single day? If so, you’re in the right place! This tour features the highlights of this amazing city, making it the perfect start especially for first-time visitors. Everything on the itinerary is within walking distance, and our guided tours allow you to skip the ticket lines at both Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern (or the Cistern of Philoxenus). Please feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour!
The Marvels of Istanbul (Full Day)
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Half Day Customized Tour in Istanbul
If you have a limited time and still want to see some highlights of Istanbul, this is the perfect option for you! It's possible to customize your tour and we can make your itinerary together! Here are a few options below Option 1 Topkapi Palace (+Harem) Hagia Sophia Option 2 Topkapı Palace The Basilica Cistern The Grand Bazaar Option 3 Topkapı Palace The Basilica Cistern Blue Mosque Option 4 Hagia Sophia The Basilica Cistern The Grand Bazaar Suleymaniye Mosque Spice Bazaar
Half Day Customized Tour in Istanbul
Diversity of Istanbul Along the Golden Horn: Fener, Balat, Eyup
The Golden Horn, an inlet dividing two main parts of the European side of Istanbul, has so many historical neighborhoods on each side of itself. Fener, Balat and Eyup are probably the most beautiful and diverse ones! In this tour you'll be able to witness different colours and religions of Istanbul and get a flavour of local life.
Diversity of Istanbul Along the Golden Horn: Fener, Balat, Eyup
Imperial Mosques and Bazaars of Istanbul (half-day tour)
The Ottoman royal family ruled the empire from 1453 to 1922 in Istanbul. They built so many breathtaking buildings in this city during that time period and this tour gives you a chance to explore some of them such as the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazar etc. Everything we'll see is within walking distance.
Imperial Mosques and Bazaars of Istanbul (half-day tour)
Islamic Heritage of the Ottoman Istanbul (Half Day)
As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul holds a central place in Islamic history. Following Sultan Selim I’s conquest of Egypt in 1517, Ottoman rulers assumed the caliphate, transforming Istanbul into the heart of the Islamic world. Over the centuries, priceless sacred relics gathered at Topkapı Palace. Join this tour for an insider's look into Istanbul’s rich Islamic heritage, led by a local guide who grew up immersed in this culture.
Islamic Heritage of the Ottoman Istanbul (Half Day)
Reviews
Susan P.
“Fascinating Tour”
Yasin was a wonderful guide who gave us an in-depth tour of Topkapi Palace and, at our request, took us through some less touristy neighborhoods of Istanbul. We were grateful for the range of experiences and Yasin's thoughtful commentary.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! It was a great pleasure guiding you :)
Charles W.
“2nd 1/2 day tour with Yasin”
We had booked a 2nd 1/2 day tour with Yasin. Again he was punctual, and walked us to the sights we had planned with him. Helpful with tickets, and informative and helpful - again a positive experience. It should be noted that we had planned these excursions with him some months before, and had chosen the itinerary. He responded to emails promptly and was very good with accommodating our requests. Definitely can recommend.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it. Hope to see you guys again in Istanbul :)
Charles W.
“1st 1/2 day tour with Yasin”
Very positive experience indeed. Yasin arrived punctually at the hotel and took us all in a taxi to the Topkapi Palace. He was helpful in procuring tickets; his accredited guide status meant we legitimately could skip some queues. Yasin was knowledgeable and informative on the parts of the palace we saw. Most importantly, he got us back to the hotel within our specified time, notwithstanding Istanbul traffic.
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Yasin K.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate it :)
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Yağmur B.
I’ve been a professional tour guide for9 years, and let me tell you, I absolutely adore my job. I love showcasing my country, Turkiye, with all its cultural, historical, and modern treasures. Every day, I get to share my enthusiasm and pride for my homeland with visitors. I truly enjoy making everyone feel like a cherished guest, and I take great pleasure in introducing them to the unique wonders of Turkiye with both joy and a touch of humor. For me, every tour is a delightful experience, and it’s all about making memories and having fun along the way!
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Serkan K.
I have been a professional tourism guide since 1996, and I live in Istanbul. In addition to my work as a tour guide, my experienced team and I are ready to warmly welcome our valued guests to our beautiful country, Türkiye.
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Haluk T.
Hi, I’m Haluk, a licensed tour guide and a fourth-generation Istanbulite. I was born and raised here, and I enjoy sharing both the city’s history and the changes I’ve seen in its neighbourhoods during my own lifetime. For me, a good tour starts with getting to know you. I like to spend the first few minutes understanding your interests and finding a pace that suits you. Some guests enjoy detailed conversations about history and architecture; others prefer a broader introduction, with time for local food, questions and a tea or coffee break. I received my guiding licence in 1997 and returned to tourism full-time in 2011 after a career in banking. Guiding Turkish groups in Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Egypt has also shaped how I explain my own city. I enjoy connecting Istanbul’s history, architecture and traditions with the wider Mediterranean world. We might explore the imperial monuments of the Old City, walk through Fener and Balat, or cross to Kadıköy for its markets, local restaurants and bookshops. I particularly enjoy helping guests start a conversation with people they might otherwise simply walk past, including booksellers I know on the Asian side. Whether this is your first visit or you’re returning to see more, I want you to feel like my personal guests in my own city. Tell me what interests you and how you like to travel, and we can plan your day together.
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