Who is Kadir? What does being a licensed tour guide really mean? Let me introduce myself. As a licensed guide, I am officially certified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to share the history, culture, and hidden gems of this unique city — the only one in the world that stretches across both Europe and Asia. Allow me to share my educational background with you, so you know exactly who you are exploring Istanbul with.

I’ve been a licensed tour guide in Turkiye since 2021, but my story started long before that. I first earned my bachelor’s degree in English as a Second Language Teaching, then followed my heart into a master’s in Tourism Management — because let’s be honest, showing off my country is my real calling. After graduating, the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism handed me my official license… and the keys to share this incredible land with the world.

Being a licensed guide here — it’s not just a name tag. You need at least one university degree, a foreign language proficiency exam under your belt, and a deep knowledge of Türkiye’s cultural treasures. In short: we know our history, we speak your language, and we make sure you feel at home.

I cut my guiding teeth with Turkish Airlines, running Touristanbul for international travelers on layovers — turning a few spare hours into lifelong memories. These days, I work as a freelance guide, interpreter, translator, tutor and lead private and group tours all over Istanbul. Whether it’s the hidden gems or the headline monuments, I don’t just show you the city… I make you fall in love with it.

I also believe that a strong mind should be carried by a strong body — which is why you’ll often find me in the gym.

I look forward to meeting you and guiding you through Istanbul’s timeless story.