Exploring a city as rich in history and culture as Istanbul can be overwhelming without the right guide. The key to unlocking its hidden gems and understanding its deep-rooted history lies in finding an experienced and passionate Istanbul tour guide. We sat down with Oğulcan Özdil, who’s better known as atourguideinconstantinople, to talk about his unique approach to guiding, his passion for Istanbul, and his offer for tours of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace. In this interview, Oğulcan shares his journey, insights, and tips for those looking for the perfect tour guide in Istanbul.
Q: Who is atourguideinconstantinople?
Oğulcan Özdil: atourguideinconstantinople is my online identity, and it represents the transformation I’ve undergone as a guide. In the beginning, I was often called an ordinary guide, doing ordinary tours. But I wanted to break free from that mold. My goal was to become a tour guide, not just the guide who gets you into museums. After all, anyone can buy tickets and walk you through a museum. But what sets me apart is the deeper connection I create with the sites and my guests. For instance, when people think of Hagia Sophia, they don’t just think of the grand passes or tickets – they think of an experience. That’s where I come in: atourguideinconstantinople is about offering a memorable and personal journey through Istanbul’s history.
Q: Who is Oğulcan Özdil?
Oğulcan Özdil: I’m a tour guide and historian, specializing in Roman history. I was born and raised in Istanbul, and my deep love for the city shapes everything I do. More than any title, I believe being reliable is the most important quality. I’ve been in the tourism industry since 2006, and I’ve been a guide for over 9 years now, even if you don’t count my internship days in 2013. In 2022, I decided to work independently, launching the second phase of my career. I take pride in using my expertise to create the best experience for my guests, and I make it my mission to ensure they leave Istanbul with unforgettable memories.
Q: What are your career goals as a tour guide in Istanbul?
Oğulcan Özdil: My main goal is to protect travelers from the common downsides of the tourism industry. You’ll often hear companies talk about saving time or money for their guests, but for me, it’s deeper than that. I aim to leave lasting impressions and build meaningful connections with my audience. I want people to remember not just the facts and figures but the feeling of experiencing Istanbul through my eyes.
Q: What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
Oğulcan Özdil: What fuels my passion is focusing on my own craftsmanship as a guide. Day by day, I see how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come. It’s not just about guiding the tours – it’s about creating an impact. A moment that stands out is when I’m touring in Hagia Sophia; I often notice people who aren’t part of my tour stopping to listen. Many of them already have tickets or services arranged, but they’re drawn to my storytelling. It’s rewarding to know that even those who haven’t booked with me are curious about what I offer.
Q: How do you handle situations when people want to join a tour midway?
Oğulcan Özdil: It happens from time to time, especially when I’m leading tours in places like Hagia Sophia or Topkapı Palace. Once I’ve finished explaining the subject I’m on, I politely thank those who joined mid-way but explain that the session has already begun, and they’d miss out on the full experience. Some even offer more money to join, but I don’t believe in charging for something that won’t provide full value. It wouldn’t be fair to them or to the guests who started with me from the beginning.
Q: What’s the story behind your lion logo?
Oğulcan Özdil: The lion symbol has multiple layers of meaning for me. First, I was born on August 9th, making me a Leo, and I’m a lifelong fan of Galatasaray Football Club, whose mascot is a lion. But more importantly, it symbolizes my connection to the city’s Roman heritage. The lions found at the Great Palace ruins, now housed in the Istanbul Archeology Museum, are a nod to Istanbul’s ancient past. And as Homer said, “There are no pacts between lions and men” – it’s about standing strong and independent, much like how I run my tours.
Oğulcan’s Tour Offer: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace
If you’re planning an Istanbul private tour or group tour and want to experience the city’s most iconic sites in a unique way, Oğulcan offers a comprehensive tour that covers three of Istanbul’s most historic landmarks.
1. Hagia Sophia: As a specialist in Roman history, Oğulcan offers unparalleled insights into this architectural marvel, taking you through its Byzantine and Ottoman phases, and sharing little-known stories about its transformation.
2. Basilica Cistern: Discover the underground world of Istanbul with a tour of the Basilica Cistern, where Oğulcan reveals the engineering feats of the ancient Romans and the fascinating legends surrounding this site.
3. Topkapı Palace: Walk through the residence of the Ottoman sultans and explore the rich history of the Ottoman Empire with a guide who brings the stories to life. From the Harem to the Treasury, Oğulcan will show you parts of the palace that most visitors overlook.
Whether you’re in Istanbul for a day or planning a longer stay, Oğulcan’s guided Istanbul tours are designed to offer a deeper, more personal connection with the city. As one of the top tour guides in Istanbul, Turkey, his private guided tours of Istanbul offer a unique perspective you won’t find in any Istanbul travel guide book.
How to Book a Tour with atourguideinconstantinople
Here’s the link of the Store.
Booking a tour with Oğulcan Özdil is easy. Simply search for atourguideinconstantinople online or book through platforms like GetYourGuide Istanbul. Whether you’re interested in a personalized walking tour of the city’s landmarks, such as Hagia Sophia or the Basilica Cistern, or you want to experience the city during a layover in Istanbul, Oğulcan is ready to offer an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s rich history.
For traveler’s seeking a memorable experience, Oğulcan provides the ideal mix of knowledge, passion, and personal connection, ensuring your Istanbul travel experience is one for the books!
External Links:
https://www.airbnb.com/slink/360evKnB
https://www.airbnb.com/slink/F2xz3sXy
https://www.viator.com/tours/Istanbul/Hagia-Sophia-by-atourguideinconstantinople/d585-403691P1
https://www.viator.com/tours/Istanbul/Basilica-Cistern-by-atourguideinconstantinople/d585-403691P2
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