Egemen Tokatlıoğlu: History and Architecture Guide in Istanbul
Egemen studied tourism guidance, then cinema and television, and tells Istanbul’s history the way a good film does.
Languages
English, Turkish
Guides in
Istanbul
Guiding for
6 years
Best for
Curious travellers, families, small groups
Meet Egemen
Egemen walks Istanbul’s old neighbourhoods every day, and he guides them the way he studied film: the story first, the dates after. He trained in tourism guidance at Selçuk University, then took a master’s degree in cinema and television.
On one private family day in the Basilica Cistern, a teenager started the tour bored. By the Medusa heads, after Egemen had told the Roman myths behind them, the same teenager was asking the best questions of the day.
He collects films and atmospheric survival horror games, and he looks at the cisterns, back alleys and the Grand Bazaar with the same eye. Ask him about Constantine the Great or Şehzade Mustafa, his two favourite figures from the city’s past. On a tea break, he likes to tell you the story behind what you are eating.
Every narrow alleyway, hidden courtyard in Karaköy, or shadow beneath the domes of Sultanahmet holds a human story waiting to be told.
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What Guests Say About Egemen
145 Google reviews rated 5.0 and 560 on TripAdvisor at 4.8.
We booked a private day mainly for the Basilica Cistern and the old city, and Egemen made the whole thing feel like a film. Our two teenagers usually tune out on tours, but by the Medusa heads they were the ones asking questions. He was patient, funny and never rushed us.
Egemen knows the Byzantine layers of Istanbul better than anyone we met on our trip. He walked us from Sultanahmet across to Karaköy and kept pointing out small courtyards and details we would have walked straight past. Ask him about Constantine, you will not regret it.
A very relaxed, thoughtful guide. My husband and I are not big on dates and facts, and Egemen understood that straight away. He told the city as a story, found us a quiet tea stop when the crowds got heavy, and the day ended far too soon.
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Your Day in Istanbul, with Egemen
Tell us what you would love to see and who is coming. We plan the day around you, then confirm it with Egemen.
Questions About Booking Egemen
Anything else you want to know about a day with Egemen, ask us in the form below.
Which parts of Istanbul does Egemen guide?
Egemen guides the old city of Sultanahmet, with Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, and the Galata, Karaköy and Pera side of the Golden Horn.
What languages does Egemen guide in?
Egemen guides in English. Turkish is his native language.
Is Egemen a good guide for a family with teenagers?
Yes. Egemen tells the city as a story and keeps everyone in the conversation, so a day with him suits families with older children who would switch off at a list of dates.
Can Egemen guide a larger group?
Yes. Egemen is at his best with small private groups, and he has also guided VIP guests and larger groups. Tell us your numbers and we will plan the day to fit.
How do I book a day with Egemen?
Send us your dates through the form below. You plan the day with us first; we confirm Egemen’s availability and send you a route before anything is booked.
Plan Your Day with Egemen
Tell us your dates, who is coming and what you would like to see, and mention Egemen. We come back with a plan and his availability.
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145 Google reviews rated 5.0 and 560 on Tripadvisor at 4.8licensed operator, TÜRSAB #7651private days since 2011