Step into history with one of the best guides in all of Türkiye—a master storyteller whose passion, knowledge, and almost mystical connection to the past will make you feel like you’re living inside an ancient epic.
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Introduction to Furkan Emre
When exploring Istanbul, few guides can offer the deep connection and insightful experience that Furkan Emre Çapkur brings to the table. Born and raised in the heart of Istanbul’s Asian side, Furkan embodies the city’s rich spirit, blending deep historical knowledge with a natural passion for storytelling. At just 26 years old, he has already made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic and engaging guides in the country.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Knowledge
From childhood, Furkan was captivated by history, myths, and the magic hidden within ancient cities. This passion led him to study Tour Guidance at Balıkesir University, in the ancient city of Antandros, where he completed a rigorous four-year program entirely in English. His academic background, combined with his love for archaeology, earned him a degree specializing in Ancient Cities.
Not just a guide, Furkan is a true Master of English, ensuring that every guest, whether a history buff or a casual traveler, fully understands and enjoys the experience. His deep expertise in Christianity, Ancient Roman, and Eastern Roman history makes his tours uniquely informative and compelling.
Guiding as an Art: No Flags, Just Passion
Unlike conventional tour guides who rely on a raised flag to keep their group together, Furkan believes in an intimate, immersive approach to guiding. He describes guiding as
“Talking about a movie or book you’re in love with.”
This enthusiasm is what makes every tour with him feel like a personal and unforgettable journey.
His philosophy is simple: history is alive, breathing through the streets, stones, and whispers of the past. “Learning history in Türkiye is effortless,” he says, “You might as well just breathe some along with oxygen.” With this mindset, he ensures that even the most complex historical narratives become relatable and fascinating to his guests.
A Guide with a Heart (for History and Cats)
Beyond his encyclopedic knowledge of Istanbul and Türkiye, Furkan is also deeply in love with the city’s street cats. He cannot pass one by without feeding it, a small gesture that speaks volumes about his warm and caring nature. Whether it’s sharing a historical anecdote or a piece of his lunch with a furry friend, Furkan’s kindness and generosity shine through in every interaction.
Licensed to Guide Across Türkiye
Furkan is not just an Istanbul expert. With an official guiding license covering four of Türkiye’s seven regions—Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolia—he is equipped to take travelers on unforgettable journeys across some of the country’s most iconic and hidden historical treasures. From the ancient ruins of Troy and Ephesus to the underground cities of Cappadocia, his expertise extends far beyond the Bosphorus.
Marmara Region
The Marmara Region, home to some of Türkiye’s most historically significant sites, is one of Furkan’s specialties. As a licensed guide in the region, he expertly leads travelers through its fascinating mix of ancient ruins, Ottoman landmarks, and vibrant cultural hubs.
Some of the must-visit destinations where Furkan can guide you include:
Istanbul – The city where East meets West, with its world-famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
Bursa – The first capital of the Ottoman Empire, known for its stunning mosques, thermal baths, and the legendary Iskender kebab.
Edirne – The former Ottoman capital, famous for the Selimiye Mosque, the Kırkpınar oil-wrestling festival, and its rich architectural heritage.
Balıkesir & Antandros – Dive into ancient history with a visit to the ruins of Antandros, a hidden gem for archaeology lovers.
Iznik (Nicaea) – A city steeped in Christian history, where the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils took place, shaping early Christian doctrine.
Whether it’s tracing the footsteps of emperors, exploring Ottoman palaces, or experiencing the region’s culinary delights, Furkan ensures an immersive and unforgettable journey through the Marmara Region.
Aegean Region
The Aegean Region, home to some of the most breathtaking coastlines and ancient sites in the world, is another area where Furkan expertly guides travelers.
Key highlights include:
- Ephesus – Walk through one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Roman world, home to the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
- Pergamon – A spectacular ancient city with a legendary acropolis, the steepest theater of the ancient world, and the Asklepion healing center.
- Troy – The legendary city of Homer’s Iliad, where myth and reality collide.
- Didyma, Miletus & Priene – Three of the most important ancient Ionian cities, filled with grand temples, theaters, and historical intrigue.
- Seven Churchs of Revelation like Smyrna, Thyatira and others.
- Bodrum (Halicarnassus) – Visit the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and explore Bodrum Castle.
Mediterranean Region
Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Furkan leads travelers to:
Antalya – The pearl of the Mediterranean, home to ancient cities like Perge, Aspendos, and Termessos.
Patara – A stunning beach town with an ancient Lycian city and the birthplace of Saint Nicholas.
Xanthos & Letoon – UNESCO-listed Lycian ruins that tell the stories of an ancient civilization.
Myra – Home to rock-cut Lycian tombs and the famous Church of Saint Nicholas.
Side – A coastal town with a magnificent Roman theater and well-preserved ruins.
Central Anatolian Region
The heart of Turkey, Central Anatolia, is where ancient history, early Christianity, and stunning landscapes come together. Furkan’s tours here include:
Cappadocia – Explore the fairy-tale landscapes, underground cities, rock-cut churches, and breathtaking hot air balloon rides.
Ankara – Türkiye’s capital, home to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk.
Konya – The spiritual heart of Türkiye, where the great Sufi poet Rumi lived and taught.
Hattusa – The capital of the Hittite Empire, featuring impressive ruins and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Gordion – The ancient city where Alexander the Great famously cut the Gordian Knot.
A Multi-Talented Storyteller: Writer, Editor, Guide
Furkan doesn’t just tell stories on the streets—he brings them to life online as well. As a writer for The Other Tour’s blog, he shares his knowledge and passion with a wider audience, offering deep insights into Türkiye’s culture, history, and hidden gems. He also plays a crucial role in editing our videos, ensuring that the magic of these experiences reaches travelers worldwide. His ability to blend digital storytelling with real-world adventures makes him an invaluable asset to the travel community.
Ready to Guide You into the Depths of History?
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a history enthusiast, or a family looking for an immersive experience, Furkan Emre Çapkur is ready to guide you through Istanbul and beyond. His tours are not just about seeing historical sites—they are about feeling them, understanding them, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for an English-speaking guide who brings Türkiye’s history to life with passion, humor, and an unparalleled depth of knowledge, look no further. Furkan is here, with no flags—just stories, myths, and an endless love for the past and present of this incredible land.
Furkan Emre was our guide for two full days in Mid march 2025. We were a group of five adults and Furkan was not only knowledgeable about Istanbul and it’s history, he was also very adaptive to our schedule and requests. He turned out to be a very good photographer for us too. We enjoyed the tour with Furkan and will hire him again if we visit Istanbul in future.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with Furkan — we’re really glad to hear you had a great time in Istanbul! 😊
That said, we kindly want to remind you (and others reading this) that, according to Turkish law, licensed tour guides are only allowed to offer their services through authorized travel agencies. This ensures everything is taxed properly and above board. Hiring guides directly, especially via social media, unfortunately bypasses legal requirements. If a guide is caught doing this, they will be fined, and repeat offenses will even lead to suspension of their license — which would be a real shame, especially for passionate and talented guides like Furkan.
We noticed that you reached out to several guides directly using information from our website. We’d like to gently point out that this is not considered ethical, as our platform and efforts aim to support a sustainable and legal travel ecosystem in Turkey.
We appreciate your understanding and hope you’ll help support local tourism in a way that’s fair to everyone involved next time 🙏🙂