Zeynep “Zee” Karakaşoğlu detonates the distance between visitor and city—an American-Turkish former Washington Post storyteller who now turns Istanbul into a living, breathing headline you get to walk inside.
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Introduction to Zee
Some people collect postcards. Zeynep Karakaşoğlu (aka. Zee) collects context—the kind that makes a city click into place and stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
We are beyond thrilled to introduce Zeynep as the newest guide to join The Other Tour family in Istanbul. She doesn’t just show places; she reveals layers, connects dots, and turns history into a conversation you’re actively part of.
The Pivot from Press to Passion
After becoming a mother, Zee made a bold, joyful leap. She stepped away from a successful career in journalism to earn her professional tour guiding license—a decision she calls one of the happiest she’s ever made.
Now, her “office” might be the echoing dome of Hagia Sophia or the serene courtyards of Topkapı Palace, but she’s just as at home in the Istanbul that hides in plain sight, waiting for the right storyteller to bring it to life.
A Guide Shaped by Two Worlds
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago to Turkish immigrant parents, Zeynep grew up navigating two cultures—a experience that became her superpower. Childhood summers were spent on the Aegean coast in Ayvalık, teaching her early that Turkey isn’t a single story, but many: local, layered, and deeply personal.
Her studies in History and early internships at Istanbul’s great museums pulled her back to this city, forging a long-term relationship. But it was an eight-year stint reporting on Türkiye for The Washington Post that honed her unique lens. She learned how to explain complex places to an international audience with clarity, nuance, and deep respect.
What It’s Like to Tour with Zeynep
Imagine a guide who combines the curiosity of a historian, the narrative instinct of a journalist, and the warmth of a friend eager to share her home.
For you, this means:
The “Why” Behind What You’re Seeing: She doesn’t just list dates and names. She connects the dots between history, daily life, and the small details most walk right past.
Culture, Translated Without Clichés: With her dual identity, she has a sharp sense of what needs explaining and what speaks for itself. She clarifies, never over-explains.
Stories That Stick: She finds the funny quirks and human observations—the stories you’ll repeat later because they made you laugh and suddenly made the culture feel tangible.
Zeynep’s Istanbul: A Journey Through Layers
While she expertly navigates the iconic landmarks, Zeynep truly shines in building a narrative of the city that feels alive. Here’s a glimpse of her Istanbul:
Byzantine Treasures, Human Stories: She’ll guide you through the breathtaking mosaics of the Chora Church and the intimate scale of the Zeyrek Pantokrator complex, walking the ancient city walls to talk of defense, faith, and ambition—history as something people had to live.
Art as Evidence: At the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (where she once interned), she brings ancient objects back to life. At the İstiklal Avenue, she traces Turkey’s modern identity through urban architecture and captivating stories from the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Neighborhoods with a Pulse: She takes you where the city is busy being itself: the vibrant rhythm of Kadıköy, the colorful contradictions of Balat, the constant reinvention of Beyoğlu and Karaköy.
The Backbone of Commerce: Go beyond the Grand Bazaar checklist to understand it as a living organism. Explore the historic Spice Market and the wholesale buzz of Tahtakale to see the mercantile heartbeat that has sustained this city for centuries.
Zee's Favorites at a Glance
Zee brings a fresh, electric kind of energy to The Other Tour’s already eclectic, deeply talented team. Here are some of her favorite attractions in Istanbul:
| Specialty | Example Locations | Her Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Byzantine & Ancient | Chora Church, Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, Theodosian City Walls | Connects art & architecture to the human stories that built and defended the city. |
| Art & Museums | Archaeological Museums, Topkapı Palace | Uses objects and art to explain Turkey’s evolving identity, from ancient to modern. |
| Living Neighborhoods | Sultanahmet, Balat, Beyoğlu, Karaköy | Explores districts where history is lived daily—community, culture, and reinvention. |
| Commerce & Craft | Grand Bazaar backstreets, Arasta Bazaar, Tahtakale | Reveals Istanbul’s economic heartbeat and timeless patterns of trade and daily life. |
Experience Istanbul Through Zeynep’s Lens
If you’re the kind of traveler who craves context, loves a good story, and wants to move beyond the monuments to feel the true pulse of Istanbul, then a day with Zeynep is your journey.
Ready to explore with a guide who is equal parts insightful, engaging, and deeply connected to the soul of this city? Book a private tour with Zeynep and discover the Istanbul that exists between the lines.
Fill out the form below, and our team will match you with Zeynep based on your interests and preferred dates. Let’s craft your perfect Istanbul day.
We look forward to helping you write your own Istanbul story.
