Abdullah

History & Story Teller

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Español
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 8 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Abdullah

Hi Everyone My name is Abdullah but everyone calls me Apo or Apple. I’m from Cappadocia regione. I have studied 4 years in Ege University Tourism Faculty in Tour Guiding Department in Cesme town. I studied History of Art, Archeology, History of Religions, History of Architecture, Mythology and a bit Philosophy. I also took online courses from Yale University, Khan Academy and İstanbul Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts on Fine Arts and Byzantine History. I like reading and discovering new things. It is my way of life! I also like sharing my experiences and knowledge with travellers those who want to go in deeper and discover more! I can say that I’m good in history, Mythology and in Paintings of great Masters. I like to listen and learn other's stories as well. I belive that life consists of great stories so I like to create my own story and share it with others! My İstanbul is very beautiful, it is like an ocean; The more you dive the more you discover! İf you want to see and discover more book me as your guide and you will see. The magic will work and You will not be the same again!

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Español
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 8 hours

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Reviews

Patrycja
24 February 2025
We had great tim. The tour was adjusted to places we would like to see. Lots of fun walking and great time. Amazing city tour
Melissa
19 January 2025
Wandering Istanbul with such an interesting man- knows so much history and out of the way places. A highlight of our tripExcellent guide!
Unknown
18 January 2025
I booked a private, all-day tour with Abdullah during my 22-hour layover in Istanbul, and it was the best experience I could have asked for! Abdullah was so welcoming and kind, and took interest in my travels and goals for the day. The tour covered so much-- from local food, to major historical sites, to a beautiful afternoon ferry ride. I appreciated how community-focused the tour was-- I met so many kind and amazing people throughout the day. I definitely feel as though the tour helped me make the most out of my short time in the city-- highly recommend!Amazing Experience!
Jodie
10 January 2025
We all loved our tour with Apo? Our kids (9yrs and 13yrs) enjoyed the way Apo explained information as well as showed us interesting sights. He was authentic and fun to spend the time with. With us not being 'group tour people', this experience was perfect as it guided us through some major attractions with ease but not in a typical tour type manner. It suited us perfectly. Thanks for a great few hours Apo!Loved our tour, interesting and fun.
Ana
3 January 2025
We had an unforgettable experience on our trip to Istanbul, and much of that can be attributed to our exceptional tour guide, Abdula. From the moment we met him, his warm, friendly demeanor made us feel instantly at ease. Abdula is incredibly knowledgeable about the city's rich history and culture, and his passion for sharing that knowledge with us was evident throughout the tour. Abdula took us to some of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, but it wasn’t just the major sights that stood out. He also introduced us to hidden gems that we would have missed on our own, giving us a deeper, more intimate understanding of the city. His detailed stories about the history of each site were fascinating, and he was more than happy to answer any of our questions, no matter how detailed or offbeat. What really made Abdula stand out was his attention to detail. He tailored the tour to our interests and made sure we were comfortable throughout the day, from suggesting the best spots to take photos to finding the perfect places to eat. His recommendations for local cuisine were spot on, and we were able to enjoy authentic Turkish dishes in places that only locals would know about. Abdula’s professionalism, combined with his friendly and engaging personality, truly enhanced our visit. He made sure we had a wonderful time, and we left Istanbul with not only great memories but also a deeper appreciation for its vibrant culture and history. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, we highly recommend booking a tour with Abdula – he’s the best guide you could ask for!An Unforgettable Experience
Hector
3 January 2025
Apo treated me more like an old friend than merely a customer. He accommodated my odd schedule AND the flight delays, adjusting the tour on the fly to my needs. If you want to experience the hidden gems of Istanbul (which is exactly what I was looking for), then Apo is your guide. He knows the best spots and everyone there treats Apo as family and, by extension, were super welcoming to me. My Istanbul experience was everything I had hoped for and then some! Apo is a wonderful guide.The authentic spirit of Istanbul
Marcos
2 January 2025
Apo es un guía estupendo. Además del amplio conocimiento que tiene sobre Estambul ha contribuido con su buen humor, su flexibilidad y su amabilidad a hacer de este viaje una experiencia maravillosa. Muchas gracias Apo !!Simply magnificent !!
Andrew
25 December 2024
We could not have been happier to have Abdullah as our guide. He has a great depth of knowledge of the history of Istanbul and of Turkish culture, and is charming and witty. He was the perfect person to lead us on our exploration. Plus he helped us navigate the tram system!Great guide
Hilary
24 November 2024
Our day with Apo was magical. He truly made our trip to Istanbul. Within a day we had a rich understanding of the important sights and history of this incredible city, but the most special was what we learned of the amazing culture of the place. We will heartily recommend a tour with the fabulous Apo to anyone! 5 ⭐️ all the sights, rich with history
Kim
23 November 2024
We had an unforgettable experience with Abdullah, or “Apo” as he asked us to call him, as our guide in Istanbul! As a student of history and culture, Abdullah brought incredible depth to every site we visited. His knowledge of Istanbul’s rich heritage and history, and his engaging storytelling made the city’s past come alive in the most fascinating way. What truly set Apo apart, however, was his unique flair and personal connections. As we walked to sites and through the Grand Bazaar, he seemed to know everyone—constantly stopping to shake hands with shop owners, exchange warm hellos, or greet old friends. At one point, he brought us to a corner food stall where the chef sliced freshly cooked meat off a towering skewer, making us a gyro sandwich to nibble on as Apo pointed out his favorite shops and wares. Apo also took us to a neighborhood café where we enjoyed Turkish coffees and baklava with ice cream. To our delight, he even read our coffee grounds! His ability to seamlessly blend the “must-see” landmarks, like the underground Basilica Cistern, with authentic “locals-only” experiences gave us a unique perspective of Istanbul we could never have discovered on our own. And then, of course, there was his love for classic rock. Apo masterfully wove Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple quotes into our conversations, as though Istanbul’s rich history was being narrated with a soundtrack straight from the ’60s and ’70s. His passion for both his city and rock classics made the experience doubly memorable. From the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia to the vibrant streets and intimate corners of the city, Apo was a perfect companion who made us laugh, think, and enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a music enthusiast, or just looking for a guide with a personal and unique touch, Apo is the perfect choice. Highly recommend!Rocking Through Istanbul with Abdullah!

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