Kadir Celal

The Passionate Historian

Responds quickly
  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 3 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Kadir Celal

I was born and raised in Istanbul, studied in the USA and lived in Germany for a while. I’m a professional tour guide and I teach tourism in a university. I have university degrees in Business, Political Science, and History.

  • I live in Istanbul
  • I speak English, Türkçe
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 3 hours

Book one of my offers in Istanbul

Let's explore Istanbul together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Istanbul on a private & personalized tour for you.

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Reviews

Rosalind
23 July 2025
Kadir was really lovely and helped us discover and navigate a little of Istanbul. Not only was he very knowledgeable and proud of his home city, but we loved how he interspersed his own memories of the city and how it has transformed since he was a child. Kadir took us to some hidden gems too. He took us to an ice cream shop near the Grand Bazzar, a spot where only locals would know how to find. A real treat indeed. As we were staying for a few days, Kadir was great suggesting various things that we could do. Thank you, Kadir for sharing your wonderful city with us. It was a real pleasure meeting you. If you’re interested in discovering where this ice cream shop is … then you’ll have to book Kadir! You won’t be disappointed! Like hanging out with an old friend…
Jeffrey
18 July 2025
Kadir is genuinly interesting, knowledgable, beyond friendly. I you must always book him for his tours we will definately when we visit Istanbul next, it is because of him we will be!EXCELLENT TOUR GUIDE
Jennifer
5 July 2025
We really appreciated our experience touring Jewish Istanbul with Kadir. I planned with Kadir over email for a few weeks in advanced in order to see the sites that would be most meaningful to me. He successfully arranged the visits and required permissions in advanced so that we had a seamless visit. He also professionally guided us as to local customs to ensure success all around. Kadir is very knowledgeable about Istanbul's Jewish history and the various communities, and was able to show us sites beyond what we had requested, as well as answer all of our many questions. This tour was the highlight of my trip to Istanbul and a meaningful part of connecting with my lost Turkish Sephardic roots (not lost anymore!) I highly recommend anybody who is interested in Jewish Istanbul to schedule your tour with Kadir. A++++++ experience. Excellent tour with a superior guide!
Geeta
25 June 2025
Our tour with Mr. Kadir was memorable. He is so well versed with Istanbul’s history, and took us to all the major attractions whilst taking us back in time with all the historical references :) the tour was fun as we stopped by for a bite, Ayran and Turkish cay at spots recommended by Mr. Kadir. Highly recommend leaving your Istanbul tour to Mr. Kadir. Istanbul through the eyes of an expert
Gail
22 June 2025
Kadir is a wonderful guide to Istanbul. Warm and knowledgeable, he made our experience exploring the neighborhoods of Istanbul a pleasure. Many thanks!!Warm thanks!!
jeaninne
20 June 2025
Kadir is amazing !!! He showed us around with so much knowledge and passion foe the city. He is the best guide !!! So nice with the kids. He had everyone engaged. I highly reccomend him !!! Kadir is amazing
Alastair
19 June 2025
Met Kadir at the German Fountain, he asked us want we wanted and then gave us a good rundown of the history of Istanbul before visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Sistern.. managing to shortcut some of the queues which was great. Kadir had extensive knowledge of all 3 places and knew the best photo stops. We enjoyed our tour with Kadir.Istanbul with Kadir
George
15 June 2025
Kadir was an exceptional guide during our time in Istanbul. He was not only patient and knowledgeable but also generous with his insights and time. His thoughtful and considerate approach to the tour kept everyone in our family, including our 12-year-old, fully engaged and included. Kadir's expertise and attentiveness made the experience truly enjoyable for all of us.Informative and Entertaining
Adam
5 June 2025
Kadir was amazing. He was very knowledgeable about all of the history and culture of the area. He was obviously very passionate about the history, which made the tour very engaging. He also gave us great advice on where to eat and where else to go. I would highly recommend Kadir.Passionate historian
Unknown
3 June 2025
Kadir made our day in Istanbul the highlight of our holiday! Knowledgeable, thoughtful and very considerate, he took us to places we'd never have found by ourselves and he more than exceeded the brief we gave. With brilliant commentary and a smile and handshake for everyone we met he made the day great fun and we learned so much from him. Thank you Kadir! RuthKadir the King of guides!

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