My name is Oguz Kosebalaban. My name Oguz has got an accent mark above the 'g' letter, so actually its pronunciation is as in <he 'owes' me> As well as my license to guide countrywide by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism. I also have a bachelor’s degree from Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Sciences. About setting up a tour with a guide: I think the point also needs to be not finding the best guide; but also the best host. I feel most visitors to a country also need to meet local people; qualified local people as well as the charming vendor who will offer you a taste of the black sesami, or the smell of the mastic, or a bite of the Turkish delight. I feel in the end of my tours my visitors feel like they made a friend in Istanbul, as well as exploring one city with some of the least known bits of unusual facts, coming from years of study. One instance, if you are not on my tour or on one of my colleague's tour who studied my articles, there is over 90% possibility that you will not see the Byzantine performer whose instrument killed him, and like 15 more fine details which would be as minimal as the spices in your meal, but we know that makes a difference. If you read this much, that means fine details as well as a fine tour is important for you. This year the a very nice compliment I received was "A Renaissance Man in a Byzantine city". In Istanbul, all in one city you will find your self in a city, that is; Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Republican Turkish western, eastern modern, orthodox, Moslem, Christian, Jewish, romantic, intriguing, vibrant, mysterious, timeless, extremely scenic, the arena for some of the most impressive events of the world history. I will be happy to take you through my Istanbul time tunnel, and your day in Istanbul will be as much fun as the movie "going back to future". Or you may choose the wrong tour and end up listening to a guide repeating a text like a tape recorder; don't risk yourself! I write movie scenarios as well as making short movies. In April 2007 my short movie was chosen to the finals of a countrywide contest held by Nokia, Turkey in cooperation with Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. My movie is at the end of the list in alphabetical order. My travel articles are frequently being quoted in my colleague’s tours. I will be happy to email you some samples. Though I am sensible enough to realize too much or too deep information over the dose kills the joy. Some of the guides are lecturers; they keep on telling and telling an article like a text taken from a book; they add enthusiasm into this lecture as well; but if they lack in interacting; visitors end up nodding for too much 'impressive' information too much too digest. Your tour guide should be a very good dose planner; to differentiate between a good medicine and the poison. Also on a private tour you have the comfort of doing what you like, but your guide should be a very good adviser: If he is too much into antiquity, you may end up visiting just old monuments of Istanbul, with little or no taste of Istanbul. But Istanbul as a modern city also has got her charms like some of the other modern charming cities of the world that may cause addiction. I enjoy adding a flavor of well chosen new town features of Istanbul, though it could be limited to a half hour or more on a single day tour in Istanbul. I realized people enjoyed exploring the life of the citizens in Istanbul by joining them at a hip area still with some great neighborhood and monuments. As in 'off off Broadway musicals' I also enjoy offering some 'off off mainstream sites' where immediately you may find yourself on an exotic four century old street, with unique photo opportunities. A photographer makes a good observer; and I began converting some of my observations in Istanbul into short movies with a documentary approach. I will be glad to share some of the background at a related location if you would like to hear about my short movie works. I can also email one in which I am also playing a part, though I haven't finished adding the English subtitles to it. I am a certified tour guide since 1987. Private tour is the best way to enjoy a visit; I am sure experienced travelers will agree how much more enjoyable this is when compared to a tour with a bus load of people; I know because I also guide a number of those bus tours as well. On a private tour you just experience what you like, the program includes what you like and excludes what you don't; you do not dine at that tourist restaurant, you may either get a great local flavor or commute to your cruise ship's buffet lunch, all as you like. Upon your arrival we can make small adjustments according to what accommodates you the best. Among groups or individuals I escorted are: * 2006 CBS TV during Pope's visit to Istanbul & Ephesus. * President of Latvia in Istanbul on a Bosphorus cruise. * 2004 American CBS TV to do with the visit of President Bush visiting Turkey during the Nato summit in Istanbul. * 2004 Minister of Iran visiting Turkey during Earthquake summit. -Chamber of Commerce of Kuala Lumpur- Malaysia * Members of Museum of Art of Hong Kong 1996. * Atache of President Bush the senior, during the President's official visit to Ankara following 'Gulf Crisis'. This is a long list, so I'm cutting it short here. Photography: I worked for some time for a renowned Turkish parents magazine as a photographer and interviewer. I like sharing my photo tips with visitors; so that you may have a great photo to be framed from a memorable visit to Turkey. I also email a great collection of print quality photos. Description of Services: * The entrance fees are not included in the price. * Services begin from the hotel, pier, airport and end at the pick up point. * I try to keep my client profile high with my rates approx 15€ higher than my colleagues, to allow purely good bargain hunters to look else where, and those who do not want to sacrifice from quality and style, you are welcome warmly here! Rates: * half day walking tour: (Euro) 60€ with public transportation or walking tour. * full day tour: (Euro) 120€ with public transportation or walking tour. If your hotel is in the old town, recommended to do a walking tour on your first day, to cover monuments nearby your hotel. Private transportation: (Mercedes or Volkswagen sufficiently air-conditioned) 100€ + parking fees. * Night tour – (19.00 – 24.00) – Euro 75 * This price includes the services of an official local tour guide and all taxes. * The expenses and the museum entrance fees are additional. Feedback from Previous Visitors: May 2004 Dear Oguz, I would like to thank you for the great time we had together on our tour through Greece, its islands and Turkey. You added to our trip, and we appreciate all your efforts. In the last 3 years time I traveled over 80 countries and I had over 80 tour guides. There was one that was close to you, but so far you are the best! Sandor Milesz Forever Living Products Director - Hungary June 16,1990 Dear Oguz, Please accept my deepest thanks and profound gratitude on behalf of the entire group of Californians, for whom you made the history, culture and mythology of Turkey a living reality. We will remember you with fondness and expect and look forward to your visit to California in the near future. Yours Sincerely, Rachael Balyeat (Rachael Balyeat and Her Friends-28 day tour of turkey) quot from comments sheet, 1995: tour guide: Oguz- Superior guide. Articulate, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Betty&Roy Hubbell ** Wood Rise, Falmouth, MA. USA Dear Oguz, Thanks for showing us Turkey old and new – you are a very good ambassador for your country. I shall certainly go back home with a much broader understanding of this part of the world. Anita Starret (1996) (10th May 1990) My dear Oz, I just wanted to thank you so much for adding to the interest and enjoyment of the Tour with your very well informed and witty comments. My sister and I really enjoyed the whole experience, mingled with pride and sadness when we visited my father's grave at Hill 10 (of the Gallipoli peninsula). I enclose a very inadequate little book about Ireland- perhaps you'll visit us one day. Thank you again for everything Yours very sincerely Vangie Kennedy Strathearn Park, Belfast, BT4 ***,Ireland Dear Oguz My wife and I would like to thank you for the entertaining time we had while under your charge. You are very knowledgeable with your country, and I would like to congratulate you. My wife and I wish you a very happy New Year. Mr. Abdul Rahim bin Yusoff Delegate of Chamber of Commerce of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Mission to Turkey Member discount: Notes: 
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