Product Description
2010 Best Tourism Publication Award
Tonguç’s guidebook to Istanbul features new information and research on everything from places of worship to palaces, and from museums to waterfront mansions.
Doğan Hızlan
Saffet is a decibel wizard. He is the person who best understands the art of knowing at what decibel level and in what tone of voice a place, a natural setting, or a piece of history should be described to a person. Saffet is a painter of details. He is the one who knows and reveals that the beauty of this earthly paradise lies in the details. Saffet is a psychiatrist of the heart, a storyteller of modern times. Saffet is not a guide, but a traveling companion. Exploring a place with him is like strolling arm-in-arm with Marco Polo.
Ertuğrul Özkök
Saffet Emre Tonguç is a magnificent teacher—both an Istanbul gentleman and the city’s voluntary ambassador. He is a storyteller who understands just how precious history is. While filming the Turkish segments of my Dr. Oz show—which airs in over 100 countries—he took me on a journey through the tunnels of history, from Göbeklitepe to Ephesus, from the Şerefiye Cistern to Hagia Sophia. He is the 21st-century embodiment of *One Thousand and One Nights*. I happily lose myself in the pages of his books...
Dr. Mehmet Öz
There’s no one like him. The most well-traveled, the most prolific author, the most award-winning, the most renowned, and the hardest-working guide… People don’t even call him a “guide” anymore! He is an expert on Istanbul; he is an expert on Turkey. Saffet is a truly remarkable man. He has a solid education and wealth of experience behind him. First, he attended Şişli Terakki, then went on to Boğaziçi University. In five years, he completed three majors: tourism, political science, and international relations, along with history. He’s incredibly knowledgeable but never overwhelms you with his knowledge. And he’s a lot of fun. He’s a 10 out of 10!!! It’s no coincidence that he’s the one showing all the famous foreigners around Turkey. But if you think being Saffet Emre Tonguç is easy, you’re wrong! He really works like crazy…
Ayşe Arman
A wise traveler, a discoverer of forgotten stories, a cheerful, beautiful person… If you’re the one telling the story of that journey, traveling that path becomes a special pleasure… I’ve known Saffet for many years; we’ve hosted many guests together. He told the stories, and we listened. He is a valuable brand who has made a significant contribution to promoting Turkey. With his knowledge, education, courtesy, gentlemanly demeanor, warmth, and positivity, he is a modern individual and an exemplary gentleman…
Demet Sabancı Çetindoğan
Turkey’s cultural ambassador… With his world-class knowledge, poise, communication skills, dedication, and chivalry, he is one of our country’s foremost assets. I consider myself very lucky to have Saffet in my life—someone who so beautifully blends friendship, generosity, and professionalism.
Leyla Alaton