Kathy Hamilton

An American journalist who first began visiting Turkey in 1981, I moved here permanently in 1998.
From my home base in Istanbul, I travel throughout Turkey, writing about antique textiles and off the beaten track historical sites. My writing appears in the internationally best-selling non-fiction anthology "Tales From the Expat Harem: Foreign Women in Modern Turkey".

As a contributing writer to Hali magazine, the premier publication for textile collectors, I have first-hand knowledge of the most influential and trusted dealers of new and antique textiles throughout the country. I also write weekly feature articles for one of the largest Turkish newspapers covering the latest in clothing design, travel, cuisine, and, of course, shopping in Istanbul. I have explored the labyrinths of the bazaars in depth and also know where the locals prefer to dine.

 

In August 2009, The Washington Post featured an article about me and Istanbul Personal Shopper on the front page of the weekend travel section. I have also appeared on the PBS travel show, Rudy Maxa's World. Some of my clients have included royalty, top names in American and European interior design, architects, textile collectors, and clothing designers, as well as figures in the music industry.

I co-own a silk accessories business, Sultan's Caravan, in Dallas, Texas, specializing in Turkish textiles. Included in our inventory are hand-painted silk scarves, pashmina wraps, silk and velvet shawls, silk handbags, and hand-knitted slippers, all from Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.

Brooks

I'm an American who has been living here in Istanbul since August, 2002. I started here as a Professor at a local university and then went on to other projects including starting an education consultancy company, becoming a writer and helping Kathy with her personal shopping service.

When I am not giving tours, I will frequently go to the Grand Bazaar to explore- with over 4,000 shops, I always find something interesting every time I go. Over the past eight years I have managed to acquire the language (although with a “cute” foreign accent) and have vast knowledge about the Turkish culture and the customs.
 

Catherine

I've been coming to Istanbul since the early 1990s for my work as a clothing, textile and interior designer. I've spent two decades shopping the world for clients and creative inspiration; wandering the bazaars to find hidden treasure is my profession and personal passion. I met Kathy when we both contributed to the anthology Tales from the Expat Harem.

I moved from California to Turkey permanently in 1999, spending my first 10 years in Selcuk, near Ephesus, where my husband and I had a vintage textile shop and a waterpipe/ wine bar. We moved to Sultanahmet in 2010 to launch a workshop to help local artisans preserve traditional Turkish handcrafts before they disappear. I'm fluent in Spanish and Turkish, and love to talk about Turkey – the history, the people, the politics – I'm fascinated by it all.

Istanbul Personal Shopper is not a professional tour company. Our goal is to help visitors get a true feel for everyday life in Istanbul. In the process, we hope to give you a taste of why we love this exciting, vibrant city. Hopefully we can give you some insights into the culture, country and people of Turkey as an expats living here.