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 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.

Loren

I’m an American from Carlsbad , California , living and working as an English Professor in Istanbul for over 20 years.

As a traveler, I discovered Turkey many years ago and I have enjoyed the ambiance of this charming, exciting and extraordinary city of Istanbul that I now call home. Exploring Istanbul and unlocking the mysterious and sometimes confusing ways of communicating and doing business in Turkey has been an interesting part of my life here.

I enjoy introducing ‘my’ Istanbul and the Grand Bazaar to family, friends and visitors. With my knowledge of the language and culture, I am available to make your shopping experience an enjoyable and positive one.

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.