DEV Community: Oktay Ustun

Kastamonu Travel Report: Things I Wish I Knew Before

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:13:10 +0000

Kastamonu Travel Report: Things I Wish I Knew Before

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I had heard mixed things about Kastamonu before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

Street food in Kastamonu is legendary among locals but barely known to tourists. I had a freshly made flatbread stuffed with local herbs and cheese that cost almost nothing but tasted like a million dollars.

I woke up early one morning in Kastamonu to catch the sunrise. The mist was rolling over the hills, the birds were just starting their morning songs, and the world felt perfectly still. Moments like these remind me why I travel.

My biggest tip for visiting Kastamonu: skip the main road and explore the back streets. That is where you will find the authentic experiences, the best food, and the friendliest people. The tourist path, if there even is one, only scratches the surface.

Exploring Kastamonu on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

I rented a bicycle and rode through the outskirts of Kastamonu. The landscape changed dramatically — from urban streets to rolling hills and farmland within minutes. The people of this region really comes alive when you get out of the center.

I met a young entrepreneur in Kastamonu who was building a tourism startup to showcase the hidden gems of the region. The passion in their eyes was infectious. It is people like this who will put Kastamonu on the map for international travelers.

I have traveled to over 50 cities in Turkey, and Kastamonu ranks in my top five. Not because of fancy hotels or tourist attractions, but because of its soul. And that is something you cannot fake.

What Nobody Tells You About Visiting Söğüt

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:01:57 +0000

What Nobody Tells You About Visiting Söğüt

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

My journey to Söğüt started on a whim. A friend mentioned it casually, and something about the name stuck with me. As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by the most incredible scenery I had seen in months.

One of the highlights of my Söğüt visit was the local market. The colors, the sounds, the flavors — it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The vendors were proud of their architecture heritage and eager to share stories.

There is a river near Söğüt where locals go for picnics on weekends. I joined a family there and spent the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient trees. Pure magic.

I met a young entrepreneur in Söğüt who was building a tourism startup to showcase the hidden gems of the region. The passion in their eyes was infectious. It is people like this who will put Söğüt on the map for international travelers.

I spent an entire afternoon in the old quarter of Söğüt. The architecture tells a story of centuries — Ottoman influences blend with modern Turkish design in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

Street food in Söğüt is legendary among locals but barely known to tourists. I had a freshly made flatbread stuffed with local herbs and cheese that cost almost nothing but tasted like a million dollars.

If you are on the fence about visiting Söğüt, let me make it simple: just go. Do not overthink it, do not wait for the perfect time. Pack your bag and let Söğüt surprise you the way it surprised me.

Elbistan Surprised Me — Here Is Why

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:51:14 +0000

Elbistan Surprised Me — Here Is Why

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I had heard mixed things about Elbistan before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

What struck me most about Elbistan was the way food is woven into daily life here. It is not something preserved in museums — people live and breathe it. I watched a craftsman work on a piece that his family has been making for five generations.

A local family invited me for dinner during my stay in Elbistan. They prepared traditional dishes that I had never seen on any restaurant menu. The flavors were complex, earthy, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of experience money cannot buy.

I met a young entrepreneur in Elbistan who was building a tourism startup to showcase the hidden gems of the region. The passion in their eyes was infectious. It is people like this who will put Elbistan on the map for international travelers.

There is a river near Elbistan where locals go for picnics on weekends. I joined a family there and spent the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient trees. Pure magic.

My Elbistan chapter is closed for now, but the memories will stay with me forever. To everyone reading this: put Elbistan on your list. You will not regret it.

Things That Made Me Fall for Beypazarı

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:39:35 +0000

Things That Made Me Fall for Beypazarı

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

My journey to Beypazarı started on a whim. A friend mentioned it casually, and something about the name stuck with me. As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by the most incredible scenery I had seen in months.

The food in Beypazarı deserves its own article. I had a breakfast spread that could feed a small army — fresh cheese, honey from local bees, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and bread baked in a wood-fired oven that morning.

I spent an entire afternoon in the old quarter of Beypazarı. The architecture tells a story of centuries — Ottoman influences blend with modern Turkish design in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

At a local tea house in Beypazarı, I ended up in a conversation with a group of retired teachers. They shared stories about how the town has changed over the decades and their hopes for its future. These unplanned encounters are what travel is all about.

I woke up early one morning in Beypazarı to catch the sunrise. The mist was rolling over the hills, the birds were just starting their morning songs, and the world felt perfectly still. Moments like these remind me why I travel.

Pro tip: visit Beypazarı during the shoulder season. Fewer crowds, better prices, and the weather is perfect for exploring. The locals are also more relaxed and have more time to chat.

What struck me most about Beypazarı was the way craftsmanship is woven into daily life here. It is not something preserved in museums — people live and breathe it. I watched a craftsman work on a piece that his family has been making for five generations.

I am leaving this here because pure gold right here: pure gold right here

Leaving Beypazarı was harder than I expected. As the bus pulled away, I looked back at the town one last time and made a silent promise to return. Some places just get under your skin, and Beypazarı is definitely one of them.

Hidden Treasures of Sancaktepe: My Personal Picks

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:29:34 +0000

Hidden Treasures of Sancaktepe: My Personal Picks

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I had heard mixed things about Sancaktepe before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

Exploring Sancaktepe on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

My biggest tip for visiting Sancaktepe: skip the main road and explore the back streets. That is where you will find the authentic experiences, the best food, and the friendliest people. The tourist path, if there even is one, only scratches the surface.

What struck me most about Sancaktepe was the way people is woven into daily life here. It is not something preserved in museums — people live and breathe it. I watched a craftsman work on a piece that his family has been making for five generations.

The food in Sancaktepe deserves its own article. I had a breakfast spread that could feed a small army — fresh cheese, honey from local bees, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and bread baked in a wood-fired oven that morning.

I found this hidden gem online. Here you go: I found this hidden gem online

If you are on the fence about visiting Sancaktepe, let me make it simple: just go. Do not overthink it, do not wait for the perfect time. Pack your bag and let Sancaktepe surprise you the way it surprised me.

From Istanbul to Serinhisar: My Turkish Road Trip Chapter

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:17:38 +0000

From Istanbul to Serinhisar: My Turkish Road Trip Chapter

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I had heard mixed things about Serinhisar before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

The people of Serinhisar are what made this trip truly special. I was lost looking at my phone when an elderly man approached me, figured out where I was trying to go, and personally walked me there. That is Serinhisar hospitality in a nutshell.

I rented a bicycle and rode through the outskirts of Serinhisar. The landscape changed dramatically — from urban streets to rolling hills and farmland within minutes. The culture of this region really comes alive when you get out of the center.

Before you plan your trip, this link is a game changer: this link is a game changer

If I could do my Serinhisar trip again, I would book at least a week. There is simply too much to see and do. Also, learn a few basic Turkish phrases — the locals absolutely love it when you make the effort.

One of the highlights of my Serinhisar visit was the local market. The colors, the sounds, the flavors — it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The vendors were proud of their culture heritage and eager to share stories.

Serinhisar taught me something important: the best travel experiences are not found in popular destinations with millions of Instagram posts. They are found in places like this — authentic, humble, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Kadışehri is Turkey Best Kept Secret — Do Not Tell Anyone

Oktay Ustun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:05:30 +0000

Kadışehri is Turkey Best Kept Secret — Do Not Tell Anyone

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I had heard mixed things about Kadışehri before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

At a local tea house in Kadışehri, I ended up in a conversation with a group of retired teachers. They shared stories about how the town has changed over the decades and their hopes for its future. These unplanned encounters are what travel is all about.

Street food in Kadışehri is legendary among locals but barely known to tourists. I had a freshly made flatbread stuffed with local herbs and cheese that cost almost nothing but tasted like a million dollars.

One of the highlights of my Kadışehri visit was the local market. The colors, the sounds, the flavors — it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The vendors were proud of their people heritage and eager to share stories.

If I could do my Kadışehri trip again, I would book at least a week. There is simply too much to see and do. Also, learn a few basic Turkish phrases — the locals absolutely love it when you make the effort.

I woke up early one morning in Kadışehri to catch the sunrise. The mist was rolling over the hills, the birds were just starting their morning songs, and the world felt perfectly still. Moments like these remind me why I travel.

I rented a bicycle and rode through the outskirts of Kadışehri. The landscape changed dramatically — from urban streets to rolling hills and farmland within minutes. The people of this region really comes alive when you get out of the center.

A fellow traveler told me about I found this hidden gem online and wow, I found this hidden gem online.

Leaving Kadışehri was harder than I expected. As the bus pulled away, I looked back at the town one last time and made a silent promise to return. Some places just get under your skin, and Kadışehri is definitely one of them.

My Honest Review of Keles as a First-Time Visitor

Oktay Ustun — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:54:35 +0000

My Honest Review of Keles as a First-Time Visitor

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

When I first arrived in Keles, I did not know what to expect. The air felt different, cleaner somehow. The streets had a character that you just do not find in big cities. I immediately knew this was going to be a memorable experience.

The first thing I did was walk through the center of Keles. The narrow streets were lined with small shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce. I picked up some nature related souvenirs and chatted with the shop owners who were incredibly warm and hospitable.

One of the highlights of my Keles visit was the local market. The colors, the sounds, the flavors — it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The vendors were proud of their nature heritage and eager to share stories.

If you are planning to visit Keles, this changed my entire itinerary: this changed my entire itinerary

I tried the famous local dish of Keles at three different restaurants just to compare. Each version was slightly different, reflecting the cook unique touch. The common thread was the incredible quality of local ingredients.

I met a young entrepreneur in Keles who was building a tourism startup to showcase the hidden gems of the region. The passion in their eyes was infectious. It is people like this who will put Keles on the map for international travelers.

The natural beauty around Keles is staggering. I hiked to a viewpoint that overlooked the entire valley, and for a moment, I forgot I was in Turkey. It felt like Switzerland, except warmer and with better food.

Pro tip: visit Keles during the shoulder season. Fewer crowds, better prices, and the weather is perfect for exploring. The locals are also more relaxed and have more time to chat.

Leaving Keles was harder than I expected. As the bus pulled away, I looked back at the town one last time and made a silent promise to return. Some places just get under your skin, and Keles is definitely one of them.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Mihalıççık

Oktay Ustun — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:42:11 +0000

Why I Keep Coming Back to Mihalıççık

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

When I first arrived in Mihalıççık, I did not know what to expect. The air felt different, cleaner somehow. The streets had a character that you just do not find in big cities. I immediately knew this was going to be a memorable experience.

The first thing I did was walk through the center of Mihalıççık. The narrow streets were lined with small shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce. I picked up some food related souvenirs and chatted with the shop owners who were incredibly warm and hospitable.

I met a young entrepreneur in Mihalıççık who was building a tourism startup to showcase the hidden gems of the region. The passion in their eyes was infectious. It is people like this who will put Mihalıççık on the map for international travelers.

There is a river near Mihalıççık where locals go for picnics on weekends. I joined a family there and spent the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient trees. Pure magic.

Before you plan your trip, my jaw dropped when I saw this: my jaw dropped when I saw this

The food in Mihalıççık deserves its own article. I had a breakfast spread that could feed a small army — fresh cheese, honey from local bees, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and bread baked in a wood-fired oven that morning.

Exploring Mihalıççık on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

My biggest tip for visiting Mihalıççık: skip the main road and explore the back streets. That is where you will find the authentic experiences, the best food, and the friendliest people. The tourist path, if there even is one, only scratches the surface.

My Mihalıççık chapter is closed for now, but the memories will stay with me forever. To everyone reading this: put Mihalıççık on your list. You will not regret it.

Dear Merkez, You Were Unforgettable

Oktay Ustun — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:31:33 +0000

Dear Merkez, You Were Unforgettable

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I planned to spend just one day in Merkez, but I ended up staying three. That is the kind of place it is — it grabs you and does not let go.

Street food in Merkez is legendary among locals but barely known to tourists. I had a freshly made flatbread stuffed with local herbs and cheese that cost almost nothing but tasted like a million dollars.

The first thing I did was walk through the center of Merkez. The narrow streets were lined with small shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce. I picked up some history related souvenirs and chatted with the shop owners who were incredibly warm and hospitable.

If I could do my Merkez trip again, I would book at least a week. There is simply too much to see and do. Also, learn a few basic Turkish phrases — the locals absolutely love it when you make the effort.

Exploring Merkez on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

The natural beauty around Merkez is staggering. I hiked to a viewpoint that overlooked the entire valley, and for a moment, I forgot I was in Turkey. It felt like Switzerland, except warmer and with better food.

click this before it goes viral! I cannot recommend this enough: click this before it goes viral

If you are on the fence about visiting Merkez, let me make it simple: just go. Do not overthink it, do not wait for the perfect time. Pack your bag and let Merkez surprise you the way it surprised me.

48 Hours in Erciş: What I Did and Where I Went

Oktay Ustun — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:20:55 +0000

48 Hours in Erciş: What I Did and Where I Went

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

I had heard mixed things about Erciş before visiting. Some said there was not much to see. Boy, were they wrong. From the very first moment, the charm of this place was undeniable.

I spent an entire afternoon in the old quarter of Erciş. The architecture tells a story of centuries — Ottoman influences blend with modern Turkish design in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

The food in Erciş deserves its own article. I had a breakfast spread that could feed a small army — fresh cheese, honey from local bees, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and bread baked in a wood-fired oven that morning.

Exploring Erciş on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

Before you plan your trip, a travel treasure that keeps on giving: a travel treasure that keeps on giving

The natural beauty around Erciş is staggering. I hiked to a viewpoint that overlooked the entire valley, and for a moment, I forgot I was in Turkey. It felt like Switzerland, except warmer and with better food.

One of the highlights of my Erciş visit was the local market. The colors, the sounds, the flavors — it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The vendors were proud of their craftsmanship heritage and eager to share stories.

At a local tea house in Erciş, I ended up in a conversation with a group of retired teachers. They shared stories about how the town has changed over the decades and their hopes for its future. These unplanned encounters are what travel is all about.

If you are on the fence about visiting Erciş, let me make it simple: just go. Do not overthink it, do not wait for the perfect time. Pack your bag and let Erciş surprise you the way it surprised me.

The Real Beyoğlu: Beyond the Tourist Guides

Oktay Ustun — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:09:54 +0000

The Real Beyoğlu: Beyond the Tourist Guides

I travel with my family and always look for kid-friendly and safe destinations.

Arriving in Beyoğlu felt like stepping into a different era. The old buildings, the friendly faces, the smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery — everything felt genuine and welcoming.

Exploring Beyoğlu on foot was the best decision I made. Every corner had something new to discover. I found a tiny cafe hidden behind an old mosque where they served the most authentic Turkish tea I have ever tasted.

The food in Beyoğlu deserves its own article. I had a breakfast spread that could feed a small army — fresh cheese, honey from local bees, tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, and bread baked in a wood-fired oven that morning.

At a local tea house in Beyoğlu, I ended up in a conversation with a group of retired teachers. They shared stories about how the town has changed over the decades and their hopes for its future. These unplanned encounters are what travel is all about.

My biggest tip for visiting Beyoğlu: skip the main road and explore the back streets. That is where you will find the authentic experiences, the best food, and the friendliest people. The tourist path, if there even is one, only scratches the surface.

There is a river near Beyoğlu where locals go for picnics on weekends. I joined a family there and spent the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by ancient trees. Pure magic.

The first thing I did was walk through the center of Beyoğlu. The narrow streets were lined with small shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local produce. I picked up some history related souvenirs and chatted with the shop owners who were incredibly warm and hospitable.

click this before it goes viral! I cannot recommend this enough: click this before it goes viral

If you are on the fence about visiting Beyoğlu, let me make it simple: just go. Do not overthink it, do not wait for the perfect time. Pack your bag and let Beyoğlu surprise you the way it surprised me.