Hi, I’m Ali — a filmmaker based in Istanbul, and someone who has always believed that the best stories are hidden in everyday lives, unexpected encounters, and conversations shaped by the road and shared moments along the way. I was born in 1993 in Malatya, a city in eastern Turkey, and I’ve been living in Istanbul since my university years. My journey into filmmaking started not from privilege, but from curiosity, persistence, and a deep need to understand people and the world around me. That curiosity has taken me from small neighborhoods to international classrooms, film sets, circles and cities across Europe and the US.

I studied Cinema and Television in English in Istanbul between 2011 and 2018. Along the way, I worked on numerous short films and documentaries as a director, assistant director, producer, and screenwriter. My path has been shaped by both theory and practice: film studies in Istanbul, media studies in Prague, cultural work in Berlin, academic English training in Austin, Texas, and finally an MA in Film Directing at the University of the Arts London, where I lived for over a year. Since June 2023, I’ve been working as a documentary film director at TRT, Turkey’s national broadcaster, focusing on human stories, social issues, and character-driven narratives. Storytelling, for me, is not just a profession — it’s a way of connecting with people.

Outside of my work, I’m someone who genuinely enjoys listening more than talking, cooking simple meals, exploring new cities on foot, guided by curiosity rather than maps, and getting lost in bookshops, cafés, and local neighborhoods. I love conversations about cinema, culture, travel, music, and life in general — but I’m equally happy talking about ordinary things. I’ve lived and worked in multicultural environments for years, so I deeply value respect, empathy, and mutual trust. Couchsurfing, to me, is not about a free place to stay; it’s about sharing stories, experiences, and perspectives, even if it’s just over a cup of tea after a long day.

I usually travel with my wife, and whether I’m traveling solo or with her, we are always respectful, clean, and easy-going guests. And if you’re ever visiting Istanbul, we’d be more than happy to share our favorite walking routes, local food spots, and hidden corners of the city. I believe every place is best understood through the people who live there — and every meaningful journey starts with a human connection. Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on the road.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In my thirties, I made a simple decision: to travel more often and experience places in a more human way. I’ve become what I like to call a gastro-traveller — discovering cultures through food, everyday routines, and the stories people share along the way. Instead of rushing from one landmark to another, I prefer slowing down, walking through neighborhoods, sharing meals, and listening.

In 2026, I’m planning to explore 10 new countries and cultures in depth, and Couchsurfing feels like the most natural part of that journey. It’s not just about a free place to stay, but about meeting people, exchanging perspectives, and turning a trip into a lived experience. Some of the most meaningful memories come from simple moments — conversations, small walks, and shared time on the road — and that’s exactly why I’m here.

Interests

• culture
• photography
• documentaries
• film making
• coffee
• walking
• traveling
• teaching
• languages
• language exchange
• travel
• food
• cinema
• english
• tea
• german
• storytelling
• film
• sci-fi
• stories
• local food
• gastronomy
• local culture
• slow travel
• world cinema
• travelling around the world
• local cuisine
• turkish
• documentary filmmaking
• coffee and tea

Music, Movies, and Books

I’m especially drawn to local and traditional music — sounds that carry the memory of a place, its people, and everyday life. Folk music, regional instruments, and traditional melodies from different cultures fascinate me, as they often tell stories more honestly than words.

I enjoy philosophy books, as well as novels and fictional stories that explore philosophical questions about life, identity, morality, and human existence. I’m particularly interested in stories that don’t give easy answers, but invite discussion, doubt, and reflection.

I watch films from across the world cinema as part of my work. Still, in recent years, I’ve developed a strong interest in soft science fiction — films that use sci-fi elements not for spectacle, but to explore human nature, ethics, and possible futures.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I travelled across Europe and the US on scholarships, learning not just cinema, but how different cultures live, eat, and see the world.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
Storytelling and film thinking
Basic photography and filmmaking
Observing cities through walking
Turkish culture, cuisine, and daily life
Turkish and English languages

Learn:
Local food cultures and cooking
Traditional music from different regions
Everyday life rituals in different cultures
New ways of slow travelling
Languages through daily conversations

Share:
Meaningful conversations on the road
Home-cooked meals
Walking routes and local neighborhoods
Film recommendations and discussions
Stories from travels and film sets

What I Can Share with Hosts

We can share thoughtful conversations, respect for your space, and genuine curiosity about your daily life and culture. We enjoy cooking simple meals, exchanging stories from the road, and spending time together when it feels natural and comfortable.

We're also happy to share our perspective as filmmakers — whether that means film recommendations, discussions about cinema and storytelling, or simply observing and appreciating a place through local eyes. And if you ever visit Istanbul, we'd love to return the favor by sharing my favorite walking routes, food spots, and hidden corners of the city.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, England, Germany, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States