I’m Ali, an aerospace engineer originally from Istanbul, currently based between Turkey and Europe.

I enjoy traveling, working on aircraft and AI-related projects, reading a lot, and having calm, meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds. I’m curious by nature and genuinely enjoy listening to others’ stories and perspectives.

I always make my fair share of contribution!

I’m easygoing, respectful, non-smoking, and value clear communication and personal boundaries. I work quite a bit, but when I meet or host someone, I’m present and considerate — I believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe.

Between 2019 and 2023, my father and I hosted around 80 guests at our home, so I’m familiar with being both a host and a guest and with the responsibility that comes with it.
My father’s account: https://www.couchsurfing.com/users/2009875266

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, Couchsurfing is about cultural exchange and real human connection.

I enjoy meeting people not just to see a city, but to understand how others live, think, and see the world. Some of my favorite travel memories are simple conversations that stayed with me long after the trip ended.

I especially enjoy hosting, but I’m equally happy meeting locals or fellow travelers for a walk, a coffee, or a good conversation.

Interests

My work is in aerospace engineering, but outside of work my interests are quite varied.

I enjoy:

Hiking and spending time in nature

Astronomy and looking at the night sky

Reading (both literature and science)

Writing from time to time

Learning about history, cultures, and languages

I’m curious about many things, so if you’re passionate about something, I’m usually happy to listen and learn.

• hiking
• astronomy
• storytelling
• languages and cultures
• aerospace
• rockets
• sightseing

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: The Killers, Kings of Leon, Kino (yes the Soviet one), Queen, Cem Karaca, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Duran Duran, Sinatra.
Movies: Interstellar, LOTR, Pulp Fiction, Tokyo Story, The Green Mile.
Books: Sagan, Hawking, Tolkien, Márquez, … plus hundreds scientific articles :P .
(If you like literature review, we’ll get along.)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

• Flown a helicopter
• Published a book in the US
• Wrote an international aviation standard
• Helped design aircraft systems
Life takes you strange places if you say yes often enough.

I’ve been lucky to work on interesting projects and travel to many places.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you:
• Turkish
• French basics
• AI & aircraft design
• The strange history of aviation accidents (if you’re into that)

I’d love to learn:
• Your language
• Your culture
• Your worldview
• Your favorite movie or book I haven’t discovered yet

And I always share Turkish coffee, lokum, and good conversation.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Empathy, calmness, curiosity.

• AI & aircraft design
• The strange history of aviation accidents (if you’re into that)
• Turkish
• French
• English

People tell me I have the kind of presence that makes them feel grounded, which might be the most meaningful compliment I’ve received.

And of course… I can fix your PC and speed it up.
And I always contribute my fair share, no host is a "free hotel".

Respect, calm energy, and curiosity.

I’m tidy, non-smoking, and contribute fairly — I don’t treat Couchsurfing like a free hotel. I’m also happy to help with small things if needed.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Turkey