Orhan Celik

He is the dearest of a dear friend of mine. He is our Orhan Baba. He is the true CS spirit that Istanbul lacks and Athens has today. Istanbul-0, Athens-1.

I kept switching up my couchsurf dates on Orhan - poor guy - but he was fantastic and introduced me to a few of his friends and I found a place to stay :) He also answered a few questions I had about traveling in Turkey before I arrived. We then met at a CS meeting in Istanbul before I left the city. Orhan, thanks for all your help!

Orhan is a rare breed that can be so welcoming, and so relaxed about being incredibly welcoming. The man is a philosopher at heart, with wisdom soothing out of his every sentence. He offers some of the best that Turkey has.

Efxaristw, file, for being my first couchsurfing experience.

Orhan is a real gentleman! A very friendly person with a huge warm heart!

what can I say for the most famouse CS-man ? :) The only problem is that we didn't spend much time together because he was on the trip, but as soon as we meet again, I will EDIT my reference :)

All I can say for now is he is PARTY_maniac :)

He has a very nice house in a very nice area of Istanbul. Talkative and nice guy, I am wondering how he can live in such a big messy eheheh! Also, I left you a bottle of Cognac coming directly from Kazakhstan, let me know if you like it ;-)

Orhan was really nice and friendly when I visited his place with Tayanc. We didn't have time to talk much, but yet he was a nice guy and I hope that I'll meet him again somewhere :)

Apart from Halim, Orhan is my favourite Istanbulian (that can't be right). I loved staying at his place and even more partying with him. He's one of the most relaxed guys I know with a magic solution for everything. The only thing that can destroy him is sljivovica. Love you dear!!!

Orhan was the most gracious couchsurfer I've ever had. He brought a lot of delicacies from Turkey and a gigantic waterpipe. We had a great time eating out, partying and talking about our lives. Orhan has a lot of positive energy and a real couchsurfing spirit. Happy 2008! See you in Istanbul later on!

There is about 16 million people in Istanbul,and of all those people I managed to find the best one of them, and that is Orhan.He picked me up at the trainstation and took me to his place where he in the late evening on a weekday served some real delicious turkish food and alcohol.He even let my australian friend stay with him that I meet in Thessaloniki even if my friend had not asked him to let him stay there.Orhan is sweet,lovely,funny and so interesting to hang out with.I felt like he was a real good friend of mine from the beginning I meet him,like I known him for a long time allready.He took me out to see some great live turkish gypsy music and we danced with his good friends in different nightclubs to balkan music in Taksim in to the early morning.Orhan is just so much fun and lovely.I hope he will come and stay with me one day so I can give back the same hospitality that he gave me.You are the best Orhan.

He was a great host, specially because he wasn't there.;))
We surfed his entire apartment, while he was in Greece,on a short business trip.Giving the keys was a gesture of a true CS ambassador!:)
Because of the circumstances we didn't spend much time with him,but for the time we did, I must say when it comes to parties and nightlife he's the man.:)
And my compliments for his taste in cigars.For their smell, I almost turned into smoker.;)

Orhan was a great connection to have in Istanbul. He hooked us up with other CouchSurfers in the area, took us out for drinks and a tour of Taksim nightlife, and introduced us to a fun club with live Gypsy music where we danced up a storm all night. Very amiable, funny, and lots of fun to hang out with - and not a bad dancer, either! Thanks, Orhan.

He is one of the most interesting and good guy on earth. You are losing alot if dont know him yet. And yet he became an ambassador quickly. Expecting him as global one though ;)

You know the feeling when you go to a place and meet somebody who makes you think: Fuuuuuuuuck, what a place!!! That's exactly what Orhan is like. Before taking the trip I knew I was gonna like Istanbul, but him and his fantastic friends made me completely fall in love with it. Absolutely amazing bloke. Take care, big boss! Lots of love from Belgrade!

We met in a CS meeting, danced in Araf all night and then I've been 'hosted' by his 'guests' in his house, while he was a guest of some other couchsurfer in Greece:) Orhan is a dance maniac! He is a very fun and also experienced couchsurfer, so ask him anything, he knows everything.. Thanks for your hospitality and see you again!

First we had great time in Belgrade dancing the night away and after that he hosted me in Istanbul but he was really bad host! :)) He left me all alone and went to Athens! I'm just kidding! The minute I got to Istanbul he took me out, we met a lot of couchsurfers and danced the night away! He is really somebody that you have to meet. Great person to spend time with and I'm sorry we haven't had more time to chat and explore Istanbul. See ya soon my friend! :)))

What can I say about Zouzounaki... It seems Orhan has grasped the true meaning of life. Actually next time I see him, I will ask him what it is... :) It was very nice meeting him...

i ve been hosted by his guests:) hope to know him better with time, in next meetings..

the famous zouzounaki. we spend some awesome hours together and from now on he knows my famous but secret recipe.

friend i want to see you again.

Great company, person and friends, i really felt at home when i CS at Orhan's. Thank you ;-)

Orhan is the greatest host available, I am sure of that!He is so funny, hospitable, laid back and gentle, a real party animal and all his friends are really nice too! Istanbul would be a completely different experience without him.

Orhan is a great person. One of the best host I've ever had before. Great time with a lot of couchsurfers, different people every night,talked and had fun a lot!He is ready to help every time to everyone!

This reference is a little late, but I'm just back from my trip. My friend Dan and I stayed with Orhan back in early July and he was a FANTASTIC host. How can you not love someone who takes you out dancing till 6 in the morning at a rooftop bar that plays The Doors on repeat? Orhan is the reason we loved Istanbul so much.

Orhan is a different kind of person; he behaved me so warm and friendly from the first second we met! He is funny, merry, energetic!

Orhan is a good guy and an organizer, likes to make people get together.we had a very good time, had a party, had a dinner... he's a great guy, very helpful, seems quite calm and relaxed but loves to parties a lot, always nice to have him around.. hugz :)

he is very funny smart and talkative. we didnt spend much time together but i got the feeling of his mode on fire so i'm sure i'd be great to hang out with you.
stay cool ;)

Hmmmm Orhan! I know there a few things to add about this guy! He has introduced me to some of the nicest and hip places in Istanbul, he's always there to help and to care when u need, a good listener and the person to contact if u really want to enclimatise yourself in the city.. It is a pitty we are going to lose him over Greece but hey exchanging populations all over again :)) Thumb up for u honey!!

ohran has the most in depth directions to his house i have ever seen in my life. it puts lonely planet to shame.
anyway. he put us up for a night on exceptionally short notice, we were and still are very grateful. lovely man.

Orhan is very good and warm-hearted friend of mine. He is very clever, enthusiastic and full of joy. You will miss a lot if you don't meet this great guy! :)

Right after observing his sincere efforts for the Free Hugs Campaign in Istanbul(applying for official permission,finding people for organization commitee,creating polls for the whole event etc.),i met him at the Free-Hugs-Party in the evening.He is very friendly and spreads energy to his around with his smile.He is a role-model for all the new members of CS Community who wants to understand the CS philosophy. It's a pity that he works for our rival company:)) but i definetly wanna meet him again and talk more in the following events and gatherings..

he is a goog friend from highschool who introduced me couchsurfing for which i am very grateful

we met during free hugs campaign organizing and i met with him face 2 face today at the meeting.his efforts for the organisation was admirable :)) generous,helpful,creative person

Orhan saved me because my host disappeard. I could surf his couch spontanly. He explained me all the important things and ways. He also helped me to contact my boyfriend and I could use his phone. So Orhab is a very nice host.

He is 'üstad' about CS and finding good and new places to enjoy life in İstanbul's night life.If I could not meet him through HC, it would be a big gap and disconnection of friendship and life.He is totally cool and full of fun; If you can not see him at Taksim in a club, propably he might be working in front of a pc or vice versa.I prefer him to see in a club more than sitting in front of a PC. Last words;try to catch him and get the friendship.Do not forget this; party without Orhan is not a real party:)He is the smiling face of istanbul nights.....

We had a little time to talk at the meeting.. It was very crowded and loudy place but it's not difficult to understand that Orhan is a friendly and nice guy. I hope we will find more chance to know eachother well..

Orhan is a fantastic guy.He deserves every single word that's been written down in this page.so no need to repeat.and he definitely knows how to party.i think i'll need a kidney transplant in the near future thanks to him :p

Orhan was the first person I have ever couchhsurfed with! (I applied to couchsurf at his place only a few days after joining CS, {I only found out about CS and joined CS in May 2007 while I was travelling through Turkey!!}). Having gone through Orhan's profile, i knew we would get on great however I still felt a bit scared not knowing exactly what to expect. However I felt instantly comfortable the night I arrived and any fears also disappeared within a few days. I had many nice conversations with Orhan and could hardly believe how much he trusted me and that he let me stay at his house while he was overseas in Spain! Ovreall I think I had a great time at Orhan's place and I can hardly wait for my next fascinating CS experience. Thanks Orhan for such a fantastic introduction to CS!

Orhan is the MAN! Although originally from Bursa, Orhan is Istanbul and Istanbul is Orhan. Thanks for a great time in your Besiktas home. When are you coming to Qudus?

I met Orhan on my way to a festival in Konya and on my way back. He was one of the first to respond to my HC message, and I stayed at his place for 4 days.
Orhan is a coolest host and a very friendly, social, well-humoured person with overwhelming energy. During my stay it felt like I knew him for a long time - you can have interesting conversations about anything, cook some fish in his balcony when watching amazing (almost aerial) night views of Istanbul. I also met his cheerful friends for some chat, lots of laughs and a few drinks. He was quite busy with his job, but nevertheless he did everything and more so I would feel like at home. And Istanbul felt like at home indeed - thanks a lot Orhan! I am definitelly recommending Orhan as a host and brilliant companion.

Too much of Orhan can severly dammage your brain... I SPENT A FANTASTIC WEEK END! i think i ll never forget this night in taksim and this sunday with the istanbul's CS!
Thx for everything and see you in september! I dont forget our bet about the song... you ll see!

I am traveling with my friend Kate and we stayed with Orhan for three nights. He is extremely welcoming, warm, generous. He's a bonvivant and took us out on the town for an unforgettable night of dancing.

Orhan is a swell guy to let so many people crash at his place. We all braved the heat together, and enjoyed cramming into the porch to chat about history and cultures. He likes to poke fun at Americans, which is fine by me, as I like to poke fun at myself anyway :).

Orhan was kind enough to host my sister and I at a moment's notice, when our initial arrangements didn't work out. He is truly interested in the wellbeing of travelers to Istanbul and I really appreciate his help!

Orhan is a perfect host! He is kind and trustworthy, he pratically lives with his host. If you pass form Istambul be sure to pop up for a night at Orhan House, it's really the couchsurfer Turkish cave of magic, hospitality, firiendship & FUN! Thanks Orhan for everything! Hope to surf your couch again :D

a great host, a great CSer... an open-minded, warm-blooded, outgoing, sincere, friendly person with full of fun. i had a chance to surf at his place for 2 days and really had a good time with him and his friends.he also gave me a big support about my CS project and let me know very nice ppl.i am proud of my country ambassador!!!he def!!! is representing turkey and turkish ppl in the best way.tnx for everything orhan!!!

orhan is a really charismatic, laid-back guy. wish we could have spent more time with him in istanbul. he let us stay at his flat (with a great view of the sunset) twice. we had some good conversations--orhan's a great, interesting host. hope to see you again sometime.

orhan showed me a real good time in istanbul and a lot of hospitality, definitely had a great time at his place

We hang out with Orhan in parties, having fun there. He is a great guy and a pillar of the Turkish-Greek friends group.

He is a person with a broad Buddha smile like this: :) Actually I am surprised that he is already up this morning and browsing couchsurfing, because when I left my party last night he did not make the impression that he is going to call it a night soon. Hehe. He surprised me with his observations darted right to the spot about the cafe place that we were in and its people, including me. A truely analytical mind with the neccessary loose element to it. See you around, Orhan!

updated on 22.06.2007: in my last visit to İstanbul, we met in Taksim for a drink. he had a guest (again, i wasn't surprised:)) i also met his friends and we had an awesome night together. he is full of energy and he spreads his positive energy around. he also advised me a lot about CS. he s one of the coolest guys in Turkey. waiting for the next meeting, my friend:)-----------------------------3_05_07-----------------------------
we havent met in person yet, but i hope we ll meet sometime.. i was looking for a host for my friend in İstanbul and he hosted my friend/guest there.. i think he is very helpful, friendly and fun.. teşekkür ederim Orhan:)

Orhan is a great person. So willing to have three traversing people stay with him, even when he was getting back from trips himself. And his carnivorous plants are awesome!

Super Nice Guy. Makes a great meet for coffee person. Im sure hosting him would be wonderful. Him and his wife are nice, brought tasty sweets, interesting and cool. Super hope to see them again!

Took us in even though he hımself had just returned to istanbul. Was super freındly and hospıtable! I wısh that we could have spent more tıme wıth him...but alas the rest of Turkey outside of Istanbul was calling...Also he has some pretty sweet carnivorous plants!

I felt I know this guy before I really met him. My flatmate told me great impressions on him after she visited him. When he came it was very easy to start conversation with him. He is more then interesting person with wide knowledge. He made more familiar to me contemporary Turkey, their culture and relations with neighbors. He is funny, great companion for drinking and laughing and very charismatics personality. Great fun with him is guaranteed! Hope to see you soon, my friend!

He is a very positive and cheerful person. I enjoyed talking with him. InshaAllah, Allah swt will increase his imaan and give him a good wife and Jannah. If you get the chance to meet him, I recommend you do so.

Orhan was a great host! I definitely felt comforatble staying at his place - an excellent first CS experience! I only wish that we had had more time to hang out and talk while I was there.

Now i can leave Turkey! At least i met ambassador! İ saw a lot of references to Orhan and from Orhan but to meet him in real life it's enjoyment) His personality is unique! Orhan, pls welcome to my place, İ'll be happy to host U!

A real "turco" with a genuine soul; he has a great sense of humor, but also has the capacity of turning serious discussions "about the world we live in and life in general" into a pleasant talk =))

I am happy that I met him, and I am willing to visit him at Istambul someday!

see you!

Orhan, my man... That man can not in any way be disliked. Thanks for "the coffee compliments", but to who this may concern - I am a lousy coffee maker.
I wish you all luck of this world Orhan, make sure that you don't change a bit!

I knew many things about him, before we met in person. We had some mutual guests, and they all told very good things about him. At last we met. I made an interview with him for the article that I was writing about CS and he helped me a lot. It is always good to know an ambassador… Especially if he is good in this :) He is friendly, lively and a person that unites people. He is like Japanese Glue that gets people together. A perfect match for CS, a perfect match as a friend.

Orhan offered to host me, took me out to a CSer's meeting, we talked and had alot of fun. He's a great guy, very dedicated to CS and very knowlegable in general - i loved talking to you and i'm waiting to meet you again!

He is the life of parties. You know, those dirty guys, he is one of them :) One thing i like about him, he has got a never ending smiling and warm aura around him.

We shared our life to much times... While I was in Greece, he supported me; and he is very funny person. I suggest everyone such a fellow.

We met Orhan in his apartment and went to a party together with some other CS friends of Orhan. We had a very great party and Orhan was all the time busy on his mobile to organize everything... Orhan is a real party animal :)
It was a great time and we hope to see each other soon!!!
UPDATE: One week later we surfed Orhans Couch for more than a week and had a great time... too bad that Orhan was extremly busy with his job - but we also
had some great evenings together! THX

Necho found Orhan over the CS and this is how we got to know the greatest people in Istanbul :)))

Nice smiling guy I spent a fair number of laughs and interesting talks with.
I'll be happy to host you in Treviso and show you around this beautiful place, m8!

Che is my friend ... Che is Orhan friend. So ... Orhan is my friend. In Serbian language Celik is very strong metal! I think that Orhan is very strong in his idea to travel a lot! I am so hapy that I meet one more man from Turkey and from one of the most beautiful cityes in the world ... from Istanbul! Take care man and see u soon!

First we met in Istanbul and then accidentaly in Belgrad! Orhan is so funny guy, taking pictures, laughing a lot and having fun ;) Hope to meet you soon again!

WOW! You know when you meet somebody and they're just made for couchsurfing? Well that's Orhan. You can tell he really enjoys meeting people from all over the world, and this plus his generous Turkish hospitality, snappy wittiness, and bear-trap mind makes him the epitomy of the perfect host (he lives in a really nice neighborhood too=)... Çok tesekkür ederim! and hope to see your smiling face again!

Orhan is an absolute star! He will show you where the best clubs in town are, will give you heaps of info on Istanbul and will generally go out of his way to make his guests comfortable. I stayed at his place together with my friend Ania for 4 days and I really enjoyed his company:)

He smiles all the time...I have a feeling that he was born with a big,beautiful smile on his face!!!Just keep smiling, file mou!! Kai ta ellhnika sou 8a einai teleia mia mera!!!!
8a ta poume!
Filakia

orhan..Homeros orhan..Likes talking maybe writing we couldn't figure it out yet:D:DHe is kind,warm-blooded and smart;)Cheers Orhan!You see i made it this time and responded your request!!!:D

Orhan was great. he's a natural couchsurfer. really chılled out. just happy to be hostıng. Was a great surfıng experıance. thanks orhan!!

This guy's unique. The ideal couchsurfer. You enter his great apartment and instantly you feel welcome and comfortable. Orhan's just an impressive personality, it seems impossible that with him in any given room or place the atmosphere will not be positive with spirits up. It was incredible how he would wake up early, work all day long, come back really late and then treat us to a great Taksim night (so much fun..), to wake up real early again. Fellow couchsurfers, take my advise, if you make it to Istanbul, try to meet this guy!

He deserves all the positive superlatives. I would have never really experienced Istanbul if it hasn't been to him. One of my greatest memories. I'll come again ;))

Orhan was great! I was able to experience both what the tourists do and even how the locals party. He made it a very memorable experience Thank you and hope to see you soon!

Despite his busy schedule, Orhan was glad to host me and gave me information and showed me how to get around Istanbul. When he found out that we study the same topic, he even arranged an opportunity for me to speak at his university.

Orhan is a very nice person who I met through my friends. He obviously likes to have people staying at his place allthe time...