Hi there! I'm a computer science student at the University of Glasgow, but I was born and raised in Istanbul. I no longer live in Istanbul, but I have a network of friends who still do and who would be happy to help you out if you need a place to stay or some advice on what to see and do while you're in the city. In high school, I spent a year abroad in Italy as part of an exchange program with AFS. I loved every minute of my time there and it really sparked my love for travel and meeting new people.

In my free time, I enjoy taking photos and exploring the world around me. Instagram @civan.dogan_
I'm a laid-back person who loves meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. If you're in need of a place to stay while you're in Istanbul, I'd be happy to connect you with my friends and help you out in any way I can. I'm looking forward to hosting travelers in the future when I have a place of my own. In the meantime, I'm happy to connect with other travelers and help them out in any way I can.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I believe that staying with locals is a great way to really get to know a place and its culture. I think it's much more interesting and authentic than staying in a hostel or hotel, and it allows you to learn so much more about the local way of life. I also love meeting new people and sharing stories and experiences, so Couchsurfing is a great way for me to do that.

Interests

• poetry
• photography
• technology
• history
• computers
• planes
• satellites

Music, Movies, and Books

If you're interested in learning more about Turkish folk music, I would be happy to help you out. I'm a big music fan myself and I love exploring different genres and artists. I'm always open to trying new things and expanding my musical horizons, so I would be more than happy to introduce you to some Turkish folk music and teach you about the different styles and instruments that are used

I'm not a big fan of Netflix or famous TV series, but I love watching festival films. I find that these films often have a unique and interesting perspective that you don't see in mainstream movies, and they can be a great way to discover new directors and actors.

My favorite book tends to change a lot, but two of the books that have really stayed with me are La Divina Commedia by Dante Alighieri and Doppler by Erlend Loe. La Divina Commedia is a classic Italian epic poem that takes the reader on a journey through the afterlife, and even though I am not a believer myself, I find it to be a beautifully written and thought-provoking work. Doppler, on the other hand, is a more contemporary novel about a man who is trying to escape the monotony of his life in the Norwegian countryside. It's a funny and poignant book that I think anyone can relate to. If you're in the mood for something a little different, I would definitely recommend checking out these two books.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I've done is that I am part of a student satellite group that is backed by the UK Space Agency. We are working on creating a software that will operate on a satellite, and we are planning to launch it in 2024. It's a really exciting project and I feel honored to be a part of it. I'm learning so much about satellite technology and the challenges involved in creating a software that can operate in space, and it's a great opportunity for me to apply my computer science skills in a unique and meaningful way. I'm looking forward to seeing our satellite launch.

Teach, Learn, Share

Being a computer science student, I have a lot of experience with technology and I am happy to help people with their tech problems. Whether you need help with your computer, your phone, or any other tech device, I would be happy to lend a hand and try to fix the issue. I'm also interested in different cultures and I have lived in both Turkey and Italy, so I have a good understanding of both of these cultures and how they compare to each other. I would be happy to share my thoughts and experiences with others and learn about their own cultures and backgrounds. Finally, I'm also interested in the history of religion and the role it has played in different cultures, so I would be happy to discuss old religions and minorities in Turkey with anyone who is interested.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can bring some stuff from Scotland like short breads

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Italy, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Scotland, Turkey