Hi! My name is Gökdeniz. I’m a university student living in Istanbul, studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. I’m passionate about ships, the sea, and discovering new places and cultures. Traveling is not just about sightseeing for me it’s about meeting new people, sharing experiences, and learning from different perspectives. That’s why I joined Couchsurfing!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe the best way to understand a place is through its people. Hotels and tourist spots are nice, but they can’t replace real conversations, shared meals, or learning small things about everyday life in a new country.

As a student and someone curious about the world, I want to meet people from different backgrounds, hear their stories, and share mine. Couchsurfing feels like a community where travel becomes more meaningful — it’s not just about seeing new places, but building real connections.

Interests

I’m passionate about maritime engineering and ship design, but I also love exploring new cultures and meeting people from all around the world. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, especially detective novels, science fiction, and historical books. When it comes to movies, I enjoy classic and artistic films by directors like Wong Kar-wai and Stanley Kubrick. Music plays a big role in my life too I listen to everything from smooth jazz and Turkish rock to bands like Linkin Park and Placebo. I’m also a big fan of board games, especially games like Catan and Munchkin I love the strategy, the fun, and the chance to connect with friends over a good game night. Cooking traditional Turkish dishes like menemen and making Turkish coffee for friends is another way I enjoy sharing culture. Above all, I appreciate deep conversations about philosophy, culture, and life, and I’m always excited about traveling and discovering hidden gems in new cities.

• arts
• culture
• books
• architecture
• beauty
• dancing
• movies
• board games
• languages
• language exchange
• traditional food
• series
• game of thrones
• traditions
• lord of the rings
• kubrick
• bookstores
• dunes
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I enjoy a wide range of music—from smooth jazz to Turkish rock—and bands like Linkin Park, Placebo, and Epica are among my favorites. Music shapes my mood and helps me focus or relax, depending on the moment.

Movies:
I’m drawn to films that feel more like poetry than entertainment—stories that linger long after the credits roll. Directors like Wong Kar-wai, Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, and Stanley Kubrick inspire me deeply with their unique explorations of memory, time, dreams, and the human condition. Some of the films I truly admire include In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express, Barry Lyndon, La Dolce Vita, and The Seventh Seal. I love movies that communicate through silence, color, and atmosphere, and I enjoy reflecting on the hidden layers behind them.

Books:
I have a deep love for classics, detective novels, and science fiction. Some of my favorite books are Dune, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Odds Against by Adam Fawer. These genres and authors stimulate my imagination and make me think beyond the ordinary. I also enjoy exploring different cultures and philosophies through literature—reading is a journey for me, even when I’m not traveling.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you some basic Turkish words or phrases if you're interested in the language. I also know how to make traditional Turkish coffee and menemen, a delicious Turkish-style scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers — I'd be happy to show you! Besides that, I enjoy talking about ships, marine technology, and engineering in general.

Learn:
I love learning about new cultures, languages, daily life in different countries, and how people think and live across the world. I'm especially interested in traditional foods, local customs, and meaningful conversations. If you have a favorite recipe, song, or book from your country, I’d love to hear it!

Share:
I can share stories from my life as a student in Istanbul, interesting facts about Turkish culture, and good food. I’m always up for deep conversations, city walks, or just a relaxing chat over coffee or tea. And of course, I always bring a respectful and open-minded attitude.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m a respectful and curious guest who loves to learn about new cultures and share stories. I enjoy making traditional Turkish coffee and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I’m happy to help around the house if needed, and I bring positive energy and an open mind. Whether it’s sharing interesting facts about ships and engineering or playing a fun board game like Catan or Munchkin, I like to create friendly and memorable experiences. I believe the best travel moments come from genuine connections, and I’m always eager to make new friends around the world.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Turkey