Zeynep Ozortac

Istanbul

Spotter since 2023

About me

I am Zeynep who embraces the different aspects of life and finds joy in the simple pleasures. Although I have a background in civil engineering, my journey has taken an unexpected turn as my soft skills and interest in human dynamics led me to a career in HR. I always had a deep passion for art. In my free time, I transfer my curiosity and creativity into various forms of expression. What once started as a hobby has now evolved into a unique clothing brand, ZepArt.

I love to take long walks by the Bosphorus. The vibrancy and diversity of urban environments inspire me to create art, but nature also holds a special place in my heart, and I cherish spending time in the peace of forests. As I age, I see my life as my personal masterpiece—a result of experiences and coincidences. Like one of my tattoos says, “Why not?”.

Why Istanbul? For me, Istanbul, an effortless city that weaves the old and the new, chaos and serenity, Europe and Asia, reflects life itself. It has a special place in my heart as it holds my cherished childhood memories, my many firsts, and my victories & defeats. Istanbul, one of the oldest cities in the world, has a thousand years of history. The city was the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.

That chaos of ours is never a flaw but a source of energy. Curious and passionate souls like myself who are looking for a multifaceted experience will be more than happy here. The energy generated by chaos, breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and the hospitality of its people make it a truly inspiring destination. Its complexities and allure have the power to capture the heart and soul of anyone lucky enough to experience its wonders.

My spots (28)

Napoli Gourmet Nisantasi

Hopping to Naples

When you settle down you are greeted with a complimentary drink. Then I recommend trying their burrata as a starter, and mindblowing tiramisu as dessert.

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Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 24, 2025

Kamondo Merdivenleri

Stairs from Constantinople

Despite the passage of time they continue to stand proudly, showing the spirit of Istanbul and its ability to embrace the old while welcoming the new.

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Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 21, 2025

Poltory Bookstore

Unique bookstore in Çukurcuma

What's even more impressive is that the Tatar and Ukranian owners of Poltory are writers themselves. You can feel the passion for literature in every nook.

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 21, 2025

Frankestayn Kitabevi

Empowering pages in Beyoglu

Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 13, 2025

Filiz Restaurant

Local way of fish and meze

Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers...

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Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 13, 2025

Moda Nostalgia Tramvay

Ride On The Asian Side

Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.

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Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 11, 2025

Az Cok Thai

Flavors of Thailand in your plate

At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.

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Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 11, 2025

The Museum of Innocence

Beauty of Storytelling

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Apr 8, 2025

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