I was born in France 🇫🇷 to Turkish 🇹🇷 parents, so growing up between cultures was part of my life from the beginning

Later, travel took that curiosity much further. I started exploring the world with my backpack, meeting people, discovering different ways of living and learning how much our differences can teach us

65 countries later, curiosity is still what keeps me going

Of course, I remember the landscapes, the food and the places I've visited

But what shaped me most was discovering how differently people live, create and express themselves around the world

I learned by talking and sharing with people, but also by observing, especially when language was a barrier.
I visited cultural sites, wandered through local markets and discovered artworks that told me something about a place, its past and its present.

Over time, I realized that understanding those differences was my favorite part of travelling

I have always been drawn to local art and craft when I travel

A fabric, a ceramic piece, a painting or something handmade can carry materials, techniques, symbols and stories connected to a place

Sometimes, even without speaking the language, creativity gave me another way to connect with where I was

That's why today I look for the artists, artisans and independent places that keep local creativity alive.

For years, travelling gave me a lot, new perspectives, experiences, encounters and memories that shaped who I am today

At some point, I felt that simply visiting wasn't enough anymore

I wanted to add something to the way I travel: a way to contribute to the places and people that had given me so much

That's where the idea behind Öpproved began

Öpproved is my way of turning that intention into something concrete.

I explore cities looking for local artists, artisans, independent shops and cultural places, then share what I discover through guides, maps, videos and stories.

The goal is simple: help curious travelers discover what makes a place unique, and make it easier to support the people keeping that creativity alive

Ready to explore?

→ Discover the guides