Turkish Travelers Society
The idea of Turkish Travelers Society is to improve the travel culture while bringing together travelers from all around Turkey in a mutual platform and creating an atmosphere of motivation and inspiration for future generations. Founded in February 2008.
Turkish Travelers Society is currently the oldest network of independent and individual travelers in Turkey. The founders of the society as well as members have been many times with interviews on TV, radio, newspapers, magazines and on the internet.
The Society cooperated with several companies and organisations. Products and destinations promoted, review articles introduced, campaigns executed. References available from Tourism Boards, Travel Agencies, Airline and Cruise Companies, Hotels and Restaurants. Experience in Frequent attendance in FAM Trips and Press Trips.
EXPO-Turkey became the sponsor of t-shirts for members, which created loyalty. Our members take photos and videos all around the world wearing our t-shirts and we share them.
The national flag carrier Turkish Airlines shared the dream of The Society and agreed for a sponsorship. Many destinations have been promoted by The Society for Turkish Airlines.
In 2013, the official website joined a competition conducted by the largest newspaper of Turkey. 1700+ websites were competing. Among all, the society received ‘The Most Expert Website in Turkey‘ award.
In 2014, received ‘The Most Unique Travel Blog in Turkey‘ award from a reputable Travelers Club.
In 2015, been the ‘Social Media Sponsor‘ for EMITT Istanbul, which is the world’s 5th largest tourism and travel exhibition.
Currently on social media:
55.000+ Facebook fans.
24.000+ Twitter followers.
9.000+ Instagram followers.
If you want to work with us or just to say ‘Hi!’ please get in touch
sirtcantalilar@sirtcantalilar.com
+90 533 466 5082 (whatsapp only)
BRIEF HISTORY
Early Days – First Dream
It all started with a dream shared by 3 young people. Year 2008. Remember; we’re talking about the old good days when concept of ‘blogging’ was new and ‘social media’ was just entering our lives. A platform among independent travelers was needed for Turkish people and someone should have taken the initiative. February 2008. Sırtçantalılar (literally Backpackers) was officially founded.
Engin Kaban, together with his 2 friends Ömürden Sezgin and Onur İnal started to announce the idea of The Travelers Society within their circle of traveler friends. By time, more people were involved. Starting as a yahoogroup, moving to a forum on the website; events followed. There have been many meetings in different cities, presentations of different countries from travelers to travelers. Several competitions were held and prizes like flight tickets, travel equipment were distributed.
Turkish Travelers Society quickly became a large network of independent travelers in Turkey. Several campaigns were conducted for the freedom of travel for Turkish citizens. These campaigns were against regulations like Turkish passport fees (being the most expensive in the world), visa issues and the like. Many of the campaigns ended with success which affected the whole population.
Nationwide Recognition
The power of the network and all the activities conducted also received the attention of the media. The founders of the society as well as members have been countless times on published and digital media. More coverage brought more popularity and the Turkish Travelers Society kept on growing both in quantity and quality.
The Future – Keep On Dreaming
Behind the scenes in Turkish Travelers Society, in addition to the founders, there is an enthusiastic team including a community manager, graphic designer and web developers to elevate the culture of travel in Turkey for everyone. There are many big projects ahead. Currently with almost 100.000 followers, fans and members, Sırtçantalılar is a strong society both in real life and online in its 11th year of existence.