Mehmet Gurkaynak. General Manager Turkish Airlines Balkans

Mehmet Gürkaynak has held this position in Bulgaria since February 2017, serving as Director for both the Sofia and Varna offices of Turkish Airlines. He has been working for the airline since 2011. An electrical engineer by education, he holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the United States.

Which destination do passengers from Sofia fly to most frequently? Why do you think that is?

The Bulgarian market is highly developed and allows travelers to reach numerous destinations worldwide. However, when it comes to leisure travel, people prefer places like Mauritius, Seychelles, Phuket, Havana, etc. Turkish Airlines flies to 120 countries – more than any other airline reaching 331 destinations. Our motto is ‘Widen Your World,’ and our passengers in Bulgaria have already begun to follow it.

Where would you travel to, and which destination would you recommend to our editorial team?

Turkish Airlines strives to offer its customers the most comfortable travel experience in both Economy and Business Class, and takes pride in being awarded ‘Best Airline in Europe’ from 2011 to 2016, and ‘Best Airline in Southern Europe’ for nine consecutive years. Offering a wide range of luxury amenities, our Business Class services, which won the ‘Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ award in 2017, are highly acclaimed by travelers, much like our lounge at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.

It was recognized as the ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge’ in 2017. Turkish Airlines aims to make the passengers’ experience, from the airport right up to boarding, a seamless part of their vacation. For this reason, I would recommend traveling to more long-haul destinations such as the USA and the Far East, especially Bangkok and Phuket – two of our destinations that are truly worth visiting. Another great choice is Nairobi – Kilimanjaro for those who love safaris, or São Paulo and Buenos Aires for those wishing to immerse themselves in Latino culture.

Tell us a bit more about the experiences that everyone visiting Turkey for the first time should have – which places are a must-visit, what should they buy, and what kind of food should they try?

Turkey is a large country – a bridge between the East and the West. Of course, every city has a distinct and specific culture, but Istanbul is the place that must be visited first. It is one of the largest megacities in the world, with a population of over 18 million people. The city boasts a unique, centuries-old history. As Napoleon Bonaparte once said, expressing his personal impressions of the city: ‘If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.’ In this metropolis, you can explore a rich history spanning from Roman and Byzantine times to the Ottoman Empire, visit numerous museums, and experience world cultural heritage, while simultaneously enjoying the modern city rhythm, luxury shopping, and fine dining. In short, visit Istanbul, try traditional Turkish dishes (especially kebab), visit the Grand Bazaar, where you will find traditional artworks, and Nişantaşı, if you are interested in the latest fashion trends.

What are your business plans for the next two years? Will there be any new flights, services, or promotions?

Over the past 15 years, Turkish Airlines has been steadily expanding, which is why we will continue to grow in Bulgaria as well. We hope to offer travelers more flights from Sofia and Varna, as well as from other major cities in the country. We will continue to provide our customers with the best services through traditional Turkish hospitality.