Last updated: December 2025
Privacy Policy
At Istanbul Clues (https://istanbulclues.com), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy document explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.
1. Who We Are
Istanbul Clues is an independent travel guide website focused on Istanbul, operated by a licensed tour guide.
Website: https://istanbulclues.com
Contact email: info@istanbulclues.com
2. Information We Collect
We collect limited personal information only when it is voluntarily provided.
a) Comments
When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect:
- The data shown in the comments form
- Visitor IP address
- Browser user agent string
This information is collected to help with spam detection and moderation.
An anonymized hash of your email address may be sent to the Gravatar service to display a profile image if you use Gravatar.
Gravatar privacy policy: https://automattic.com/privacy/
3. Cookies
Our website uses cookies for basic functionality and analytics.
- If you leave a comment, cookies may store your name and email for convenience.
- Cookies help us understand how visitors use the site and improve content quality.
You can disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.
4. Advertising and Analytics
Google AdSense
Istanbul Clues uses Google AdSense to display advertisements.
Google and its partners may use cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to show ads based on your visits to this and other websites.
You can opt out of personalized advertising here:
https://www.google.com/settings/ads
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website.
This service collects anonymous information such as:
- IP address (anonymized where applicable)
- Browser type
- Pages visited
- Time spent on the site
This data helps us improve user experience and content quality.
5. Affiliate Disclosure
Istanbul Clues participates in affiliate marketing programs, including GetYourGuide and similar platforms.
This means:
- Some links on this website are affiliate links
- If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission
- There is no additional cost to you
Affiliate partnerships help support the maintenance and content creation of this website.
6. Embedded Content from Other Websites
Articles on Istanbul Clues may include embedded content (such as videos, maps, or booking widgets).
Embedded content behaves in the same way as if you visited the external website directly. These third-party sites may collect data, use cookies, or track interactions according to their own privacy policies.
7. How Long We Retain Your Data
- Comments and their metadata are retained indefinitely to allow automatic approval of follow-up comments.
- We do not collect user accounts or membership data.
8. Your Data Protection Rights (GDPR & KVKK)
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal data
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Object to certain types of data processing
To exercise these rights, please contact us via email.
9. Where Your Data Is Sent
Visitor comments may be checked through automated spam detection services.
10. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact us at:
