İsmail Saymaz, a prominent Turkish investigative journalist known for his sharp insights and critical reporting, has largely kept his personal life private, yet his journey into matrimony has been a publicly celebrated affair. His romantic path culminated in a significant union that has been shared with his followers and the public, marking a new chapter in his life.
Saymaz's engagement to Şeyda Sayar, a translator with a background in languages and literature from Ankara University and studies in Spain, was announced in September 2019. The journalist humorously shared the news on his Instagram account, stating, "As of today, we are transitioning to a co-presidency system," a playful nod to their impending partnership.
The couple's meeting had a fittingly intellectual backdrop; they reportedly met at the Uğur Mumcu Investigative Journalism Foundation. Özge Mumcu Aybars, daughter of the late journalist Uğur Mumcu, revealed that Sayar was a student in a class where Saymaz was teaching, leading to their initial connection.
Their wedding plans faced initial hurdles due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally set for April 5, 2020, the ceremony at the Istanbul Hilton was postponed twice, first to June 14, 2020, and then finally taking place on August 16, 2020.
Despite the postponements, İsmail Saymaz and Şeyda Sayar officially tied the knot in a modest ceremony attended by close family and friends. Reports highlighted the unique and amusing coincidence of their surnames, Saymaz (meaning 'does not count' or 'does not stray') and Sayar (meaning 'counts' or 'strays'), which became a lighthearted topic of discussion on social media.
The couple’s joy expanded with the birth of their son, Boran, on January 1, 2023. While Saymaz and Sayar maintain a relatively private family life away from the media spotlight, the arrival of their child was a publicly shared milestone, further cementing their bond.
Şeyda Sayar Saymaz is known for her professional career as a translator and her interest in black and white photography, reflecting a more reserved public persona compared to her journalist husband. The couple's relationship is characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to privacy, despite Saymaz's public profession.
Their journey from meeting at a journalism foundation to building a family together illustrates a stable and enduring partnership. İsmail Saymaz's romantic history, primarily defined by his marriage to Şeyda Sayar, reflects a personal life that has found balance amidst his demanding and often controversial journalistic career.