istanbul

Esenyurt’s trajectory from small settlement in the 1980s to today’s sprawling neighbourhood has been nothing short of phenomenal. Often overlooked in favour of its more upmarket neighbours, Esenyurt’s smartening up, attracting a generation of first home buyers, and becoming a sought-after location for investment properties.

istanbul life in turkey
2022-February-14

Istanbul in February - Complete Guide and Things to Do

If you are thinking of visiting Istanbul in February, we wholeheartedly recommend a city break with so many things to do. Many people scoff at travelling during February, traditionally marking winter end. They prefer to wait until Spring; however, this wonderful global city has many delights and surprises regardless of the month.

istanbul , life in turkey tourism in turkey
2022-February-05

Things to do in Istanbul in January? A complete guide

Many people scoff at travelling this winter month, but Istanbul steps up as a perfect city break. If you are willing to forget about sunbathing and swimming, in return for cultural heritage and urban vibes, head to Istanbul after your celebrations. Benefits of visiting in January include fewer crowds at major tourist attractions, cheaper flight and hotel prices, traditional winter food and drinks like Salep.

istanbul , life in turkey tourism in turkey
2022-January-12

Why are Turkish property prices climbing?

It's a question Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin fields every week: inflation is high, the lira is low. So why are property prices rising? We look at the factors helping Turkish real estate continue to climb, and explain why waiting for a fall to invest in property is the worst possible move.

istanbul istanbul investment
2022-January-10

4 Excellent Reasons to Love Istanbul

A city that instantly leaves a mark on those who visit, Istanbul is a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis visited by millions of tourists every year. Some even return year after year, while others find it reinvents their outlook on life, promoting a new path and they return to be an expat by buying a property. We give you four good reasons why you will simply love Istanbul and all the city offers.

istanbul life in turkey
2016-February-01

Istanbul National Park: a haven in Turkey’s megacity

In a world of vanishing green spaces, the need for public parks has never been greater. The Istanbul National Park project, a huge green space on the site of the former Ataturk Airport, is set to become one of the city’s main attractions and is three times the size of New York’s Central Park.

istanbul
2021-December-31

Useful Apps for Expats in Istanbul - Guide to living in Turkey

The long list of apps for expats in Istanbul ensures that every resident, regardless of age or nationality, can effectively plan their time and receive advice, information, and tips direct from their mobile phone. Indeed, apps are now an essential part of our lives, whether ordering food, paying bills, or trying to get from one place to another.

istanbul , life in turkey moving to turkey
2021-December-21

Living in Istanbul: Pros and Cons for Foreign Expats

When it comes to living in Istanbul, stats show this is a popular hub for foreign expats. A recent report said that excluding refugees, 645,000 foreigners with residency permits lived in Turkey's biggest metropolis. Sitting next to the Marmara Sea, Bosphorus, and Golden Horn, Istanbul occupies Turkey's Northern, western corner and sits on an advantageous geographical location.

istanbul life in turkey
2021-November-18

How to beat the traffic in Istanbul

Despite being one of the world's most wonderful cities, with a population of about 16 million people, Istanbul is unfortunately one of the most congested. However, if you're smart, you can avoid the worst of it. Read our guide to discover ways to beat the traffic while getting the very best out of this magnificent city.

life in turkey istanbul
2021-November-17

Istanbul street food, what to expect when eating in Turkey

Believe it or not, we promise to you that there is much more to Turkish food than the traditional kebab or doner. In a blog that is sure to arouse the taste buds in many, we bring you our guide to enjoying Turkish street food and give you our top 15, yes 15, Turkish dishes to try for you foodies out there. Don't worry, we haven't left out the kebab or doner - we love them just as much as you do. Think we haven left something off our list? Let us know what Turkish food you love and enjoy most and we just might feature those in our next blog.

life in turkey , turkish cuisine istanbul
2014-March-28

Istanbul in bloom: April is the month of tulips

The coming of spring in Istanbul means the appearance of millions of brightly coloured tulips. The beautiful flowers carpet parks and green spaces around the city, bringing city dwellers out in droves to stroll around the parks and enjoy the sunshine. We give you the lowdown on the best places to enjoy the Istanbul Tulip Festival.

istanbul
2016-March-18

Escape the city: the best nature spots near Istanbul

The pandemic has given us a new appreciation for nature. Even if you're living in a city as large and dynamic as Istanbul, there are still ways to get out and enjoy wildlife, open vistas and beautiful spaces. Join us on a tour of some of the most tranquil spots outside Istanbul, opening up a new appreciation for this part of the country.

istanbul
2021-March-09

Discover Istanbul’s Hidden Gems

Are you a traveller? Or are you a tourist? There is a big difference which defines the two - when you land in a new destination, are you looking to leave your mark by whizzing around as fast as you can snap happy? Or looking for the destination to leave it's mark on you with beautiful memories that will last forever? If the latter is the case, this guide to some of Istanbul's well kept hidden gems will leave you exploring the city like no other tourist has before and returning with a box full of knowledge and insight into the real Istanbul.

istanbul
2013-December-01

Straight talk: how to make a killing in Istanbul

Cameron Deggin has a hard truth for Straight Talk watchers: the properties most aggressively marketed to foreign buyers aren't necessarily the ones that are going to yield returns. Deggin outlines the difference between the branded residences that dominate agent portfolios, and the smaller, lesser-known developments quietly making money.

how to find the right property , istanbul , istanbul investment Straight Talk
2021-February-11

Why interest is growing in Istanbul's seaside homes

Seaside property in Istanbul has always been popular. But with a growing awareness of the need for nature and space to keep us happy, and the new emphasis on social distancing, sea view property in Istanbul and suburbs close to the water are experience an unprecedented surge of interest.

istanbul
2020-December-14

Sacred Architecture: The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia of Istanbul

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are two dominant and majestic buildings within Istanbul that regularly make the listings in numerous guidebooks and travel blogs as two of the top landmarks to see in Istanbul. Standing directly opposite each other, the stories of these two buildings stretches far back, connecting two of the world’s greatest empires and also two of the world’s leading religions.

istanbul , tourism in turkey religion in turkey
2015-April-20

Shopping in Istanbul: Guide to Malls, Streets and Bazaars

Do not expect to go home with any loose change when shopping in Istanbul. The vast range of bazaars, malls and famous streets host thousands of bargains and luxury stores of which the happy sellers help to empty your purse. Whether buying souvenirs in bazaars, or clothes in cosmopolitan boutique stalls, travellers always find what they want in this vast metropolis.

shopping in turkey , tourism in turkey istanbul
2020-December-01

Straight Talk: Earthquakes in Turkey, am I at risk?

The devastating Izmir earthquake that claimed 116 lives has started a conversation. We were approached by many of our clients following this event, all asking the same question: how much risk am I from an earthquake in Turkey? Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin answers some of your questions.

istanbul investment
2020-November-24

Cheap Travel: Visiting Istanbul on a Budget

One of the top city break destinations in the world, Istanbul is a colossal city with a large diversity of things to do, places to see, and tourist attractions you cannot miss. To help you prepare for your trip to Istanbul, we prepare a budget article to show you just how far your money can stretch in Istanbul, and what you can do to make your trip as cheap as possible while still enjoying an experience to remember.

istanbul tourism in turkey
2015-November-23

Enjoy The Atmosphere Of Local Bazaars With Local People

Visiting a Bazaar in Turkey is an experience like no other and once that you must undertake at least once in your life. If you read the guide books, look online for things to do once you land in Turkey, you will almost definitely find that visiting a local Bazaar is high atop most people's list of their best things to see whilst your are here. Bazaars provide locals and tourists with an unlimited amount of fresh goods, and pretty much everything else you can think of in-between. In this blog we take a look at the local Bazaar in Turkey and why it is so popular amongst tourists and locals alike, an old meeting place where you never quite know what to expect - fantastic.

istanbul , tourism in turkey shopping in turkey
2014-June-17