Life in Turkey Blog Posts


The weird and wonderful world of camel wrestling

The weird and wonderful world of camel wrestling

It’s camel wrestling season, and Turks are travelling far and wide to watch the bizarre spectacle of two camels fighting it out in a bid for the top spot. Once hugely popular all around Turkey, the sport is now largely confined to the Aegean, where a full calendar of camel wrestling events is still well attended throughout the winter months.


How to get a Turkish residence permit

How to get a Turkish residence permit

With the introduction of an online system, applying for a Turkish Residence Permit has never been easier. The electronic system is the latest in a long line of measures designed to ease the way for foreigners to gain residency in Turkey - including the introduction of an automatic year-long residence permit for anyone who buys a property in Turkey, and the easing of the military clearance requirement.


6 ways living in Turkey can improve your life

6 ways living in Turkey can improve your life

Expat life in Turkey brings many benefits. Some of them - the favourable climate, the good healthy food - are well known. But did you know that there are other positives to living in Turkey that might just drastically change your life? Read how a Mediterranean diet, improved social life and immersing yourself in a new culture might be just what the doctor ordered.

7 Years, 6 Months, 1 Week, 1 Day, 9 Hours, 17 Minutes ago

9 habits of highly happy expats in Turkey

9 habits of highly happy expats in Turkey

What's the secret to finding happiness in your new life abroad? It's a good question. We asked three expats living in Turkey what they thought the key habits of happy expats were - and received some interesting replies. Their answers are a valuable insight into the essential tools expats need to forge a new life in a new country. 

7 Years, 6 Months, 1 Week, 3 Days, 5 Hours, 37 Minutes ago

How to live a successful expat life in Turkey

How to live a successful expat life in Turkey

While moving to Turkey might seem like the key to a happy life, the reality is it's not quite that simple. Sunshine and Mediterranean living help, of course, but the same rules that applied to your old way of life have not disappeared with the bad weather: after all, happiness comes from within. We explore ways of cultivating your happiness and finding contentment in your new life. 


Working in Turkey as a foreigner | What jobs can you do?

Working in Turkey as a foreigner | What jobs can you do?

While most expats retire to Turkey with the dream of putting their feet up while basking in the hot summer sun, some would like the choice of being able to work. Whether it is to meet people, keep active, or increase a monthly income, many jobs that require no training could be done by expats but how easy is it to work in Turkey?

7 Years, 7 Months, 3 Days, 23 Hours, 23 Minutes ago

6 spookiest sites in Turkey

6 spookiest sites in Turkey

You might be forgiven for thinking Turkey as being the land of sunshine and beaches. But scratch the surface and the country's incredible history springs to life. Underground cities, atmospheric ruins and abandoned villages - they're all part of Turkey's varied and colourful past. These sites each have a story to tell. Whether you believe in spirits or paranormal phenomena or not, we think you'll find these spooky sites as intriguingly fascinating as we do.


6 Apps that Every Expat in Turkey Should Have

6 Apps that Every Expat in Turkey Should Have

With the advancement of technology over the few years and the introduction of the app store, information for all your daily living is just a push of a button or a click of a phone away. For expats who move to Turkey, you can find everything from helpful tips, tour guides, historical facts, currency convertors, leaving no question unanswered about life in another country. Here are some apps that every expat should use. 


The secret lives of Turkey's gladiators

The secret lives of Turkey's gladiators

Heroes of the ancient world, gladiators were revered for their fighting prowess and physical strength. The gladiator graveyard at the ancient city of Ephesus continues to reveal the secrets of the lives of these legendary fighters, from their diet to the way they fought and died - and the results have been surprising, challenging what we thought we knew about gladiators.

7 Years, 7 Months, 1 Week, 4 Days, 18 Hours, 43 Minutes ago

10 best markets in Istanbul

10 best markets in Istanbul

From textiles to tomatoes, Turkey's largest city offers a wealth of bargains for keen shoppers. Istanbul is a shopper's paradise, with markets found in every corner of the city on every day of the week. There is truly something for everyone - even non-shoppers will enjoy sitting down with a cup of tea and watching locals and tourists sift through the piles of antiques, leather goods, brassware and produce.  We give you the lowdown of the 10 very best markets. 


How cats conquered Istanbul

How cats conquered Istanbul

One of the first things new visitors to Istanbul notice is that Cats are everywhere. In restaurants, cafes, schools, businesses - cats of all shapes and sizes and colours are found loitering, dozing and purring on whoever cares to show them some affection. We explore the history behind Istanbul’s enduring love for its feline residents.


11 things that will surprise you about living in Turkey

11 things that will surprise you about living in Turkey

There's plenty to like about living in Turkey. Moving away from home has its challenges, but it certainly has its rewards. From its colourful street vendors to its great customer service, here are the things that keep people coming back again and again - and even up stakes and moving to the country where east meets west.


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