life in turkey

The mysterious life of the Fisherman of Halicarnassus

The Fisherman of Halicarnassus is a name many have heard, but few know the history behind the intriguing personality that has left an indelible mark on the Bodrum Peninsula. Marie Coggin, a longtime resident of Bodrum, explores the myth and legend surrounding the mysterious poet, prisoner and raconteur.

life in turkey , Turkish history bodrum
2018-November-22

Modern Architecture in Istanbul and buildings That Portray It

New styles and trends are born in cities, and the modern architecture of Istanbul isn’t an exception to this rule. Previously only renowned for its historical landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, new constructions portray the latest in architectural trends and are the brainchild of many esteemed international and Turkish architects. So which buildings are changing the face of the city’s urban landscape and skyline?

life in turkey
2018-November-19

How to eat your way around Istanbul in a day

What better way to devote the daylight hours than to the pursuit of culinary pleasure? Our suggestions for a day of eating your way around Turkey's largest city leave no gastronomic stone unturned. Explore some of the finest food available on Istanbul's streets. Bon appetit - or as they say in Turkey, afiyet olsun!

istanbul life in turkey
2018-November-14

Why Ataturk's legacy still looms large in Turkey

Most readers probably need no introduction to one of the most important historical figures of the 20th century, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the man who founded the Turkish Republic in 1923. You will find his statue dominating every town square in Turkey, home to thousands of such monuments, as well as his framed portrait adorning just about any workplace or office you are likely to visit.

life in turkey
2018-October-25

Why buy property in Side, Antalya

Awash with a rich cultural history, lots of fantastic sites and places to see such as: Apollo Theatre, Aspendos Bridge, plenty of museums, a golden beach, calm water, and not forgetting properties starting from as low as 70,000 Euros; there are many sides to Side that make this charming region within Antalya one of the favourite hotspots for overseas investors, lifestyle buyers, and those looking to retire abroad - read on to discover what makes Side tick and why you should consider Side when looking for your dream home in the sun and follow in the steps of Alexandra and Cleopatra by making Side your secret getaway.

how to find the right property , life in turkey antalya
2014-January-22

6 reasons we LOVE Side, Turkey

Sunny Side is just a short hop from Antalya Airport. Its handy location, as well as it's lovely beach and conveniently centred ruins, have ensured this small town's enduring popularity with tourists and expats. From water sports to ancient historical sites, we explore some of the reasons we love this Mediterranean town.

antalya life in turkey
2018-October-07

Antalya Information: City and Holiday Resort Area Guide

Antalya, a Mediterranean delight, is a large province of south Turkey that excels in tourism, foreign house sales and expat living. Comprising of the city centre, and many smaller seaside resorts, its reputation for shopping, nightlife, amazing touristic attractions has earned it the title of second most popular destination in the country. This Antalya information guide is an in-depth introduction, but to know more about it, seeing and experiencing it first hand is recommended.

antalya life in turkey
2018-September-16

Kalkan Information: Complete Area Guide and Resort Info

Kalkan is an enchanting place. Rising from a quaint fishing town, and trading port to an elite sector of Turkey’s real estate and tourism industries, it stands in a league of its own. While other Turkish coastal resorts garnered fame because of their colossal size and round-the-clock atmosphere, Kalkan established a more low-key identity. These days, it’s small size and exclusive, discreet reputation makes it a desirable place for holidays and permanent year-round living.

kalkan life in turkey
2018-August-28

Why you should visit Giresun, where legends are born

As tourists begin to explore the full potential of what Turkey has to offer, they're discovering places like Giresun Island, on the Black Sea coast. It's the spot where Jason supposedly hunted for the Golden Fleece. Today, it's a beautiful, quiet nature spot, ideal for a visit as you travel the intriguing Black Sea coast.

travel life in turkey
2018-August-23

Starlit musical magic: Gumusluk's music festival

In August, the International Gumusluk Classical Music festival lights up the quiet Bodrum seaside town of Gumusluk. Marie Coggin writes about the festival's transformation from it humble beginnings behind the bus station to the glitzy affair it's become today. However, the magic, music and humour of the performances remain unchanged.

life in turkey bodrum
2018-August-18

11 things you never knew about Turkish cay

Turks drink tea at any opportunity. In fact, they go through a whopping three kilos of it each year, drinking it at home, work, and in cafes and restaurants. We explore the Turkish traditions and customs behind the popular drink, and let you in on a few little-known facts about the drink.

life in turkey
2018-July-29

A Useful Expat Guide to Living in Turkey

We hope that by writing an expat guide to living in Turkey, all our customers who have plans to move to the country on a permanent basis will have a useful system to follow. However, while we have many hints, tips, guides, and bucket loads of advice, it is worth mentioning that some characteristics will stand you in good stead during the first year of living in Turkey as an expat.

life in turkey , moving to turkey retiring to turkey
2018-July-23

A vineyard for all seasons: visiting Bodrum's Mor Salkim

Wine lovers venturing outside the Bodrum peninsula will be richly rewarded: Mor Salkim's 96,000 square metres yield the varieties Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bornova Misketi. Turkey's growing reputation as a wine producing country might surprise some - but many historians believe wine began in the country, thousands of years ago.

bodrum life in turkey
2018-June-13

Weird and Unusual Things to do in Turkey

Holidaymakers want more than a beach life. Rather than visit top rated attractions they look for unknown, weird and wonderful themes. They are todays independent travellers, full of curiosity and want to know about unusual things to do. They want to visit unique places or indulge in activities they can’t do at home. They want to holiday like a Turk and fully immerse themselves in all things quirky. Whether you are young or old, adventurous or simply curious, Turkey delivers when it comes to places and attractions.

tourism in turkey life in turkey
2018-April-03

Expat Challenges in Turkey and How to Overcome Them

The dream of living in Turkey fills people with hope. They imagine a life by the beach, with gorgeous weather and a stunning home. They think of their perfect utopia, and it is what motivates to wake up. Unfortunately, while there is nothing wrong with this dream, it rarely goes so smoothly. Moving to a different country can be a stressful experience if you are not prepared for the expat challenges that accompany a life in Turkey.

life in turkey , moving to turkey retiring to turkey
2018-March-27

Is Turkey Safe? An expat living in Bodrum weighs in

"Is Turkey safe?" is something we're asked a lot. It's difficult to get an idea of what it's like to live, play and work in Turkey unless you're actually there. Marie Coggin, who lives in Gumusluk, sums up the reasons as to why she has always felt secure living in Turkey, and fills us in on some of measures she's seen to keep Turks and expats safe.

life in turkey bodrum
2018-March-12

Furniture Brands in Turkey

Whether buying a new house or revamping the old, one of the most exciting ways to spend our money is buying furniture. From the living room to the bedroom to balconies and terraces, the many furniture brands in Turkey appear in houses across the country. Some focus on luxurious designs while others are cheap, cheerful and ideal for budget conscious homemaker. Some have also earned themselves a countrywide reputation for excellence.

life in turkey shopping in turkey
2018-March-07

3 Famous Turkish Architects Creating a Legacy

Most people have heard of Mimar Sinan, the most famous Turkish architect. The Ottoman sultans adored his work, therefore cemented his place in their history. He inspired many of his students to go on and create masterpieces such as the Blue Mosque, but none could quite match his standards. However, during the last twenty years, Turkey has undergone a massive transformation in infrastructure and urban planning. Turkish architects are highly in demand.

life in turkey
2018-January-07

7 things foreigners love about Christmas in Turkey

Celebrating Christmas away from your home country doesn't need to be a sad occasion. On the contrary, there are many things to love about being somewhere different. From escaping commercialism to sampling cultures from all around the world, Bodrum resident Marie Coggin explains what she loves about spending Christmas in Turkey.

life in turkey bodrum
2017-December-20

Is Turkish Village Culture Dying Out?

In many countries across the globe, experts are asking whether village culture is dying out. In 2009, a study said the flight of young Germans to big cities were killing off small villages. Five years later, an environmental report said Italy is facing the abandonment of thousands of villages, and at the same time, risking an endangered way of life and decline of rural traditions and social communities. Let's explore villages in Turkey and see what is happening there.

life in turkey
2017-November-14