life in turkey

How many Expats live in Turkey? Best cities to live

The expat residency population of Turkey runs into the thousands. An easy-going, relaxed lifestyle has lured many different nationalities to settle permanently in the country. They generally settle in the same areas and towns, although there are a few exceptions, notably, foreigners who have moved here for marriage and family. Find out how many expats live in Turkey, and where they decide to make their home.

life in turkey , moving to turkey retiring to turkey
2017-February-17

Should I move to Turkey? The pros and cons of moving abroad

Moving to that coveted place in the sun is a world away from a week-long sojourn in your favourite beach destination. We've listed the pros and cons of moving to Turkey, so you can weigh everything up and make your decision with confidence. Discover the good, the bad and the ugly about moving to Turkey.

moving to turkey life in turkey
2017-February-09

Easy Ways to Learn the Turkish Language

Thousands of expats and repeat holidaymakers to Turkey would like to learn the national language. Being fluent in Turkish bridges the social and cultural gaps but for expats or people in mixed cultural relationships, it also makes daily life much easier when you speak the native tongue. Some people have learned the language without difficulties, but most of our expat customers say it is hard, and they would love to find easy ways to learn Turkish - find out easy ways to learn Turkish here.

life in turkey , moving to turkey retiring to turkey
2017-January-24

7 Helpful Reasons to Buy Property in Kalkan

Gorgeous Kalkan on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey maintains a discreet reputation on the international travel and property scenes. Often overlooked by the neighbouring, characteristic town of Kas, many tourists also flock to the nearby hubs of Fethiye or Antalya instead. Kalkan remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets, and anyone looking for an abundant lifestyle devoid of hustle and bustle, would fare well to look more into the resort - find out why you should buy a property in Kalkan.

kalkan , real estate investment life in turkey
2017-January-24

Awkward Things about Living in Turkey

For the most part, expats in Turkey enjoy splendid lifestyles. Attracted by hot summer days, cool evenings and a cheap rate of living, we go about our daily business with ease. Occasionally, though, some situations and interactions with native Turks leave us speechless. Mainly arising from a difference in culture and traditions as well as a language barrier, when they happen, we are quite uncertain of how to respond. Here are some examples of awkward scenarios that most expats in Turkey have encountered at least once.

life in turkey moving to turkey
2017-January-05

Lonely hearts: moving to Turkey for love

Moving abroad can be challenging enough without having to adapt to your partner’s culture - not to mention their extended family. There's a language barrier, bureaucracy to navigate and friends to make. And that's just the first year. We speak to two people who have been there and done that: get the lowdown on moving to Turkey for love.

moving to turkey life in turkey
2016-November-21

Best regions of Turkey for Expat Living

With around 30 million tourists heading to Turkey each year, it is no surprise that more and more tourists are turning into expats, adding to the ranks of foreigners who have purchased real estate in Turkey. With the standard of living increasing on a yearly basis and the infrastructure and development of the country providing a rapid rise in quality of life, the questions would-be expats are asking is: where to live? With 770,000 square miles to choose from, the abundance of choice can prove to be a difficult one to make: in this blog we provide you the most popular and best areas for expats to live in Turkey.

cost of living in turkey , life in turkey moving to turkey
2014-December-11

Seven mistakes people make when they move to Turkey

There are two types of people who move to Turkey: the planners, who spend time researching their new country and all their new lives will bring, and the impulsive, who dive in headfirst, making it up as they go along. Which group you belong to can greatly impact your chances in a new country. However, as much as you plan for the concrete there will always be a few things you hadn’t anticipated. We look at some of the most common mistakes people make when they move to Turkey - and how you can combat them.

cost of living in turkey , life in turkey , retiring to turkey moving to turkey
2015-August-15

Churches in Turkey: Sign of the Cross

As a predominately Muslim country, people are often surprised to learn that Turkey has a historical timeline steeped in Christianity. The most abundant and obvious relics from that era are old churches, still standing in places like central Anatolian Cappadocia and Istanbul. Indeed one doesn’t have to look far to see the signs of Christianity’s history in Turkey, here you can read all about churches in Turkey.

religion in turkey , life in turkey , culture
2015-September-17

How to Spend 24 Hours in Bodrum

Bodrum on the Aegean coast of Turkey is a clustering of small holiday resorts and a larger town centre. Known as a major player of the Turkish Riviera, it has firmly established itself on the international yachting scene because of its excellence, not only for sailing boats but also for making them. Due to the enormous range of things to do and places to go, we have listed our top three favourite ideas of how to spend 24 hours in Bodrum.

bodrum , tourism in turkey life in turkey
2016-July-13

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.

life in turkey culture
2015-October-15

17 ways to deal with homesickness when you move to Turkey

It's rare to find the expat in Turkey who hasn't been afflicted at some point by homesickness. Whether it's a longing for your home, the loved ones you left behind - or even just your favourite food - homesickness is something every newcomer to Turkey will deal with at some point. Read our guide to the symptoms of homesickness, and how to combat its effects.

life in turkey , moving to turkey retiring to turkey
2016-October-03

Uncovering Bolu's hidden delights

Bolu might just be the most beautiful location you've never heard of. Located in northwestern Turkey, equidistant between Ankara and Istanbul, the region has a wealth of mountains, dense forests, natural springs and lakes, as well as a collection of Ottoman houses that draw visitors from all over the country. We've designed a luxury home here that's currently under construction. Discover the delights of Bolu - and how you too could build your dream home in this area of natural beauty.

life in turkey , how to find the right property Bolu
2016-March-04

9 Turkish habits that will drive you crazy, and how to manage them

Moving to a new country isn’t easy. It’s not just sandy beaches and sparkling seas - navigating a new culture can be interesting at best, and utterly infuriating at its worst. From driving to queuing, discover the nine Turkish habits sure to drive a new expat round the ben. But don’t worry - we also give you a few ideas of how to manage them without blowing a gasket.

life in turkey , moving to turkey , safety in turkey culture
2015-April-21

How Turkish television is taking over the world

From Albania to Argentina, Turkish television is rapidly colonising the globe. Its dramatic storylines - and luxuriant moustaches - are captivating the hearts and minds of television addicts from many different cultures. Discover why Turkish drama is so beloved by different countries and cultures.

life in turkey
2016-August-23

Famous Handicrafts of Turkey

It is inevitable that when man perfects an art skill, a stream of respect and admiration follows. This is true in particular areas of Turkey well known for developing certain handicrafts because many skilled artists and craftsmen, use simple tools or construct an item purely by hand. Despite the onslaught of modern machinery, skilled artisans still make a roaring trade in Turkey, and some of this can be credited to tourism and people’s desire for authentic souvenirs. It is worth looking at these trades history though because many flourished during a glorious era of the Ottoman Guild system.

arts , culture , life in turkey , tourism in turkey shopping in turkey
2016-August-06

Beautiful and Famous Mosques in Turkey

Opening their doors to everyone regardless of faith, the mosques of Turkey provide a unique insight into the role of Islam in this secular, democratic country. Even though a large proportion of the country is Muslim, not every citizen practises the religion so away from the bars and restaurants of the coastal resorts, seeing inside a mosque is an alternative and easy glimpse at one of the biggest religions of the world.

religion in turkey , life in turkey , culture
2016-July-24

How to Spend One Day in Antalya

Cosmopolitan Antalya, backed by the majestic snow-capped Taurus Mountains and fronted by the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea is Turkey’s most second visited destination. Popular with Turks, it is also a holiday haven for Europeans, and this is evident in the significant amount of all-inclusive hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and bars scattered throughout the main town and surrounding holiday resorts - here is your guide to spending one day in Antalya.

antalya , life in turkey tourism in turkey
2016-July-10

27 weird, wonderful and downright surprising facts about Turkey

You learn something new every day: especially when the subject is Turkey. With thousands of years and a continent-spanning geography to draw on it's hardly surprising this fascinating country is chock-full of interesting, incredible and downright weird facts. Learn some new and surprising things about this fantastic country - and let us know your own favourite facts about Turkey.

life in turkey
2016-June-08

From fasting to feasting: Ramadan in Turkey

The thirty-day holy month of Ramadan has kicked off in Turkey and elsewhere in the Muslim world. We fill you in on what will happen around the country during this period of fasting, prayer and celebration. Many non-Muslims are reluctant to get involved in this ancient festival, but the reality is everyone is welcome to join in the festivities - and sample some very delicious food.

life in turkey
2016-June-07