2024-07-16
Turkey is a country that enjoys beautiful scenery and a rich culture. Living in Turkey means you get to spend your time between visiting historical sites as well as beaches. The country is vibrant and buzzing with life all year long which attracts people from all around the world to come and find a new home for themselves in the heart of the country.
Although many people have heard about the beauty of Turkey and life in it, not all of them know which cities to visit or live in when they move to Turkey. The aim of this guide is to do just that. This guide introduces the reader to the mesmerizing cities in Turkey and explores each one of them mentioning its main attractions and what life is like.
This captivating city is one of the most sought after spots by Tourists around the world. In January 2013, the Turkish government announced plans to build the world's largest airport in Istanbul, with an investment of 7 billion euros and the first phase scheduled for completion by 2017.
The city enjoys a public transport network that is very efficient and eases commute for residents. In Istanbul you will find the oldest metro system as well as ferries. There are also buses and taxis.
English is not commonly spoken by residents, so learning Turkish is essential if you plan to live in Istanbul. In tourist areas, you'll find people who can speak English, but to truly experience Istanbul, you'll need to explore beyond these areas, where finding English speakers can be challenging.
Istanbul is considered the Industrial Center of Turkey, the city includes around 38% of the country’s industrial workspaces.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey that is currently inhabited by around 5 million people. Since ancient times, the Ankara region, located in the heart of Anatolia, has been a politically and culturally significant center for many civilizations. Turkish citizens consider Ankara as the city of Ataturk the founder and leader of the Turkish republic in its modern form.
The city has many cultural and artistics attractions, for instance the state opera is located in Ankara and so is the Turkish state theater. In Ankara you can enjoy an interesting nightlife as much as you will enjoy visiting museums and beautiful sites in the morning.
A crucial factor for expats relocating to a new city is the quality of the education system, in case they have children and need a school system that they can rely on .In Ankara, education is free for children aged six to eighteen, with options available for both private and public schools.
The third largest city in Turkey is Izmir. This city is a modern and beautiful city in the Aegean Region that draws both local and international tourists with its historical heritage, cuisine, cultural richness, and must-see attractions. This is why Izmir is often referred to as the "pearl of the Aegean."
Due to its prime location at the head of the gulf along the central western Anatolian coast, Izmir has long been recognized as a significant mercantile city.
The weather in Izmir is perfect for people who like to spend time outdoors and enjoy the sun. It is also worth mentioning that Izmir's cuisine is a delightful mix of traditional Turkish dishes and fresh seafood.
Antalya, a stunning city on Turkey's southwestern coast, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant lifestyle.
The city's charming old town, Kaleiçi, is a maze of narrow streets filled with historical buildings, boutique hotels, and lively cafes.
Antalya's beaches are some of the best in Turkey, drawing sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts from around the world. The city's thriving tourism industry is complemented by a rich cultural scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters.
Life in Antalya is characterized by a relaxed yet energetic pace, where the warmth of the Mediterranean climate and the hospitality of its residents create an inviting and enjoyable environment.
Bursa, a historic city in northwestern Turkey, well known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings.
As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is steeped in history, with multiple landmarks such as the Grand Mosque and the Green Tomb that reflect its glorious past.
The city enjoys parks and gardens, like the famous Uludağ National Park, that offer a relaxing opportunity for outdoor activities, including skiing in the winter.
Bursa is also famous for its thermal baths and delicious cuisine. The city's lively bazaars and markets, together with its modern shopping centers, provide a lively shopping experience. Life in Bursa is a blend of tradition and modernity, offering a unique and enriching lifestyle for citizens, expats, and Tourists.
Bodrum is located on the south coast of Turkey, it is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. Bodrum is home to the remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The town is also well known for its vibrant nightlife. With its unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities, life in Bodrum has been both dynamic and serene, offering a perfect balance sought after by many.
Situated on the Seyhan River, Adana is a major agricultural and industrial hub, contributing significantly to Turkey's economy.
The city is the place to go and live if you are a food lover and if you have a pallet that is always hungry for more flavors. Adana's cuisine, particularly the famous Adana kebab, is celebrated across Turkey and beyond, drawing food enthusiasts to its lively restaurants and street food stalls.
The city's warm Mediterranean weather year-round is inviting and perfect for exploring its parks, markets, and riverside promenades.
Life in Adana is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity that many people seek and many cities try to achieve.
Gaziantep is perfect for those looking for a slow pace of life that big cities do not provide. Life in Gaziantep is characterized by a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences.
The city's bustling markets, such as the iconic Gaziantep Bazaar, offer a glimpse into its lively commercial spirit, where locals and tourists alike navigate through stalls brimming with spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.
Gaziantep has earned the title of "The Gastronomy Capital" due to its exceptional culinary heritage and the quality of its cuisine. The city is known for its baklava which is basically a sweet pastry made of layers of filo that are filled with chopped nuts and then sweetened with syrup or honey. The city's baklava is considered to be among the best in the world, and is prepared by various and unique techniques and methods.
Life in Konya is centered around its deep spiritual and cultural heritage. As a well known center of Sufism and Islamic mysticism, Konya attracts pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world.
The city is famously associated with the 13th-century poet and mystic, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, whose teachings and poetry continue to influence spiritual thought globally until today.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Konya embraces a blend of traditional and modern elements.
Konya is also known for its culinary delights, including specialties like etli ekmek (a type of flatbread with meat) and its unique version of baklava.
Life in Trabzon, situated on the northeastern coast of Turkey, is shaped by its role as a gateway to the Black Sea region. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural heritage, Trabzon offers a distinctive blend of traditions and modernity.
The city's historical roots trace back to ancient times, with influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations evident in its architecture and cultural practices. Trabzon's iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque, originally a Byzantine church, stands as a testament to its diverse historical layers.
The city's cuisine reflects these local flavors, with dishes featuring fresh seafood, hearty stews, and the famous Trabzon pide (a type of Turkish flatbread).
Culturally, Trabzon maintains a strong connection to its traditions through folk music, dance, and festivals that showcase local artistry and craftsmanship.
Relocating to another country is a scary move that requires a leap of faith. However, it does not have to be that way if Turkey is your country of choice. With its wide spectrum of cities to choose from, you can live in a place that provides you with what you need and more.
