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Things to Know Before Moving to Turkey
The region has been populated since the Palaeolithic era by civilizations such as the Persians and Greeks. The nation has a diverse culture that is influenced by Ottoman and Greco-Roman cultures. Ex-pats who want to work, live or retire in a unique atmosphere will find plenty of reasons to move to Turkey.
No nation is ideal; there are benefits and drawbacks to migrating to any location, and Turkey is no exception. It’s crucial to be aware of at least some of these causes of worry before you relocate so you know what to anticipate. So, what are the most crucial details to be aware of before moving to Turkey?
Religion
You must understand that you are going to or visiting a mostly Muslim nation, and you must feel at ease with it and appreciate this reality. You’ll have to get accustomed to hearing the adhan (call to prayer) in Arabic five times a day, which may be somewhat loud at times, particularly in the morning.
In more conservative areas of Turkey, such as; Konya, Uskudar (Istanbul), and Fatih (Istanbul), modest attire is not required but recommended. Muslims fast for a month during Ramadan. For example, if you eat, drink, or smoke in public at this period in these regions, you are likely to be glared at or criticized.
Communication Issues
Suppose you want to relocate to a non-tourist region in Turkey. In that case, you may find that few people understand and speak English, making day-to-day communication difficult, particularly in government facilities.
Undisciplined Approach & Bad Driving Habits
When it suits them, some Turks have a definite propensity to disrespect norms and processes, so if you’re thinking of moving to Turkey, keep in mind that not everything will always function as promised. As a result, the driving mirrors this. Driving may be savage, as it is in several other Middle Eastern nations, and pedestrians are not always respected. Turkey is similar to the rest of the world. Therefore be cautious while crossing a road.
Be Mindful Talking in Public
It’s better not to criticize the nation, the cuisine, the culture, or anything else. Don’t join in and add your sense, even if your Turkish coworkers or friends do it in front of you. It has the potential to be taken to heart and be very hurtful. Only talk openly with individuals you know and trust.
Turkish Bureaucracy
Expect a lot of paperwork if you wish to establish your residency in Turkey, receive a job permit, or import your automobile and household goods.
You will be required to attend several types of government agencies with very precise opening hours, and you must keep in mind that the majority of these official buildings do not speak English. So, if you can locate a willing and pleasant local or friend to assist you with translating things into Turkish, it will make the whole process much smoother and faster.
Unqualified Tradesmen
Whether you’re searching for a plumber, electrician, builder, or house painter, make sure you contact other ex-pats for references or suggestions first.
In Turkey, there are typically no consistent criteria for tradesman credentials. So, most of the time, when you approach a craftsman of any kind, they are only in that business because of their expertise and who they know. If they are dependent on guesswork, this may be risky at times.
Because there is no training or certification available in any construction industry sector, you are likely to have a superior understanding of how things are done. Unless you don’t mind doing the legwork to identify somebody you can trust, we recommend doing as much as you can yourself before turning to a professional.
Stray Animals
In Turkey, numerous cats and dogs walk the streets freely, which might be alarming to foreigners at first. However, you will observe that they may have ear tags and seem to be properly cared for by the community. They are also formally cared about by an animal protection organization, sterilized and immunized, and their tag color and number are verified regularly.
You may also aid stray animal rescue organizations by contributing and helping, as well as adopting a few animals as pets, as many ex-pats do.
Smoking is Common
Unfortunately, smoking is fairly widespread in Turkey, particularly in the cities where the streets may grow very congested. If you’re not a smoker, it might be aggravating when you can’t get away from it, not to mention the health risks of passive smoking.
Lesser-Known Facts About Turkey
It Is The Only Country Where East and West Collide
Turkey is the only country in the world that proudly sits on two continents: Europe and Asia. Istanbul, one of its cities, has one foot in Europe and the other in Oriental Asia.
Turkey is a Eurasian nation bordering Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, to name a few. Consequently, Turkey is a large melting pot of cultural variety, with people from all over the world residing there.
Istanbul is Not Turkey’s Capital
Ankara is the capital of Turkey. Istanbul is Turkey’s biggest city, with a population of over 16 million people. The majority of ex-pats live and work in Istanbul, which has led to a widespread misperception about Istanbul being the capital of Turkey among the community.
Turkey Doesn’t Have an Official Religion
Yes, despite the fact that Muslims make up 90 percent of the Turkish population. The country’s religion was Islam, but the clause was eliminated following constitutional amendments in 1924-1937. Turkey is now a secular and democratic state. Christianity and Judaism are the most widely practiced faiths.
Related Article: How Are The Lives of Jews in Turkey?
Useful Tips For Ex-pats Who Are Considering Moving to Turkey
Turkey is a very conservative nation. While homosexuality is not against the law, it is often disapproved of in society. Ex-pat women should aim to dress modestly, particularly in mosques. Muslims are urged to dress in traditional Muslim garb. Veils and theo-political garb, on the other hand, are prohibited by law.
Alcohol is prohibited from being sold or consumed during Ramadan. Ex-pats should also respect local Muslims who are fasting.
The Turks are quite nice, even though they may be intrusive at times. Small crimes like fraud and pickpocketing are common, so it’s not a bad idea to start with a fair dose of alertness.
You’ll fit right in if you learn a few useful Turkish phrases. While you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and savor the Mediterranean cuisine!
Final Thoughts
Overall, most expatriates who have relocated to Turkey (whether for property investment, retirement, job, citizenship, or any other purpose) are quite satisfied and have no regrets. Everyone’s choices and priorities, however, are unique.
There might be a lot more than these, so if you think we left anything out, please let us know by contacting us, and we’ll add it to the list. If you disagree with one or more of the above points, please share your thoughts and ideas with us; they are vital for gaining a broader perspective and knowledge. They may help others build a picture of what to anticipate when visiting or living in Turkey.
If you have any further questions about this article, please contact us; we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.
References
- All you need to know before moving to Turkey. ExpatFinder. Retrieved November 25, 2021, from: <https://www.expatfinder.com/moving-to-turkey>
- Bey, T. P. (2020, November 13). Important things to know before moving to Turkey. Turkey Property Beys. Retrieved November 25, 2021, from: <https://turkeypropertybeys.com/important-things-to-know-before-moving-to-turkey/>
