Throughout recorded history, living in Istanbul has delighted many a Westerner. Whether it was called Constantinople, Byzantium or Istanbul at the time, this Turkish metropolis has long called to the hearts of many an expatriate. Brits who want to call this gateway between east and west home will find thousands of others just like them dwelling in this ancient city already. Living in Istanbul however is not at all like setting up home in the hustle and bustle of London or Liverpool!!
In this article we’ll take a look at living in Turkey in Istanbul and some of the finer points of living in this incredibly fascinating and diverse city. In particular there are some things expats might want to know about before they select the “ideal” location for themselves or their families.
Some of the things to pay attention to when looking to live or purchase property in Turkey within the city of Istanbul include: -
Atmosphere. With more than 10 million people living within the metropolitan area that makes up Istanbul, this is not a tiny city by any means. Although many single people and students prefer to live in the thick of it all, families might really want to take their time to select accommodation. High-traffic areas often lack pavements and areas for children to play, in fact many are devoid of children almost all together.
Proximity to mosques. Non-Muslims might find living next door or in close proximity to a mosque a little noisy! Pay attention to the proximity when renting or buying. Worship services take place throughout the day starting as early as 5 am and many expats report the charms wear off rather quickly and interest in hearing the call to prayer starts to wear thin even faster!
Public transportation. Considering the size – more than 6,000 square kilometers in the metro area – getting around Istanbul can be a challenge to say the least. The amount of traffic leads many an expat to recommend using public transportation whenever possible. Many expats suggest taking advantage of the well developed and affordable bus services too. Taxis in Istanbul are legendary, but the drivers are known for taking advantage of foreigners, so do take heed and learn a few choice swear words!! Other systems of transportation include some subway services, shared taxis and of course walking. When choosing to go on foot remember pedestrians in Turkey do not have the right of way – even at crossings!
Personal safety. Istanbul is a big city – a very big city! With literally millions of people living in Turkey within the city’s boundaries it is up to you to keep your alert levels quite high. Keep in mind the biggest issues here are pickpockets and con artists. Many expats suggest keeping valuables locked up at home whenever possible and maintaining a sense of alertness. The rules of the road extend to just about any city anywhere in the world that you might want to call home including London...just be street wise and savvy.
Istanbul has long been a haven for people of many different cultures. With more than 10 million people living within its boundaries, this melting pot is full of hustle and bustle. Brits who choose to live in Turkey in Istanbul will find many things different from their homeland, but with a little patience, preparation and diligence most issues can be more than compensated for.
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