About Turkey
Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 after the Anatolians defeated the Ottoman Empire. The hero of this story was Mustafa Kemal who was later called Ataturk or the Father of the Turks. Periods of instability, saw Turkey go through 4 military coups from 1960 – 1997. Today the country is stable and the economy is a complex mix of modern industry, commerce and agriculture. The state plays a major role in banking, industry, transport and communications. Most Muslims in Turkey are Sunnis forming about 80% with other denominations making up the rest. The largest industrial sector is textiles and clothing with automotive and electronics rising in importance.
Where to Live in Turkey?
There are beautiful areas to choose from in Turkey. Where you settle will depend on your family dynamics and whether you will be gainfully employed. Didim, which is a holiday resort town, is said to offer reasonably priced homes and the area is known for its low cost of living. Thanks to its ideal combination of Turkish and British vibes, Didim is an ideal choice for first time property buyers. Fethiye is another town that is popular due to its beautiful scenery and climate. Situated near the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, Fethiye is one of the most beautiful areas in Turkey. Yalikavak in Bodrum offers a socially unconventional lifestyle and is located on the Aegean coast. It is a favorite destination for artists and celebrities as well as musicians. Then we have Istanbul which has everything to offer those who enjoy big city living. Istanbul is the hub of finance, business and economics and many foreigners work in these industries. It is said that the best town to live in is Antalya. Situated on the western Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Antalya is known for its tourism, shopping and nightlife. The area has beautiful beaches which are the focus in the summer.
Why do you want to live in Turkey?
Wherever you decide to buy property in Turkey be very mindful to follow all the rules and regulations that are enforceable. There are many things to consider if you are a foreigner living in Turkey. Will you be working with a work permit from your employer or do you just want to retire to the seaside? Families with children will also have to take into consideration schooling with English or other language Private Schools, if they do not want their children attending the government public schooling system.
Turkey has a lot to offer foreigners with the modernization of lifestyle over the past 15 years. The country offers modern infrastructure and a higher standard of living. The added bonus is that generally the cost of living is low, especially in more rural areas. There are many expats living in Turkey, a lot of them from the U.K. They all enjoy the amazing scenery and many have settled on the coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Most of the foreigners have settled on the west and south of Turkey with many choosing to make Istanbul their home.
Turkish History and Culture
There is a lot of culture and history in Turkey. For those interested in seeing the historical ruins around the country there are tours with guides to escort you to any destination. As the centre of civilization, Turkey is a holy and historical place that is full of archaeological finds. It is said that Gobeklitepe, in Gaziantep, is the oldest civilization site in the world. Sampling the distinctive Turkish cuisine is a treat as they are famous for their tasty meat dishes and sweets. There are many international restaurants in the larger cities as well. The architecture is amazing and the weather is very mild compared to some European countries. In most areas you will find that the people are very friendly and they like to interact socially. Turkish people are also known to be hospitable and helpful.
Becoming a Citizen
If you decide to become a citizen by investment or any other way, be sure to check out the relevant laws and requirement. Once you become a citizen you will have to pay taxes which can be expensive. Living in Turkey you will find that you will have to understand the Turkish culture and religion. Multi-culture practices are practiced everywhere and it is best to be informed, as some of these practices might not agree with you. Read up on the area you will be residing in so that can fully immerse yourself in the culture. Every religion is different and with some of the rituals performed, you will have to keep your opinion to yourself, if you want to live a pleasant life in Turkey. Another consideration is the red tape and bureaucracy that is probably no different in other Muslim countries. Processes are long winded and difficult to understand and you need a lot of patience to get certifications or licenses.
In the end, choosing property in Turkey depends on many factors. If you can speak the language it is a huge benefit. Golfing enthusiasts usually choose areas like Antalya and resorts like Didim have the cheapest property prices in Turkey. It is not easy to settle in rural Turkish areas as there is no way you can communicate with the locals if you do not speak the language. That is why most foreigners choose to buy property in areas where there are other expats and where the daily comforts are modern and easily accessible. Being near a market is ideal as the Mediterranean diet that is followed in Turkey is one of the healthiest in the world. You will find an array of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fresh fish, meat and chicken. Experiment with the spices on offer as well as their local wines.
The Turkish coast has an average of 260 sunny days a year. Enjoy the coastal resorts through the summer months with water sports and small local restaurants offering the best in local cuisine. You will be amazed at how cheap the meals are and the quantity of food you receive. Life in Turkey is usually cheap if you are bringing foreign exchange to the table. Shopping for a home or buying groceries and clothing is really value for money if you are used to paying high prices in your country of origin.