How's life in Istanbul.... Really !?!

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Member since 27 November 2013

damla514New member27 November 2013 00:27:42

Hello people. I'm an expat Turk, living in Montreal (canada ) for 24 years. Fed up of the cold, I got my one-way ticket for Istanbul... And now I feel the stress coming up to my brain...
I would love to have honest answers... How would life be for an ex-expat, who has 2 university degrees, speaks 4 languages, and willing to teach French and English ?
Does the political situation really bother people or are we blinded by the medias opinion ? Is it true that people fear that Turkey has a possibility to become like Iran ??
I'm not taking any political position with this post but I would really really appreciate to have honest answers, so that I'm aware of what I'm doing. Thank you

Mumuz Active member

Member since 14 August 2012

MumuzActive member27 November 2013 06:32:22

Hi Damla,

I have worked in Brussels, Johannesburg and now Istanbul. I must say the city has a lot to offer and for an outsider as myself, I feel I am less troubled by the political situation than the locals.
I think the most important thing for you is to sort out your paperwork first, find a challenging job and surround yourself with friends. For an ex-expat, I'd also recommend you to live in an expat part of town so the difference to Montreal is smaller. Lastly, find people who speak the other languages you master, that'll prevent it to get rusty with time.

All the best

dessindreams New member

Member since 06 October 2011

dessindreamsNew member27 November 2013 12:33:12

as a local person, I can easily say that the political issues bother A LOT. I find myself angry and sometimes depressive when I hear another speech from RTE but life hasn't changed except we are now not able to buy booze after 22:00. Other than that, if you are not into politics and if you keep yourself away from the daily news, you will be fine.

damla514 New member

Member since 27 November 2013

damla514New member27 November 2013 13:58:59

Thanks for sharing your opinion ! I really appreciate it. I will definitely stay away from politics and focus on my work. In Canada, you can't buy alcohol after 11pm, I don't think i'll have a problem with that lol.

Rafid80 Contributor

Member since 08 February 2011

Rafid80Contributor27 November 2013 15:54:35

195

U ll enjoy ur time here, politics wont bother u trust me... I guess only people mentality is a big issue in istanbul
good luck

ABJSYED Active member

Member since 18 November 2012

ABJSYEDActive member27 November 2013 18:02:43

Hello Damla,
If you have not lived in Istanbul for long time then it will be a little tough to settle in the begining. But once you make good friends to socialise and get a decent job, then life is beautiful in Istanbul. Since you are a Turk, so you won't face many problems like other expats do (language for instance).
Its true that a small number of locals fear from the possibility of Turkey becoming like Iran. But in real, there is no such possibility. It's just a gimmick
Best of luck.

damla514 New member

Member since 27 November 2013

damla514New member27 November 2013 19:16:53

Yes i've heard about that mentality issue... I hope I'll get a chance to meet good people, and stay away from incults lol. Thanks for your share.

dessindreams New member

Member since 06 October 2011

dessindreamsNew member27 November 2013 19:25:46

I have been living here for 5 years and have not had any bad problems with people really. I think where you live is also VERY important. Remember the fact that, we the Turks are mostly friendly people

lili90 New member

Member since 14 August 2013

lili90New member27 November 2013 19:30:44

damla514 New member

Member since 27 November 2013

damla514New member27 November 2013 19:59:38

#10

Those are my hopes thanks for the share

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