Expat Experiences in Turkey

Faye is originally from Buxton, Derbyshire, in the picturesque Peak District of England and is now an expat living in Dalyan in southwest Turkey. She has lived in Turkey for the last 20 years. Faye has written two novels that are based on her experience in Turkey, which she also chronicles in her blog. Read about Faye's expat experience in Turkey.

When Emily and Jesse first considered leaving their passport country to live overseas, they had no idea of the life transformation they would experience and the relationships they would build. Read about Emily and Jesse's move to Turkey and how they've adjusted to expat life in the country.

Originally from Alabama, Ginny Lou has long enjoyed travelling and learning about other cultures. She first came to Turkey shortly after graduating from university and soon fell in love with the people and the culture. Read our expat interview with Ginny Lou for insights into the cost of living, language, transport and tea in Turkey.

Lisa has been living in Turkey on and off for the last 10 years. She has finally moved back to Istanbul full time and now spends her time writing about the country she loves so much. Lisa has shared with us her experience and knowledge about the city. Read about her expat life in Istanbul.

In 2016, Mihaela moved from peaceful winter-strewn Transylvania to the crowded bustle of Istanbul. Working as a freelance photographer and marketing strategist, Mihaela enjoys the diversity of Istanbul's offerings. Read about her expat life in Turkey.

Caroline moved to Istanbul in 2014 with her Turkish husband. Although she's recently moved to Germany, Caroline enjoyed living in such a "vibrant, cultural and historic city". Read some of Caroline's insights from her experience living in Istanbul.

Catie is an American expat who moved to Izmir with her husband, Jason, in August 2016. Having both previously lived in Turkey, and in search of something a bit different to the “American Dream”, they decided to return to Turkey on a more permanent basis. Read more about Catie's expat life in Izmir.

Nazanin is an Iranian expat who relocated to Turkey in 2008. She discusses the difficulties of living in Istanbul, as well as the advantages that the country has to offer. Read more about her experience of Istanbul. 

Nelle is a Belgian/French expat living in Turkey. She is married to a Turkish man, and after living in London for several years, they moved to Istanbul, where they own a real-estate and travel agency specialising in Turkish properties. Read more about her expat experiences in Turkey.

Barbara Isenberg is a freelance writer specialising in travel, food and culture in Istanbul and Turkey. She moved to Izmir with her husband after buying a one-way ticket to Istanbul in August 2007, and now lives a life of leisure and contemplation on the Aegean. Read what she has to say about expat life in Turkey.

Kala Shekhar moved to Istanbul from India. Kala's son Sid is a regular contributor to a daily newspaper in Turkey and is also a deputy editor for one of their supplements. Read about Kala's take on expat life in Istanbul.