Turkey
Always hospitable, the people of Turkey are as diverse as their country’s landscapes. Bridging two civilizations as east meets west, a person’s culture depends on their ethnic background and the place where they were born or where they live.
Wherever you go in Turkey, you will come across Turkish people, mostly Muslim, who will go out of their way to share what they have with you, whether a glass of tea or food off their table. If you ask for directions, be prepared to be taken by the hand.
Turkish people, who live in the resorts, large towns and cities, have a similar culture to us, so visitors will have no problem feeling at home. In major cities like Istanbul, exclusive clubs and designer shops sell the latest fashions alongside traditional bazaars where it is fun, and expected, to haggle for bargains.
Meanwhile, life in Turkey’s rural communities continues as it has for centuries, almost untouched by developments in the western world. Here family is very important, it’s not unusual to find three generations of a family living together, and age old traditions and religion influences how people live their lives.
Turkish people are passionate about their pastimes, whether an opera, ballet or rock concert or an awesome Champion’s League cup final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul – they know how to appreciate the important things in life!
Among other cultural pursuits you may come across from time to time are:
• Oil Wrestling – best seen during Edime’s Kirkpinar Festival
• Camel Wrestling – seasonal bouts between two male camels draws the crowds across the Aegean area
• Haggling – traditional and always expected in markets and bazaars
• Whirling dervishes – religious driven twirling by members of a sect founded by Sufi mystic, Mevana
• Turkish baths – sensual comforts of Turkey
• Tea drinking – everywhere
Quick Facts:
• Nazar Bonjuk charms, blue glass eyes, that are sold throughout Turkey are meant to protect you from the evil eyes of others
• Jazz musician Dave Brubeck wrote "Blue Rondo á la Turk" as a tribute to Mozart and Turkish music
• Originally belly dances were only ever performed by women for women in private
• In 2003, Sertab Erener won the Eurovision Song Contest for Turkey with a catchy little number, “Every way that I can”
Find a relaxing, more interesting way of life in Turkey
Wherever you decide to buy in Turkey you’ll find it to be friendly, very beautiful and culturally rich and while it’s modern enough to be comfortable, it’s traditional enough to keep your interest.
Lapped by four seas; the Aegean, Mediterranean, the Marmara and the Black Sea, Turkey has more than its fair share of beautiful, sparkling blue flag beaches, pretty bays and coves; combined with incredible archaeological sites, it makes for an unforgettable experience.
The Aegean Coast
This stunning coastline has something for all tastes, from the less developed seashores of the far North to the more popular and lively southern resorts around Bodrum.
In the north there are small resorts, traditional fishing villages and important ancient sites like those at Troy, Ephesus and the acropolis at Bergama. It was from these shores that the beautiful Helen is said to have launched a thousand ships.
Moving south, the central and southern stretches of the Aegean coast have long been a mecca for overseas visitors. Here are resorts set in magnificent coastal scenery with long stretches of golden, sandy beaches filled with the scent of pine trees and olive groves from the hills above.
With a year round sunny climate, stunning historic sites, pine clad hills and sandy beaches, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to relocate here for a more interesting, relaxed and healthier way of life.
As well as traditional fishing villages and small towns, this coast also has modern resorts like Bodrum and Altinkum where everyone is friendly and English is widely spoken.
Sunbathe on the gently sloping sands of Altinkum or windsurf off the coast at Cesme. Discover historic sites like the ancient cities of Ephesus and Troy and the fabled city of Peramum on its windswept hilltop.
Enjoy haggling for jewellery, ceramics or fine leather goods in the weekly markets and bazaars along the way. Choose a different restaurant each evening. Why not drive along the coast to a fishing village like Yalikavak for a supper of freshly caught fish.
Later you can dance the night away in Bodrum where you’ll find a vibrant, colourful nightlife to take you through to the next sunny day.
Akbuk, Guluk and Altinkum
Akbuk and Guluk are picturesque fishing villages with breathtaking views, beautiful beaches and all the allure of authentic Turkey. In contrast, Altinkum has long been a popular resort with three beaches sloping into crystal clear water, good restaurants and nightlife.
The Mediterranean Coast
Known as the Turquoise Coast for its intense blue waters, the sea here is slightly warmer than the Aegean, perfect for swimming or windsurfing and so crystal clear, it’s also great for snorkeling or scuba diving.
This coast has long stretches of sand, picturesque coves and rocky headlands with pine scented forests, where simple fishing villages share their shores with upscale resorts.
Endless days of sunshine make it a paradise for boat cruises, sun bathing, swimming, and watersports and in the evening, you can enjoy magnificent sunsets whilst strolling along the promenades or dining at one of the many restaurants.
With year round sunshine and a magnificent coastline steeped in history and legend, it’s no surprise that more and more people are choosing to move to this beautiful part of the world.
This coast has superb beaches and some of the most popular resorts in Turkey from Antalya with its picturesque walled old town and lively harbour to the hillside town of Fethiye where it’s fun to shop in the narrow, shady streets, stopping for coffee in a tiny square.
The beaches along this coast are superb, with great facilities for all kinds of watersports and with water that is the clearest turquoise colour you have ever seen.
With so many sunny days to spend outdoors, there’s plenty of time to soak up more rays on the beaches at Alanya or Patara, splash about in clean azure waters or learn a new watersport.
There are also some amazing historic sites to stroll around on cooler days, like the stunningly preserved Roman theatre at Aspendos or the dramatically situated ruins at Termessos.
Practice the art of haggling in Antalya’s bazaar or at the Thursday market in Kalkan where you can buy an incredible array of goods from potatoes to perfectly fired ceramics.
Rest your feet over lunch in the shade of a tree outside a fine restaurant and enjoy an ice cold beer or chilled chardonnay.
Be charmed by Alanya, Belek and Avsallar
Belek and Avsallar are up and coming seaside resorts with rich histories, glorious mountain backdrops, sun-kissed beaches and calm, clear turquoise waters just perfect for sunning and swimming. Belek also boasts two championship golf courses.
Guarded by the old Red Tower, Alanya is an established holiday resort with two golden sandy bays offering a range of water sports.
After a long day on the beach, it’s hard to beat a delicious meal at a fine restaurant, eaten under the stars on a balmy evening or a soothing massage at the Turkish Baths at Avsallar.
Take a trip to see the striking wave-swept Selçuk castle at Anamur and drive along the road to Silifke for some truly spectacular scenery.
Food and Drink in Turkey
The tastes of Turkey are a delicious blend of Turkish, Arabic, Persian and Greek. Quite similar to a Mediterranean diet, said to be one of the healthiest in the world, it includes lots of fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruit with a touch of spice.
Any naughtiness is saved for the end of the meal when you get to feast on very sugary, sweet pastries. And if you’re still hungry for more, Turkish Delights go perfectly with a tiny cup of strong Turkish coffee.
Traditional Turkish breakfasts are continental in style with bread, white cheese, spicy sausage, eggs, olives, tomatoes, pepper, honey and recel – a kind of preserved fruit, a bit like marmalade. And it’s all washed down with plenty of Turkish tea.
Soup is often on the menu for lunch followed by a rice or bulgar dish with spicy sausage, lamb or chicken baked with peppers and aubergine or fresh fish grilled with lemon.
It’s usual for dinner to start with a mezze (appetisers) – huge platter of meats, meatballs, fish, roasted vegetables, olives, stuffed vine leaves, salads, pickles and more. And, if you eat all that, you’ll need a break before your next course which may be kebab, grilled meat, fish stew or roasted vegetables often with yoghurt.
For dessert, choose from fresh fruit, milk pudding or sweet pastries made with filo pastry, such as baklava which is very sweet and nutty.
Strong tea, served in crystal, tulip shaped glasses is popular with the Turkish people. Turkish coffee is usually served with dessert and is also very strong. Raki, the national drink of Turkey, is an anise liqueur traditionally diluted with water. It is known as ‘lion’s milk’ as it turns milky white when water is added.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with “Seker Bayrami", which means “Sugar Holiday” – for the fancy desserts that will be eaten then.
In olden days, the men judged a potential bride as to how well she made her coffee.
An old Turkish saying advises one to "eat sweetly and speak sweetly".
Look after your health
Moving to a country with a warmer, dryer climate and a more relaxed lifestyle will be great for your overall well being and your health - no more winter aches and pains and no more stressful winter fuel bills either.
If you are retiring to Turkey, you can still draw your pension; it will go much further here so you can afford to eat healthily with plenty of fresh meat, fruit and vegetables. You’ll also find lots of ways to keep fit, from swimming in the sea to walking or joining a local health club.
If you should fall ill or have an accident in Turkey, you can be confident in the standard of care you’ll receive, as healthcare in Turkey compares favourably to the level of care you get under the NHS.
Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water or juice and take more salt. Wear a hat and use plenty of high factor sun cream.
Almost all prescription drugs can be bought over the counter in Turkey - just show the pharmacist the name of what you’re taking or the box it came in.
It is usually safe to drink tap water in built up areas, however, in more rural areas it’s safer to drink bottled water.
Foreign residents who are working and paying their social security contributions get a card which allows them to use the Turkish public health services for free. All other foreign residents will have to pay, so private health insurance will be necessary.
There are no fixed charges for dental work in Turkey, so agree the fees in advance. Most dental treatments cost less than in the UK.
Cosmetic dental work is a lot cheaper and excellent quality.
Pharmacies (Eczane’s) are usually open from 09:00-17:00 on weekdays with one emergency pharmacy open 24/7 in each neighbourhood. Prescription drugs are often cheaper than in the UK.
In a medical emergency, telephone 112.
Driving and Public Transport in Turkey
If you want to travel freely and see places that are away from the main towns and cities, you might want to bring your own car over to Turkey or buy a new one once you are established here.
If you do, then you’ll have to remember to always drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and to learn all you need to know about
Turkey’s highway-code.
• Always drive on the right and take things slowly until you get used to it
• Keep to speed limits: 130 kph (78 mph) on expressways, 90 kph (56 mph) on highways and 50 kph (30 mph) in built up areas – on the spot fines can be expensive
• Don’t drink and drive
• Driver and all passengers, front and rear, must wear seat belts
• In an accident don’t move your car until the police arrive. You must show them copies of your vehicle registration, insurance policy and driver’s licence, so keep them in your car at all times
• You can drive on your international driving licence until it expires but consider getting a Turkish one too. Apply for one via the local police department.
• Turkish Third party insurance is mandatory but costs very little.
If you don’t fancy driving, you can get to most places quite cheaply on public transport.
• Taxis are cheaper than in most other European countries
• A dolmus, either a car or a minibus, is like a taxi but follows specific routes - it’s relatively cheap to use and very convenient.
• City buses are inexpensive but get crowded at rush hour. Buy tickets in advance from a ticket booth for municipal buses and pay the driver on private buses.
• Train travel in Turkey can be fun – the only drawback is that they can be a little slow – an overnight sleeping car train is a great option for longer journeys
• Internal flights are improving but can be expensive
Wherever and however you choose to travel, you’ll see some amazing sights and meet some lovely, interesting people on your way.
Quick Facts:
• Police can impose on the spot fines if you break any of the rules of the road
• If you have an accident in the city, call 154 for the traffic police
• Involved in an accident outside of the city, call 156 for the Jandarma
• Taxis in Turkey are bright yellow in colour.