Reasons to live (or not to live) in Turkey

[Ozsubasi]

Originally Posted by Schweizer

Traffic:
Driving on the high way in a taxi in Istanbul. 4 lanes each side. All of a sudden, traffic is comig towards us on our 4 lanes. For repair work they need to close one side, so they shiftet traffic to the other side, with no warning on our side from upcoming traffic...
Anywhere else this would be mass killing. In Turkey it seems you expect the unexpected

That happens here as well But also the rubbish bins get emptied several times a day, the shops are open when you need them to be, and things are not hampered by over zealous health and safety regulations.
To me it is like a throwback to an earlier time when things were simpler and that is what I love about it. Sometimes it is so bad it is good

[Schweizer]

Originally Posted by Ozsubasi

To me it is like a throwback to an earlier time when things were simpler and that is what I love about it. Sometimes it is so bad it is good

Well, the first time I have been in Turkey, was back 1992 by boat, then when each boat arrival was something special and not a menace.

Back then, I had to write an written expose why we wanna visit Turkey, turning out in a two hours "battle" in a bar with loads of "Chay", the whole (male) village at present to help us to describe to military commander why we want to enter Turkey.

After visiting the doctor to confirm our health, our confirmation that we did not dispose any death body at sea, that we are free of the plague, cholera or any other diseases, that we have no rats on board (but we got one then in Canakkale) we where clear to land.

I think we where the first Western Sailingboat in the south of Marama Sea. When we drop anchor at a village, the village eldest where already gathered ashore, welcoming us in front of the whole town. We often where invited for a dinner to tell our whereabouts and headings. I know now, how Columbus must have felt, back then...

I never ever being more welcomed anywhere in the world then as in Turkey

Or, looking for a rubber seal for my engine in Izmir. First shop did not have the right size. He ask me to sit down and drink chay, then he pulled the ear of his sun, gave him my sample and told him to run around in town to find for me (!) this O-ring. Meanwhile we just sit there and got one chay by the next served. What a tread!!

The only snake in this paradise was the fact, that we could only stay for two month in a row and always had to leave the country for at least one day.

[Ozsubasi]

I could recount many stories of the friendliness that has been shown to us here, the small kindnesses that are becoming unknown in the busy developed world. I wrote of one in my blog.
We are the foreigners here, and although of course there are some who look to exploit that, the majority of both Turkish and Kurdish people we have come to know will fall over themselves to try to help. Show them respect, learn a few words and you will become as family.
The story above of the O-ring is a good example, and I have experienced many variations of it. If you embrace these people you will get back far more than you give out.
Sharing and helping is part of the culture, so that if e.g. you are offered food or drink then please accept it because it is given openly and they can be upset if you refuse.
When we first came here and I started to work in this office, I would have at breakfast at home with my wife. It is routine here that an employer will provide food during the day, but I didn't know that. After a few days of politely declining to share breakfast with everyone else, I was quietly taken to one side and it was explained to me that the boss was hurt that I did not want the food he provided.
Thereafter I sat down with everyone else, and eating is very much a shared experience.
Newspaper on the table (very practical) and then communal bowls and plates of whatever is available. No individual plates, just dig in and eat together. Everyone is equal at meal times, though you can expect to be treated like an honored guest and if you are rather shy (as I was) it will not last long because you will be drawn in and made to feel welcome.

[Bounty Hunter]

I think living in Turkey is what you make of it, not what you expect it to be. The first time I visited Turkey I thought it was a strange place with a hint of throw back involved. I enjoyed the good conversation and even started to learn it on my own. I bought a Tarkan CD (even though I did not know the language) and played it whioe driving around because it reminded me of being back in Turkey. I have since moved there 2002 and met my Turksih wife who I adore without question. We lived in Adana for 2 1/2 years and then moved to Izmir and spent another 2 1/2 years. I own land in Adana and Mersin and when I am done with this job, that is where my empire will be built. I totally understand a handshake deal over chay and often wonder "what would happen to the world if we all went back to those days?"

I understand about the traffic but learned how to drive in France and spent some years in Taiwan so my driving skills (offensive and defensive) are absolutly without reproach.

[Ozsubasi]

Originally Posted by Bounty Hunter

I think living in Turkey is what you make of it, not what you expect it to be.

I agree with this statement and with the rest of your post in general. However, one problem is that while deals are made and honored between Turkish people on a handshake, that is not always the case when one of the parties is not Turkish.
The system relies on a network of family and friends which ensures that non-compliance will upset others. But if you are not part of that network then there is no recourse.
Having been here for a few years we have many Turkish connections and that has built up by demonstrating our willingness to be part of the way of life. What I am suggesting is that to be accepted and to have help offered when you need it means that first you have to earn respect by making an effort to fit in.
Accept things as they are, accept that Turkey is moving forward but that it has its own identity and its own agenda, and you will enjoy life here and find that help is available and given freely when you may need it most.

[penandpaper]

i am thinking of moving to turkey maybe in the next 2 years. i am from Philippines and does not know where to start.

[Ozsubasi]

Originally Posted by penandpaper

i am thinking of moving to turkey maybe in the next 2 years. i am from Philippines and does not know where to start.

Laws change and if you are not thinking about doing it for two years, I would recommend that you wait until nearer the time and see what the situation is then.
Having said that, this thread is about reasons to live in Turkey rather than how you would go about it, which I think (please correct me if I am wrong) you are asking about.