http://www.placestoretireabroad.com/

Places to retire abroad, SISLI , ISTAMBUL, TURKYE, Istanbul (2026)

Name: Places to retire abroad
Address: SISLI , ISTAMBUL, TURKYE, Istanbul, 34363, TR
Telephone: +40724595462

05/03/2021

Best kept secret......TURKEY .Free for all medical assistance after 65 yo. 50$ moth before
30k cost an apartment of about 1000SF, 300$ to rent it
The World Health Organization ranking of national healthcare systems puts Turkey’s at 70th out of 191. The central government body responsible for healthcare and related policies is the Ministry of Health (MoH). There is also a private sector and university-based care; however, the MoH is the main body responsible for providing healthcare. You can expect the quality of healthcare in Turkey to vary between regions. Although it’s cheaper than some of its European neighbors, access is limited in more rural areas. You’re more likely to have high-quality care in major urban locations like Istanbul – as well as the ability to communicate with your healthcare providers in English. This increase in quality is why most expats choose to go to private medical facilities over public ones.
All residents under 65 must have either public or private health insurance. Expats who have resided in Turkey for over a year under their residence permit can apply to have public health insurance through the state-run Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK). Expats usually choose to supplement this with private insurance (or just choose private) to cover additional fees at private facilities.
As Turkey has grown as a country and political entity, it has experienced a great deal of reform around its healthcare system. It likely will continue to experience further changes in the future.
Retire in Turkey
How to Retire in Turkey: Costs, Visas and More
Turkey is filled to the brim with beautiful architecture, art and a melange of cultures that reaches back thousands of years. It’s home to artifacts from communities like the Hittites, Ancient Greeks, early Christians and Mongols, which fill this nation of some 82 million, with a rich sense of history. Lying as it does at a crossroads of Europe and Asia, visitors can see a unique blend of Western and Eastern influences. Its Mediterranean and Black Sea beaches are renowned for their beauty. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar extends across 58 covered streets hosting some 1,200 shops. If you’re considering retiring in Turkey, here’s an overview of some basic information you’ll need. A financial advisor can offer valuable guidance as you consider retiring abroad.
Cost of Living and Housing
It’s much less expensive to live in Turkey than it is to live in the U.S. Without accounting for rent, Turkey’s cost of living is 53.56% lower than in the U.S. on average, according to Numbeo, a cost-of-living database.
U.S. rent prices are 556.13% higher when stacked against those in Turkey, on average. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in a city center will run you around $215.26 in Turkey, whereas a comparable setup in the U.S. would run about $1,340.16. If you wanted to pursue purchasing an apartment in Turkey, you would find that the price per square foot in a city center is averaged out to $83.07. In comparison, the same square footage in a similar city location in the U.S. would cost about $328.96.
To further illustrate the contrast, we can compare Istanbul, Turkey’s most populated city, to the U.S.’s New York City. To maintain the same standard of life, you would need around $8,203.10 in New York, which contrasts starkly to the approximately $1,100 necessary in Istanbul, assuming you rent in both.
So, if you’re looking for a country to retire in with both affordable renting prices and lower property costs to make the most out of your savings, Turkey may be a solid option.
Retire in Turkey – Visas and Residence Permit
Turkey doesn’t have a visa specifically for retirement, so you have to apply for a residence permit instead. This requirement applies to anyone who intends to remain in the country more than three months. You’ll first have to apply for a short-term residence permit, and you must do so within a month of your arrival in Turkey. There is an online application you fill out at the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s website. Once you finish, it will prompt you to make an appointment with the nearest DGMM office to continue the process and pay the fee your visa requires.
A short-term residence permit is issued on a two-year basis. After you’ve lived in Turkey uninterrupted for eight years under your short-term visa, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. These extend indefinitely.
No matter what residence permit you are applying for, you will likely need to show proof that you possess adequate assets. This can shift whether or not you have dependents, but a single person is generally required to have the equivalent to a month’s worth of Turkish minimum wage. As of early 2021, that would be around $400.
Aa

18/02/2021

The World Health Organization ranking of national healthcare systems puts Turkey’s at 70th out of 191. The central government body responsible for healthcare and related policies is the Ministry of Health (MoH). There is also a private sector and university-based care; however, the MoH is the main body responsible for providing healthcare. You can expect the quality of healthcare in Turkey to vary between regions. Although it’s cheaper than some of its European neighbors, access is limited in more rural areas. You’re more likely to have high-quality care in major urban locations like Istanbul – as well as the ability to communicate with your healthcare providers in English. This increase in quality is why most expats choose to go to private medical facilities over public ones.

All residents under 65 must have either public or private health insurance. Expats who have resided in Turkey for over a year under their residence permit can apply to have public health insurance through the state-run Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK). Expats usually choose to supplement this with private insurance (or just choose private) to cover additional fees at private facilities.

As Turkey has grown as a country and political entity, it has experienced a great deal of reform around its healthcare system. It likely will continue to experience further changes in the future.

Retire in Turkey – Taxes

Like many countries, residents and non-residents are subject to different taxes in Turkey. Residents pay taxes on their worldwide income, whereas non-residents only have to pay taxes on Turkish-sourced income. The country uses a progressive tax scale, ranging from 15% to 35%, depending on your income bracket.

Turkey does possess a tax treaty with the U.S., which can provide some relief. You will only have to pay into one country’s Social Security program as a result, which in Turkey is a 14% flat tax for employees. Otherwise, there are also tax exemptions that may allow you to pay less on your U.S. income taxes. One example is the foreign earned income exclusion, which lets you exclude the first (approximately) $100,000 for foreign earned income if you can prove your Turkish residency.

Retire in Turkey – Safety

Each expat’s experience is unique. Some may travel through Turkey and find they encounter little to no issues on a security level. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be cautious. The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory warns travelers either visiting or moving through Turkey to be wary of both terrorism and arbitrary detentions. The advisory heavily suggests that you avoid the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces, which are in the southeastern part of the country, as well as any area within six miles of the Syrian border to avoid terrorist activity. The State Department’s most recent report on human rights practices in Turkey bears a close reading, especially sections 1 and 6.

Although you should speak with locals and enjoy the culture, you should also be wary of your surroundings and keep an eye on political developments. It is also advised that you don’t engage with political topics online either since that can still be a red flag.

18/02/2021

How to Retire in Turkey: Costs, Visas and More
Turkey is filled to the brim with beautiful architecture, art and a melange of cultures that reaches back thousands of years. It’s home to artifacts from communities like the Hittites, Ancient Greeks, early Christians and Mongols, which fill this nation of some 82 million, with a rich sense of history. Lying as it does at a crossroads of Europe and Asia, visitors can see a unique blend of Western and Eastern influences. Its Mediterranean and Black Sea beaches are renowned for their beauty. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar extends across 58 covered streets hosting some 1,200 shops. If you’re considering retiring in Turkey, here’s an overview of some basic information you’ll need. A financial advisor can offer valuable guidance as you consider retiring abroad.

Cost of Living and Housing

It’s much less expensive to live in Turkey than it is to live in the U.S. Without accounting for rent, Turkey’s cost of living is 53.56% lower than in the U.S. on average, according to Numbeo, a cost-of-living database.

U.S. rent prices are 556.13% higher when stacked against those in Turkey, on average. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in a city center will run you around $215.26 in Turkey, whereas a comparable setup in the U.S. would run about $1,340.16. If you wanted to pursue purchasing an apartment in Turkey, you would find that the price per square foot in a city center is averaged out to $83.07. In comparison, the same square footage in a similar city location in the U.S. would cost about $328.96.

To further illustrate the contrast, we can compare Istanbul, Turkey’s most populated city, to the U.S.’s New York City. To maintain the same standard of life, you would need around $8,203.10 in New York, which contrasts starkly to the approximately $1,960.45 necessary in Istanbul, assuming you rent in both.

So, if you’re looking for a country to retire in with both affordable renting prices and lower property costs to make the most out of your savings, Turkey may be a solid option.

Retire in Turkey – Visas and Residence Permit

Turkey doesn’t have a visa specifically for retirement, so you have to apply for a residence permit instead. This requirement applies to anyone who intends to remain in the country more than three months. You’ll first have to apply for a short-term residence permit, and you must do so within a month of your arrival in Turkey. There is an online application you fill out at the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s website. Once you finish, it will prompt you to make an appointment with the nearest DGMM office to continue the process and pay the fee your visa requires.

A short-term residence permit is issued on a two-year basis. After you’ve lived in Turkey uninterrupted for eight years under your short-term visa, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. These extend indefinitely.

No matter what residence permit you are applying for, you will likely need to show proof that you possess adequate assets. This can shift whether or not you have dependents, but a single person is generally required to have the equivalent to a month’s worth of Turkish minimum wage. As of early 2021, that would be around $400.

24/01/2021

First, high-rise buildings have also been built in Levent, initially as banks’ headquarters. First major development was Yapı Kredi Plaza in 1990, followed by Akbank HQ building in 1993 and İş Towers in 2000, which bears the signature of Swanke Hayden Connel Architects. Some of the office units of majorly Yapı Kredi Plaza and İş Towers have been leased and occupied by third party companies including very reputable international bodies such as Mitsui, IBM and Fitch Ratings, which lead the way to first “plaza” demand for offices and so another escalation of the quality of life in Levent.

The other side of Büyükdere Avenue was initially occupied by major pharmaceutical factories and such industrial buildings. In 2000’s life in Levent dramatically escalated in quality by the transformation of these factories into major mix-use projects; Kanyon and Metrocity which are still considered to be major high-end buildings for offices, serviced and virtual offices and residences. The retail section of Kanyon is still sharing the top brands and position with İstinye Park, on the other hand, Metrocity lost its glimmer.

Witnessing the success of these developments, major developers of Turkey began to build A Class office building all the way facing Büyükdere Avenue. The vast majority of top local and international companies lined up in order to be able to take place in these buildings which lead to a major change of business life in Levent.

Zincirlikuyu followed this transformation by Zorlu Center, which is still the biggest development investment in Turkey so far, by approximately 1.6 b. USD. High-end brands still occupy the retail section, the food court contains a variety of selections from fast-food to fine dining and residential towers are preferred by crème de la crème. One of the towers is being used as hotel and is operated by Raffles. Major activities taking place in Zorlu Performance Hall has also shifted entertainment of the life in Levent.

Traditional independent buildings are still very popular by white-collar people, upper-middle and upper class. Because of the era of the developments, the vast majority of these buildings do not have an elevator but still are one of the primary choice of residency and offices in İstanbul. Considering the fact that İstanbul is in the earthquake zone, rock ground of Levent is giving people confidence. Easy access to both highways, public transport, restaurants, primary shopping centres and office buildings, proper planned urban settlement and green streets are the main factors of the 24/7 life in Levent.

Locating to The Life in Levent
The Location of Levent probably has very few cons but mostly pros. The District has very easy access to both highways and bridges and neighbouring to major living centres such as Etiler, Akatlar and Ulus, as well as Bosporus Lane through Ortaköy. Büyükdere Avenue and Nisbetiye Avenue; the main streets of Levent faces a significant traffic jam in rush hours, but you do not feel this stress in the streets of Levent. On the other hand, considering the fact that the major high-end residential and office buildings are located directly on Büyükdere Avenue, reaching to and from these buildings in rush hours is a problem. And the mix-use nature of the traditional buildings and lack of parking space on the streets makes it tough to find a car park on the old side of the district. To sum up, transportation is not a major problem for the life in Levent for drivers, except for the parking problem in the old town.

Reaching to Levent with Public Transport
Levent is subject to a very enhanced public transport system. In addition to traditional landlines, underground transportation via metro line is also adding speed and comfort to the life in Levent. The traditional landlines mentioned above are minibuses travelling between Sarıyer to and from Beşiktaş and municipality busses. This destination also connects you to sea transportation from Beşiktaş, to Kadıköy and Üsküdar. A little further travel with these landlines provides a connection to “Kabataş Pier” and “T1 Tram Line”. Kabataş Pier enables you to reach Anatolian Side the same way “Karaköy Pier” and “T1 Tram Line” reaches to Historical Semi-island and inner parts of the city.

Metro line is a major instrument on itself. A 10 minutes walk from “Şişhane Station” connects you to “Karaköy Pier”, which has a variety of lines to Anatolian Side; Üsküdar, Kadıköy and Bostancı. Levent is also located walking distance to Metrobüs’s “Zincirlikuyu Station”, which enables access from far ends of city; from Beylikdüzü to Kadıköy (Söğütlüçeşme). Also connecting to Marmaray Train Line from “Yenikapı Station” all the way from Halkalı to Gebze, covering entire Kadıköy coastline such as Feneryolu, Suadiye and Bostancı

Life in Levent After Working Hours
As mentioned before, the first settlement of Levent has begun with residential use in 1960’s and commercial use of residential units began in 1990s. This was followed by major commercial developments which lead to a 24/7 living life in Levent. Leisure units: bistros, restaurants, cafés, pubs and such places serve all day long. Proper urban planning is providing a peaceful life all day long and a variety of shops in the district enables its inhabitants to satisfy any needs of theirs.

Working Life in Levent
As mentioned before, there are 3 types of offices in Levent; modern office buildings (plazas), villas and traditional residential apartment units. Modern office buildings are either connected to a shopping centre due to their mix-use nature or have easy access to those. These shopping centres are also a solution to the car park problem for extra parking space needs or guest car park. These office buildings opened a new era to the working life in Levent by design, function and security aspects.

Villas are more independent units preferred by major companies and consulates. Gardens of these villas are not only giving a fresh breath but also providing sufficient car park for occupiers and guests.

Residential units with office use are preferred by middle-tier businesses with limited staff and looking to benefit from the advantages of location and prestige of Levent.

No matter which one, Levent has always been the most popular and demanded location for business life.

People Prefer to Live in Levent
Levent has traditionally been one of the primary choices of the upper-middle and middle class of İstanbul. Villas has been preferred by the wealthier and apartment buildings have been demanded by the middle class. In time, as modern residential towers rose on Büyükdere Caddesi and transformation of villas into offices, choice of the wealthy people shifted to those buildings. Today, residential towers are occupied by the wealthy class of İstanbul, including the international community and traditional apartment buildings are hosting white-collar people. It is fair to say that, either for business or living, life in Levent is desirable for any İstanbul inhabitant.

24/01/2021

Information on Turkey’s Cost of Living, Infrastructure, Climate, Residency, Health Care and Real Estate
Often overlooked in favor of more established Mediterranean destinations, Turkey offers a wide array of choice and bundles of potential for anybody willing to do a little homework and leg work. The country is immense, but, thankfully, you can focus your interest on four regions in particular: the Aegean coast, the Mediterranean coast, Istanbul, and Cappadocia.

A vast country, Turkey stretches from the turquoise and azure waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas—where you’ll find most expats—across towering pine-covered mountains, on to the rolling plains that mark the beginning of the great Eurasian Steppe, then on over lush green mountains to the Black Sea coast, legendary home of the Amazons.

Along thousands of miles of coastline, you can find sleek resorts and modern medical facilities, just yards from the monumental remains of ancient Greece and Rome. It’s a country where the modern and the traditional are juxtaposed, at once familiar and excitingly different—and very affordable.

With its young population, Turkey is a country of the future. The economy is growing and diversified between Europe and Asia. And it’s easier than it’s ever been for foreigners to invest here now, especially in real estate.

Though not the capital, Istanbul is the country’s beating heart. Istanbul offers the best of any European city—from lattes to the latest Hollywood releases (in English)—but with a superior nightlife. You really can watch the world go by beneath a skyline of minarets and modern office blocks as ships from all over the globe trundle up and down the Bosphorus, the narrow straits that divide Europe from Asia.

Cost Of Living In Turkey
Live and Invest Overseas offers monthly cost of living budgets (for a couple) for our favorite destinations in Turkey:

Monthly Budget For Istanbul, Turkey

Infrastructure In Turkey
Turkey’s infrastructure is impressive for what is still an emerging market, but will face challenges accommodating their exploding population in coming years. Still, though, Turkey’s infrastructure holds up against EU-member nations.

Turkey’s air infrastructure is well-developed throughout the country, with over 100 airports (about 20 of them are international). Istanbul’s three major airports receive most of the country’s air traffic. In 2013 Istanbul Atatürk Airport was named Airport Of The Year (Air Transport News), Europe’s Best Airport (Skytrax World Airport Awards), was the 10th most trafficked airport in the world, and the 5th busiest in Europe. The trend in traffic through Istanbul is continuously on the rise; in 2014 Atatürk was the 4th busiest airport in Europe.

Turkey also has highly developed coastal and maritime infrastructure with 70% of its borders being coastline. The country’s economy depends heavily on merchant marine and fishing fleets from its various surrounding seas. Communications infrastructure is excellent, as is the national road system.

The national rail system is the least developed aspect of the country. While there is quite a bit of track laid throughout the country, only about one-fifth of it is electrified. All the rails are state owned and operated. This makes improvement or expansion difficult; politicians aren’t interested in revamping the railroads. Trains have been all but abandoned as modes of transportation in Turkey.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, is the economic, cultural, and historical hub of the nation, and houses more than 14.4 million people. Not surprisingly, much of the modern infrastructural innovation and improvement has been based in Istanbul, which now offers residents a metro, a tram, buses, ferries, taxis (both land and water), excellent roads and supporting traffic control infrastructure.

While interior regions of the country may not boast such outstanding infrastructure, major cities and coastal areas are well-serviced.

Climate In Turkey
Most of Turkey has a Mediterranean climate and enjoys four seasons that can be more and less harsh depending on the region. Areas of Turkey nearer to the Black Sea experience the cooler Oceanic climate. Areas of Turkey near the Sea of Marmara (this area includes Istanbul) have a transitional climate that straddles both Mediterranean and Oceanic climates. Here, the seasons can be harsher than on the Mediterranean.

The Turkish coast that borders the Mediterrean Sea enjoys a mild climate—hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It rarely snows in these areas. However, the coast that borders the Black Sea experiences harsher seasonal changes and receives more precipitation (and more frequently) than the rest of the country. And the areas bordering the Sea of Marmara (like Istanbul) can experience the best and the worst of their neighboring climates. It usually snows in winter in these areas, as well as in mountainous regions, but not heavily.

The interior of the country experiences the harshest climates and seasons, as most of the interior is isolated from climate influence due to mountain ranges. Most of the interior has a Continental climate. The central Anatolian plateau, for example, suffers from severe climate changes from season to season, with temperatures reaching -40°F at their lowest and 90°F at their highest.

The temperature in Istanbul (and the western regions of Turkey) typically ranges between 35°F and 85°F throughout the year. Average annual humidity is around 80%. Istanbul receives less than 25 inches of rain per year.

As in any country, weather depends on your region, but generally Turkey enjoys a warm, mild climate, with a noticeable temperature fluctuation from season to season.

Turkish Winter: December to February

Turkish Summer: May to September

Residency In Turkey
U.S. citizens must obtain a tourist visa to enter Turkey for a maximum of 90 days (multiple entry). After the 90-day period has lapsed, you will be required to buy a new visa or obtain permanent or long-term residency permit.

It used to be difficult for a foreigner to establish full-time residency in Turkey, but it was made much easier in 2014. Now it’s even possible to obtain residency through the purchase of real estate.

Still, Turkey may be best enjoyed as a part-time retirement option. If you live here more than six months of the year, you become liable to the Turkish authorities for tax on your worldwide income.

Residency in Turkey can lead to a second passport and dual citizenship in this country, but there are several requirements, including “adequate command” of the Turkish language.

Health Care In Turkey
In the last decade private health care options have increased significantly all over the country. While options in the past were poor and limited to public health care, reforms over the last few years have improved the system, though it still doesn’t quite meet EU-member country standards.

Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities offer the best health care facilities in the country. In rural areas health care facilities may be well below your accepted standard or not exist at all.

Real Estate In Turkey
Not too many years ago, there was no property market in Turkey for foreign buyers. Not only was foreign ownership restricted, but the process of purchasing property as a foreigner was complicated. All that changed with Turkish reforms designed to ease entry into the EU. Now your purchase of property in this country as a foreigner can be completed in a matter of two weeks or less, rather than the months it took in the past.

Property values along this country’s Mediterranean coast saw steady appreciation in the years leading up to 2008, when they, like property values in many markets worldwide, were shaken, though not as dramatically as elsewhere. Prices recovered within a year and a half and have since been slowly rising again. Despite this recent appreciation, Turkish coastal real estate remains a regional bargain and is expected to continue to appreciate in value for at least the next several years.

The real estate market in Turkey wasn’t hit as hard as others around the world in 2008 and 2009. Values in some districts of Istanbul dropped by maybe 25% at the height of the downturn (about the same as in Panama)… but in just a year-and-a-half prices had recovered. That rate of appreciation (10% to 15% per year on average) continued in 2014 and is expected to carry on indefinitely.

Despite these impressive rates of appreciation, Istanbul real estate remains a bargain compared with other global-standard cities

In 2012, Turkey ended the reciprocity condition for land sales, opening up the door to international investment. The result of that was an almost overnight increase in property sales. Recently, accountancy firm Ernst & Young ranked Turkey the second-most attractive market for investors in its 2013 European Real Estate Trend Indicator report and Price Waterhouse Coopers ranked Istanbul number one for development prospects in its 2013 Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe report.

Property in Turkey—even in the most desirable Mediterranean resorts—remains affordable. It’s priced well below the cost of comparable buys in more established retirement destinations along the Mediterranean. Property prices in Turkey can be less than half the cost of similar beachfront properties in Spain, even in the most popular coastal spots.

Note that some restrictions remain in place on foreign ownership of property in certain areas. Foreigners can own land in Turkey only if Turks are allowed to own land in the foreigner’s country. Foreigners are limited to owning 30 hectares of land (larger tracts require special permission). As a foreign national, you can’t own more than 30,000 square yards of land without the approval of the Turkish Council of Ministers. Restrictions are also placed on foreign land ownership in low population areas (fewer than 2,000 inhabitants).

$Reasons Why You Should Consider TurkeyIf you’re looking for the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of ...$

24/01/2021

Reasons Why You Should Consider Turkey
If you’re looking for the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of the price, look no further, Turkey checks all the boxes.

Whatever your heart desires, trans-continental Turkey, straddling southeastern Europe and western Asia, is guaranteed to please. It has cosmopolitan, vibrant cities, like its capital Istanbul. There are idyllic coastal Mediterranean villages, like Kaş, with pristine turquoise waters and multi-layered sunsets dotting the expansive coastline. Charming Aegean towns with deep blue waters, like Çeşme, and jet-setting yacht venues like Bodrum, complete with a stunning castle on the Mediterranean Sea, vie for sailors’ attention.

There are mountain ranges rising from all four directions, including the verdant green valleys of Olympus and the Ta**us Mountains, offering endless hiking trails immersed in natural preserves. Fragrant lavender fields in Isparta, rival Provence, interspersed with rose and cherry blossom season.

History comes alive in Turkey with over a dozen UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, as well as UNESCO-designated cities of gastronomy, like Gaziantep (one of the oldest cities in the world), famous for its conglomeration of multi-cultural cuisines. That’s not to mention the world-renowned hospitality from the Turks, genuinely interested in sharing their beloved country with visitors.

Although Turkey is predominantly Muslim, it is a secular country, where religion and government are separated. In fact, Turkey has many Christian pilgrimage sites, including Ephesus, where the Virgin Mary spent her last years and where Saint Paul performed baptisms. A mosaic of civilizations and cultures, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Turkey has something to intrigue everyone.

Interested in learning more about Turkey? Here are some of the top reasons you should consider it for your retirement destination.

1. Cost of Living

©iStock/graphixel
The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Turkish lira makes it easy to retire here on your Social Security. Furnished, one-bedroom apartments in the center of coastal towns with panoramic Mediterranean Sea views can be found for $250 a month. Push your budget to $500 a month and you’ll get a three-bedroom property, that figure also includes most utilities.

When it comes to eating out, a filling dinner of shish kebabs, including rice, vegetables, and fries averages $6. A wealth of freshly prepared mezes, or starters, typically costing less than $2 each, can easily make a meal while exposing you to a wide array of new dishes. Meals here are often accompanied by complementary offerings, such as olives, bread, and classic Mediterranean dips, as part of the ingrained Turkish hospitality.

A daily trip to the produce store or the frequent farmers’ markets costs a few dollars. A liter of earthy green extra virgin olive oil costs about $3 and a dozen of the freshest free-range eggs less than $2.

Regional transportation is cheap with flights to destinations in Europe often costing less than $40 and hours-long bus trips $5, making exploration inexpensive. A full spa treatment, including a one-hour deep-tissue massage, and the full spa “hammam” experience, including a foaming cleanse and exfoliation, costs about $30, including tip. A haircut at a salon, including a glorious head massage, is about $5.

2. Ease of Residency

©iStock/nejdetduzen
As a general rule, U.S. citizens can only stay in most European countries, as a group, for 90 days out of every 180-day period. In Turkey, however, one can obtain a renewable, one- or two-year residence permit relatively easily.

To obtain a residence permit, you submit an application online and provide evidence of lodging for the duration of the requested permit. If you’re staying in a rental, a notarized copy of the lease is required. Minimal health insurance is also required for the duration of the permit—mine cost $75 for the year. You must be able to show proof of sufficient funds to provide for yourself during the duration of your stay and obtain a tax number.

My original application and later renewal required me to attend an in-person interview but it was very straightforward and my renewal granting me a two-year extension took less than 10 minutes. I had to pay fees of just under $200 each time.

3. Natural Beauty

©iStock/Nadore
Turkey easily rivals any country for its sheer natural beauty, ranging from acres of unspoiled, verdant green mountains and valleys to miles of pristine coastline. The diverse topography and elevated plateaus provide stunning and unique vistas throughout the country.

Turkey is lapped by four seas—the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas, and the Sea of Marmara—and has mountain ranges paralleling the approximate 5,000 miles of coastline. The color contrasts among the crystal clear turquoise, jade, and sapphire-infused sea, the forest-blanketed emerald green valleys and mountains, and the stark white cliffs provide staggering beauty. The abundance of vegetation lends pops of color from silvery-green olive groves, ruby red pomegranate bushes, fields of lemon and orange trees, and carpets of sun-bronzed tomatoes.

4. History and Architecture

©iStock/tunart
Turkey is referred to as the world’s largest museum—and with good reason. There is a treasure trove of sites for historical, architectural, and archaeological buffs, including many UNESCO world heritage sites. You can walk in the footsteps of mythological and factual characters, including Alexander the Great, Helen of Troy, and St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus). Istanbul alone has a wealth of architectural wonders, including the grand and ornate “Blue Mosque” named for its blue tiles inside; Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, the grandiose residence of sultans of the Ottoman Empire, complete with a harem.

The town of Ephesus has some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman ruins; there is the archaeological site of Troy, the supposed site of the Trojan Wars; and the fascinating fairytale-like village of Cappadocia with underground cities.

5. Climate

©iStock/Dzmitrock87
Turkey enjoys a temperate climate. It is a year-round destination with coastal towns bordering the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas enjoying hot summers and mild winters.

The western and southern coastal towns of Turkey enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, averaging about 48 F in winter and 84 F in the summer. Istanbul and the coast around the Sea of Marmara have moderate climates averaging 39 F in the winter and 80 F in the summer. The interior of Turkey experiences cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers with temperatures generally cooler at night.

6. Cuisine

©iStock/greenp
Turkish cuisine intrigues with its exotic offerings while representing the best of the Mediterranean diet, revered for its health benefits. Mainstays of the cuisine include grilled meats and seafood, a plethora of vegetables, lots of yogurt-based dishes, an array of health-promoting and delectable herbs and spices, dried fruits, and nuts, and extra virgin olive oil.

Some of my most memorable dining experiences in Turkey have been in the cosmopolitan capital of Istanbul. Two of my favorite places to eat (not only in Turkey but in the world), are Hamdi and Omar in the historical center of Sultanahmet.

Hamdi is conveniently located adjacent to the bustling spice bazaar and enjoys a spectacular panoramic view over the historical center, the Bosphorous Sea, and the Golden Horn from its rooftop floor with an outdoor terrace. Service here is attentive and fast-paced. The proprietor, Hamdi, started out selling kebabs in the 1960s from a street cart and ended up with one of the most-beloved Istanbul restaurants, attesting to the popularity of his shish kebabs. Although Hamdi is most famous for its kebabs, they also have an impressive array of “lahmacun”, a very thin-crust, cheeseless pizza, and I generally opt for one with perfectly-spiced minced lamb and chopped pistachios, completed with a drizzle of addictive, sticky, luscious pomegranate glaze.

This culinary artistic beauty is complete with a side of a spicy tomato salad, “acılı ezme” (a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and acidic with fresh, finely-chopped tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, the trademark spiciness provided by homemade hot red pepper paste), perfectly complemented by a cooling side of haydari (a garlicky yogurt-based dip with mint, olive oil, and lemon). Simple foodie perfection, characteristic of Mediterranean offerings.

Dining at Hamdi is particularly captivating at night with the Bosphorous Bridge colorfully illuminated, twinkling lights on the landmark buildings, and brilliant stars piercing the inky jet blue sky as the backdrop to this picture-perfect scene. Reservations are a must to secure terrace seating or indoor seating with a panoramic view.

Omar is a favorite not only for its consistently excellent traditional food but also for its breath-taking view from its rooftop terrace. The interior is decorated with a kaleidoscope of colored mosaic lamps cascading from the ceiling, creating an intimate glow and casting a rainbow of shadows along the walls. What really steals the show and my heart here, however, is the incomparable view of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, the stunning architectural wonder that is Hagia Sofia and the sprawling “Blue Mosque”. My most memorable visits have been in spring when there is a vibrant carpet of tulips (Turkey’s trademark flowers), between these two magnificent structures. The experience of enjoying front row seats overlooking the bustle of Istanbul’s famous square is enhanced if one is fortunate enough to hear the piercing, melodic call to prayer, a gentle reminder to pause and be grateful for one’s blessings, regardless of one’s religious affiliation or non-affiliation.

It never ceases to amaze me what a memorable evening I can have in this cosmopolitan touristic capital at such a value. Prices are generally comparable to other cities in Turkey, with mezes costing approximately $3 to $5 and entrees generally ranging between $10 to $15. Stunning vistas included.

7. Hospitality

©iStock/graphixel
Turks are justly revered for their hospitality. This is a country where tolerance and civility reign. It is the only Muslim country that is secular and the only country straddling both Europe and Asia. It is a meld of cultures, where differences are not only respected but also are what makes the country so diverse. Tourism is a huge part of the Turkish economy and foreigners are welcomed with open arms and appreciation.

There is something for everyone in Turkey. A Mediterranean lifestyle that dreams are made of can be yours too at an absolute bargain of a price.

Get Your Free Report on the World's Best Places to Retire:
Learn more about the best places in the world to retire in our daily postcard e-letter.

Simply enter your email address below to sign up for our free daily postcards and we'll also send you a FREE report on The World's Top 10 Retirement Havens.

E-Mail Address
SIGN UP
By submitting your email address you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time and we encourage you to read more about our privacy policy.

No spam pledge. We value your privacy.
Related Articles

Places to retire abroad

05/03/2021

18/02/2021

18/02/2021

24/01/2021

24/01/2021

24/01/2021

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category