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Istanbul Basics & Guides

Playing Tourist in Istanbul: Where to Find Peaceful and Relaxing Spots

When my family and I moved to Istanbul back in 2001, I had to convince others that Turkey was one of the most underrated...

Residence Permit Health Insurance – Our Quick, Easy and Affordable Application...

If you've landed here, you're likely in need of health insurance for your residence permit application. We've partnered up with an insurance provider to...

Hunting for Records in Istanbul, Part 2: Kadıköy

In the first part of this series, I spent the day browsing through Beyoğlu’s record shops. A few days later, once the gloomy weather had...

Istanbul on a Budget: Free Culture, Art, & History Offerings

To which public places can we go to, if we do not want to spend any money at all? At first, it seems like...

A Guide to Istanbul Earthquake Preparedness

With all the disturbing events in the news recently, it is easy to forget the more mundane, boring threats of life: pickpockets in Taksim,...

Buying a House in Turkey – Who, Where and When? (Part...

So, you’ve been in Turkey for a while and decided that it might make sense to buy a home or maybe you have your...

Guide to Registering Utilities in Istanbul

So you’ve found somewhere to live in the urban jungle of Istanbul – congratulations! Opening utility accounts is not that difficult but can be...

Giving Birth in Turkey: Choosing the Right Obstetrician

You are pregnant, congratulations! This is most probably the happiest moment of your life, enjoy it for a second! But not too long, because...

Student Life: 8 Tips to Live in Istanbul on a Student...

Is living on a budget a choice or an obligation? In my case, unfortunately, it had to be an obligation. I’ve moved to Istanbul...

Survival Guide: Living Gluten-Free in Istanbul

Gluten is made up of two proteins, Gliadin that gives the baked good the ability to rise during baking and Glutenin which makes the...

A Guide to Volunteering In Istanbul

Every single day you spend with a person to make their day better, every moment of teaching someone something new, every step you take...

Getting to the Airport: More Than One Way to Getaway

Going on weekend getaways is one of the perks of living in Istanbul. The Mediterranean sun is just a hop, skip and a jump...

The World is a Square: A Briefing on the History and...

With its own attraction and magic this game seems to appear everywhere, may it be in the çay evi or at home, tavla is...

Istanbul’s Short-Term Bicycle Rental System: İSBIKE

İSBIKE System Istanbul is one of several international cities offering increasingly diversified alternative transportation options, including its own short-term bike rental program. The İSBIKE system...

Be Earthquake Ready in Istanbul

It’s the kind of story that sweeps down the gossip chain, becoming so popular that it morphs into an urban legend. The tale retold whenever...

Saving Money in Turkey

So you’ve come to Turkey and plan to stay for a while, or you already live here and have decided to save up some...

Buying a Home in Turkey: Getting a Mortgage (Part IV)

So, you’ve been in Turkey for a while and decided that it might make sense to buy a home or maybe you have your...

Choosing a Housekeeper and/or Nanny in Istanbul

All of us - single or in relationships, with or without kids - need help at home from time to time. It can be...

Three Apps to Save Money While Enjoying Istanbul in 2019

If 'enjoy Istanbul more' is among your list of resolutions in 2019, you are not alone! Each year, we decide to be more active,...

Hunting for Records in Istanbul, Part 1: Beyoğlu

For many commentators, the digital music revolution catalysed by iTunes over a decade ago signaled the end of all physical formats of music. With...

Seasonal Foods in Turkey: A Breakdown

Life is a collection of rhythms, reflecting humanity’s collective love of tradition and routine. Yet for many around the world, the rhythm of the...

Guide to Houseplant Hunting in Istanbul

In a heavily built-up city such as Istanbul, green space is at a premium. When I first came here to live, I remember looking...

Issues with Joint Bank Accounts in Turkey

If you have lived in Turkey for a while, you’ve probably got an account with a local bank. It is easy enough to open...

Psychological Counseling Options for Internationals in Istanbul

Being a foreigner studying or residing in a different country and a different culture makes one tend to seek for psychological help for various...