Istanbul Basics & Guides

Sometimes the grit and grime and non-stop pace of the city just get overwhelming. You need a break from the packed Metrobus and the...

Getting your residence permit can seem like a massive undertaking, especially if you're unclear of certain steps along the way or have your own...

Turkey maintains strong foreign relations with most countries around the world, and many have dedicated missions to foster diplomatic relationships and provide services to...

On Monday 06 February, 2023 two massive earthquakes (7.5 and 7.8 in magnitude) devastated Turkey and Syria, with aftershocks being felt hundreds of miles...

Galata is a beautiful neighborhood in the apex of Beyoğlu district. It used to be a sanctuary for Turkey’s Greek, Armenian, Italian and Jewish...

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

Istanbul is huge and, a bit intimidating. Finding your "in" can take time. As a foreigner, you'll quickly see that breaking into Turkish friend...

Renting a flat in Istanbul can be a stressful, intimidating experience - especially for first-timers. There's a lot to take into account and if...

To be a true yabancı, there are certain skills you have to master... 1. Become a teaholic. Drinking copious amounts of black tea is an...

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...

It’s amazing how things can change in just a few short years. Three years ago, I accepted a job in Turkey. Six months later...

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...

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

One day, after having heard our neighbor's son practicing his guitar almost daily, I went to her door and asked in piecemeal Turkish if...

One of the many seemingly incessant complaints I hear from other yabancılar is a disdain for Turkish wines. Navigating the wine scene in Turkey...

“Metrobüs” is a word whispered in dark corners of the yabangee community in İstanbul. So what is this so called Metrobüs? How does it...

If I knew then what I know now: Which neighborhood has the best, cheapest or most fashionable dresses? How much should I pay? Should I...

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...

The end of this semester is approaching quickly. Along with it, come final projects, papers, tests, presentations, and a number of other things, which...

Rent increases are an unpleasant but inevitable part of adult life. However, as rent prices have spiked by an unprecedented degree over the past...

As an animal lover, one of my favorite aspects of life in Turkey can also be one of the most challenging: seeing cats and...

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

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

While eating healthy might not normally be a top priority, if you have kids like me, that opinion will likely change as you probably...