Stereotypes are inherently oversimplified, but can also hold some truth to them and be a fun(ny) opportunity for self-reflection. The international community living in Istanbul has plenty of traits that qualify for a bit of lighthearted categorization. Here are just a few of the types I’ve come across – or am very much guilty falling into myself – from my time here:
1. The Instant Learner
This yabancı learned Turkish in what feels like 48 hours, as they dove straight into the language upon arrival. You can catch them chatting up locals while you stand awkwardly near them and try to conjure something meaningful to contribute, but unfortunately took too long and now they’re on to the next subject.
2. Mr./Mrs. Serious Relationship
This person started dating a local, stepped into their world, and has never looked back. Don’t worry though, you can see them in a few months to “catch up over lunch”.
3. How Did You End Up Living There Exactly?
This person lives in Istanbul, technically. Based on the outskirts somewhere, it’s a big occasion if they manage to make it into the city for a night out. So many questions: How did they end up living *insert neighborhood name you’ve never heard of*? What’s it like there? Most importantly, how much nicer of an apartment could I get there with my current rent budget?
4. The Lazy Linguist
This person has been living in Turkey for at least three years and has been rocking the same basic level of survival Turkish since they took an introductory course near the start of their stay. Each additional year only amplifies the shame.
5. The Working Unicorn
Has an amazing job that is currently paying in USD/Euro/Sterling, and with reasonable hours. TELL US YOUR SECRETS!
6. (Wo)Man of Mystery
This person has a military, NGO, or diplomatic job they need to keep on the hush hush and has been working on their cover story. Sometimes it’s great and you’d never guess it… and sometimes not.
7. Mr./Mrs. Overstay
This person has overstayed their visa or residence permit expiration so long that they have seemingly committed to never leaving Turkey. Police checkpoints and anything that requires a yabancı kimlik numarası are a regular source of anxiety and you often wonder if they ever miss visiting family and friends back home.
8. The Turkish Political Analyst
Probably didn’t follow Turkish politics before living here, but the always eventful nature of local politics has them pretty much obsessed. They’re well versed on contemporary issues, critical of Turkey’s portrayal in their home country, and unafraid to share their opinion.
9. The Pub Regular
Several nights a week, usually the same pub, and usually the same crowd.
10. The Convert
Came to Turkey with a religious curiosity and found their path here.
11. The Passionate Teacher
An inspiring member of any group, these are the real dedicated teachers among us. It’s not just a job – but a career path and passion. They also tend to have the most responsible sleeping schedule.
12. The Returning Foreign Exchange Student
Spent a semester here and now they’re back to finish off their Turkey bucket list.
13. The Lifelong Expatriate
They moved away from home early on and they’ve been living around the world ever since. Their current abode just happens to be Turkey.
14. I Can Return Home Whenever, but Would Rather Complain Here
There is a certain type of (privileged) yabancı that chooses to live here, but you’d be hard pressed to get a reason out of them. Their negativity about the place they’ve picked to reside leaves you wanting to ask, “Then why are you here?”
15. I Didn’t Actually Choose to Be Here
We didn’t all come here by choice of course, and these yabancı types are exempt from any such overzealous questioning. We’re all hoping for better times ahead.
16. Honorary Turkish Teyze Chef
This yabancı type took the time to learn all the essential recipes and now they’re one of your favorite friends to visit or host for potlucks.
17. Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game
This yabancı, especially when clearly foreign in name and looks, can be found on dating apps or at the pubs chatting up people they’re interested in and let’s be honest, they usually do quite well for themselves. Playing up their exoticism works well, but it’s a delicate art form to not be labeled a ‘player’ by the end.
18. I Live in Turkey but All My Friends are Yabancılar
They moved here but haven’t really become close friends with any locals. In their defense, this can actually be quite a difficult obstacle to overcome, but this yabancı type doesn’t seem to really mind.
19. I’m Leaving… Eventually
This yabancı type has been making ‘future plans’ outside Turkey for practically as long as you’ve known them, yet they can’t seem to break free of Istanbul’s charm and actually make that move.
20. Let Me Share This Story With the Whole Metro
Unaccustomed to the quiet nature of public transit here, you’ll often hear these yabancılar talking from several seats (or train cars) away. Bonus points if they don’t think anyone can understand them and are talking about something inappropriate.
21. I Have a Deep Yearning for Foreign Food
This person is constantly leading the charge in exploring new foreign food destinations. Georgian, Uyghur, Indian, Ethiopian, Mexican, etc… sometimes the dishes are a hit and sometimes they’re a miss, but thankfully you have this person in your life encouraging such vital research.
22. The Meyhane Champion
Every opportunity has this person suggesting a meyhane meal with plenty of rakı, regardless of the occasion. You respect it, even though you might not be able to afford it. Keep these ones close to your heart.
23. I’d Be Rich If It Wasn’t for Those Pesky Alcohol Prices
This yabancı type makes decent money all things considered, but their inclination for going all out at the bar when they finally hit the town costs them a good portion of it. Savings? What savings?
24. Sponsored by Yemeksepeti
This person can count the number of times they’ve cooked a meal here on one hand, and often attribute their lack of cooking to unfamiliarity with ingredients or their lack of intention to permanently stay and invest in cookware. Regardless, Yemeksepeti is all the sustenance they need.
25. The Lifer
Moved here and now you can’t imagine them living anywhere else. They’re the most reliable friend to make here, as you’ll always have someone to visit here if you ever happen to move away.
26. The Heartbreaker
Destined to hurt you emotionally, this is the type of yabancı that you easily and quickly befriend… but inevitably they must leave you behind when they venture to their next destination. Longtime yabancılar here know this pain all too well.
Any other classic yabancı types worth mentioning? Please let us know in the comments.
Amusing and very relatable. Nicely done, Tarik. I know I weave in and out of several of those “stereotypes” myself.
The Thrill Seeker– this person may have lived in many exciting places but Istanbul offered opportunities like no other…one where you didn’t even need to leave the house to find that excitement. Waterfall in the bathroom at 3am, scorpion races in the living room, being locked INTO your building due to a short circuit…dang, life is so boring everywhere else!
Number 5 and 6 just killed me!