Istanbul, a city uniquely connecting the continents of Europe and Asia, is a blend of rich history and modernity. This vibrant metropolis has been the heart of world empires for centuries and offers a unique living experience. With its developed infrastructure, social and cultural amenities, excellent health and education facilities, and efficient transportation system, Istanbul attracts millions of people from all over the world. The mix of human and natural beauty, shopping centers, palaces, and thousands of magnificent buildings offers an incredible lifestyle experience. In this article, we will explore the various advantages of living in Istanbul.
Historic Monuments
Istanbul is a city rich in historical and cultural heritage, boasting numerous significant monuments.
- Hagia Sophia: Built as a cathedral in 537, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, secularized as a museum in 1935, and now serves as a mosque again.
- Church of the Holy Savior: A former Byzantine church converted into an Ottoman mosque in the 16th century and later secularized as a museum.
- Basilica Cistern: Constructed in the 6th century, this cistern is the largest of the hundreds of ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city.
- Rumeli Fortress: A fortress built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1452 to prepare for the final attack on Constantinople.
- Topkapi Palace: Constructed in the 1470s, this palace served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.
- Suleymaniye Mosque: An imperial mosque from the Ottoman period and one of Istanbul’s most famous tourist attractions.
- Galata Tower: Built in 1348, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the historic peninsula.
- Dolmabahce Palace: An Ottoman palace constructed in the mid-1800s, now used for hotels, restaurants, and events.
Galata Tower
Natural Beauties
Connecting two continents and experiencing all four seasons, Istanbul offers countless natural beauties.
- Bosphorus: A boat tour on the Bosphorus provides panoramic views of the city and an experience where culture and nature’s beauty blend harmoniously.
- Emirgan Grove: Located in the Sarıyer district, it offers a magnificent display of numerous tulips and flowers.
- Yıldız Park: A historical park in the Beşiktaş district, featuring beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and gardens.
- Belgrad Forest: A naturally formed forest on the European side, offering fresh air and greenery.
Bosphorus Istanbul
Cultural Life
With its rich history, Istanbul serves as a cosmopolitan city hosting people from diverse backgrounds and languages. It offers a fast-paced, consumption-oriented, yet enjoyable lifestyle.
Istanbul cultural life
Entertainment Life
Istanbul’s nightlife is as renowned as its rich history. The city offers a variety of entertainment options to suit every taste.
- Jazz Music Evenings: Tranquil evenings accompanied by jazz music.
- Dance Nights: Exciting dance nights in nightclubs.
- Rooftop Restaurants: Romantic dinners at rooftop restaurants.
- Venues with Bosphorus Views: Entertainment spots with Bosphorus views.
Istanbul Rooftop Restaurants
Shopping
Istanbul is known for its rich shopping experience, ranging from historical bazaars to modern shopping centers.
- Grand Bazaar: Operating since the mid-15th century, the bazaar offers a wide range of products, from antique carpets to handmade jewelry.
- Spice Bazaar: A 17th-century marketplace with over 80 shops selling spices, nuts, dried fruits, and Turkish delight.
Grand Bazaar
Job Opportunities
According to the 2024 Foreign Work Permit Statistics Report by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, approximately 250,000 foreigners were granted valid work permits in Turkey in 2023. There are job opportunities for foreigners in various sectors, primarily in international companies, including management, marketing, sales, technical information, and translation.
What is the Cost of Living in Istanbul?
The cost of living in Istanbul is much cheaper than in many European cities. The estimated monthly cost for a family of four, excluding rent, is $1,800 (32,000 TL), and for a single person, it is approximately 10,000 TL.
Which Districts Should You Live In Istanbul?
The answer to this question greatly depends on what you expect from your life in Istanbul.
- Beyoğlu: The heart of entertainment and culture, with various public transportation options.
- Beşiktaş: A central district with ferry services to the Asian side.
- Şişli: A central area with squares, offices, banks, and shopping centers.
- Kadıköy: A bustling neighborhood and transportation hub on the Asian side.
- Üsküdar: Another coastal transportation hub on the Asian side.
What Are the Advantages of Living in Istanbul?
Here are the advantages of living in Istanbul:
- Special Location: Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures blend, making its location strategic and important as a meeting point between Asia and Europe. If you are looking to buy an apartment in Istanbul, the city offers various opportunities and advantages.
- Hospitality: Turkish customs and traditions highlight hospitality, making the expat experience welcoming.
- Educational Opportunities: Turkey has public and private universities that provide free or low-cost education to foreign students.
- Opportunity for Citizenship: Newcomers can apply for a residence permit and later apply for citizenship.
- Medical Services: Istanbul is renowned for its top-notch medical care, especially in the fields of cosmetic and hair loss treatments.
What Are the Disadvantages of Living in Istanbul?
Here are the disadvantages of living in Istanbul:
- Security Concerns: In some areas without security systems, there can be issues with theft.
- Language Barrier: Since the official language is Turkish, English is not widely spoken, which can pose challenges for those who do not know Turkish.