About Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. It is located in the southern part of Europe and the western part of Asia. Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe, NATO, and the OECD. It is a democratic, secular, unitary parliamentary republic. Turkish is the world's 20th largest economy, with a GDP of $3.32 trillion in 2022 and the world's 18th most populous country.

Turkey has a long history, dating back to the Bronze Age. It was once part of the Ottoman Empire, one of the largest empires in world history. Turkey is also home to some of the world's most famous archaeological sites, such as Troy and Ephesus.

Turkey has a diverse landscape, with coastal areas on the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, as well as inland mountains. The climate also varies depending on location, with the coastal areas being warmer and the inland areas being cooler. Turkey is home to many historical sites, such as the city of Istanbul, which was once known as Constantinople. Tourism is also an important industry in Turkey, with over 40 million visitors yearly. Turkey is also known for its cuisine, including kebabs, Turkish coffee, and baklava.

About Turkey

Quick Facts

POPULATION
POPULATION

86,557,108 (2022 estimate)

CAPITAL CITY
CAPITAL CITY

Ankara

MAIN LANGUAGE
MAIN LANGUAGE

Turkish

TIME ZONE
TIME ZONE

GMT+3

CURRENCY
CURRENCY

Turkish Lira

INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODE
INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODE

+90

DRIVING SIDE
DRIVING SIDE

Right-hand side

MAJOR RELIGIONS
MAJOR RELIGIONS

Islam 80%
Atheist 5%
Spiritual But Not Religious 6%
Christianity 7%
Other Religions 2%

Geographical Location

Geographical Location

Turkey is located in Western Asia and southeastern Europe. Eight countries border it: Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the northeast; Iraq and Syria to the south. Turkey has a coastline on three seas: the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The country is approximately 1,600 kilometres (990 miles) long and 800 kilometres (490 miles) wide. Its geographical location gives it a unique position in the world, allowing it to bridge the East and the West.

Turkey has a diverse landscape with a variety of different geographical features. The coastal areas are mostly flat with some mountains, while Central Anatolia is a large plateau. The country's east is mountainous, with ranges including the Taurus Mountains, Pontic Mountains and the Caucasus Mountains. Turkey has several rivers, including the Euphrates, Tigris and Aras. Turkey also contains large lakes, including Lake Van, the largest body of water in the country.

Turkey's Top Cities


Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey\'s largest city and its cultural and financial center. Situated on both sides of the Bosporus Strait, Istanbul is a fascinating mix of Europe and Asia. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire, and is home to some of the world\'s most famous landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Also known as the industrial center of Turkey, Istanbul is also home to a large number of businesses and industries. The city generates 21.2% of Turkey\'s GDP and is home to 19% of the country\'s population.


Ankara

Ankara is Turkey\'s capital and is also the country\'s second-largest city. It is located in the central Anatolian region of Turkey and has a population of around 5 million. Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city, housing many Turkish and international businesses. The city is home to a number of government agencies and ministries, as well as the Turkish parliament. Ankara is also a popular tourist destination due to its numerous historical landmarks and museums. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Ankara include the Anitkabir (Ataturk\'s Mausoleum), the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and the Kocatepe Mosque.


Izmir

Izmir is Turkey\'s third-largest city and is located in the Aegean region of the country. It is a major tourist destination due to its beautiful coastal setting and its proximity to a number of historical sites, such as the ancient city of Ephesus. Izmir is also an important commercial center and is home to a large number of businesses and industries. The city has a population of around 4 million.


Bursa

The first major capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa, is located in the northwest of Turkey. The city has a population of around 2.8 million and is an important industrial center, producing a variety of goods, including textiles, machinery, and automobiles. Bursa is also home to a number of historical landmarks, such as the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum.

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Transport In Turkey

The driver's license system of Turkey is similar to the one used in most European countries. You can drive with your home country's driver's license for up to six months, after which you must obtain a Turkish driver's license.

Transport In Turkey

If due to some reason, you are unable to exchange your home country's driver's license for a Turkish one, you can obtain an international driving permit (IDP) from your home country's automobile association.

To drive a car in Turkey, you must be at least 18 years old. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

What Are The Steps To Getting A Turkish Driver's License?
  1. Find a driving school
  2. Pass an online exam
  3. Take a driving lesson
  4. Take the road test
  5. Apply for your license
Renting a Car

What do you need to rent a car in Turkey?

  • A valid driver's license from your home country
  • A passport
  • An International Driving Permit (if you are not from a European country)
  • Proof of insurance
Basic Turkey Driving Rules
AGE OF DRIVING
AGE OF DRIVING

18 years

DRIVING SIDE
DRIVING SIDE

Right

SPEED LIMIT
SPEED LIMIT

Highway Speed Limit: 80.7 mph (130 kph)

Public Transport
Public Transport


The best way to get around is through Saint Lucia. Car renting could be first-rate if you have planned to stay an extended period. It would rather be cheap(affordable), fast & flexible than other transportation options and for sure comfortable. For car rental, it is compulsory to have a temporary driver\'s license. You can avail a pre-obtaining license option or show a valid driving license to the car rental agency, police station, or airport. Don\'t forget the driving side is left. You\'ll see car rental agencies crowded at the airport, in Castries, Soufrière, Gros Islet, and Rodney Bay.

Car rental agencies include:


There are different types of buses in Turkey. The most common type is the dolmus, which is a minibus that operates on specific routes within cities and between towns. Dolmuses are often very crowded and can be quite uncomfortable.

The other type of bus is the long-distance bus, which is operated by a number of different companies. These buses are more comfortable than dolmuses, but they are also more expensive.


There are two main types of trains in Turkey: high-speed trains (YHT) and conventional trains (DEM). The YHT trains are faster and more comfortable than the DEM trains, but they are also more expensive.

The DEM trains are slower, but they are cheaper, and they stop at more stations.


The metro is the most efficient way to get around Istanbul. The network consists of five lines, which cover a total of 101 stations. The metro runs from 6 am to midnight, and tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at each station.


Taxis are widely available in all Turkish cities, and they are relatively cheap. You can hail a taxi from the street, or you can call a taxi company to pick you up from your location.


There are a number of ferry services that operate between Istanbul and the surrounding towns and villages. Ferries are also the only way to reach the Prince Islands, which are a popular tourist destination.


There are a number of on-call ride services, such as Uber and Careem, which operate in Istanbul and other Turkish cities. These services are convenient, but they are more expensive than taxis.

Personal Finances In Turkey

Opening a Bank Account
Banking In Turkey

One of the first things you need to do when moving to Turkey is to open a bank account. Fortunately, any overseas citizen can open a bank account in Turkey, provided they have the required documents. The documents you will need are:

  • Proof of identity such as a passport or ID card
  • Proof of address such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill
  • Proof of income such as a pay stub or bank statement
Taxation In Turkey

All residents of Turkey are required to pay taxes. The tax system in Turkey is progressive, which means that the more you earn, the higher your tax rate will be. There are several forms of taxes in Turkey, including:

  • Income tax
  • Taxes on expenditure (VAT, excise duty, customs duty)
  • Taxes on wealth

Setting Up Accommodation

Short Term Rentals

If you are only planning to stay in Turkey for a short period of time, then your best option is to rent an apartment or villa on a short-term basis. This type of rental is usually fully furnished and includes all utilities, such as electricity, water, and Wi-Fi. It can be a convenient temporary solution, but it is also more expensive than long-term rentals. The requirements for short-term rentals are generally not as strict as those for long-term rentals, requiring a deposit and often a minimum stay of one month.

Short-term accommodation can be found through websites such as:

  • Airbnb
  • Homeaway
  • Tripadvisor
  • Booking.com
Long Term Rentals

If you are planning to stay in Turkey for a longer period of time, then your best option is to rent an apartment or house on a long-term basis. This type of rental is usually less expensive than short-term rentals, and it gives you more flexibility in terms of length of stay. Renting a property in Turkey is a relatively simple process, and there is a wide range of accommodation available, from apartments in the city center to villas in rural areas. Additionally, the landlord will be responsible for paying utilities, such as electricity and water.

In terms of requirements, long-term rentals have stricter requirements than short-term rentals and usually require:

  • First month's rent
  • Security deposit
  • ID (passport or ID card)
  • Proof of income
  • Letter of confirmation from employer

Long-term accommodation can be found through websites such as Expat.com, Zoopla, and Rightmove.

Setting Up Your Home

If this is your first time moving to Turkey, your first accommodation will probably be a rental property. Rental properties usually come with utilities, such as electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, included in the price. It is the tenant's responsibility to transfer these utilities into their own name and to pay the bills.

To set up utilities in Turkey, you will need to provide proof of ID, such as a passport or ID card, and proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill. You can set up utilities online, by phone, or in-person at the relevant office.

In terms of water, ISKI is the water company responsible for providing water to the country. All municipalities have an ISKI office, where you can set up your water service.

Phones

A working phone line is essential for any home, whether it's for making calls, surfing the internet, or watching TV. In Turkey, the main providers of phone services are:

  • Turkcell
  • Vodafone
  • Turk Telekom

You can either pay for your phone service on a monthly basis, or you can purchase a prepaid SIM card, which allows you to pay for your calls and internet usage in advance.

Internet

Turkey has four main internet providers, and the decision of which one to use will depend on your location and budget. You should also compare the speeds and coverage of each provider to make sure you're getting the best possible service.

Some of the main internet providers in Turkey are:

  • Türk Telekom
  • Türcell Super Online
  • D-Smart
  • Turknet

Turkey's National Health Service

Like most countries, Turkey has a National Health Service (NHS), which provides free or low-cost healthcare to residents. However, the level of care and coverage varies depending on where you live. In general, the NHS in Turkey is not as comprehensive as the NHS in other countries, such as the UK. One of the first things you should do when you move to Turkey is to register with the NHS so that you can get a health card. This will entitle you to free or discounted healthcare at public hospitals and clinics.

If you want to be covered by the NHS, you will need to provide proof of ID, such as a passport or ID card, and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

While universal healthcare is available in Turkey, some procedures, such as dental work and cosmetic surgery, are not covered by the NHS. For these types of procedures, you will need to pay out-of-pocket or purchase private health insurance.

Education

School

Education is an important part of life in Turkey, and the government provides free education to all residents, from kindergarten to university. The school year runs from September to June, and schools are closed on public holidays.

Schooling in Turkey is split into three stages:

  • Primary education: Ages 6 to 14
  • Secondary education: Ages 14 to 18
  • Higher education: Ages 18 to 21
Enrolling In A State School

The first step is to identify the school district that you live in. Each district has a list of schools that fall under its jurisdiction. Once you have found the right school district, you will need to complete an application form and submit it to the school. While public schools in Turkey provide excellent education, you can also consider private schools, which usually have smaller class sizes and more individual attention for students.

Tuition fees for private schools can be quite expensive, upwards of 10,000 Turkish Lira (TL) per year.

Universities

Turkey has a number of universities that offer excellent education, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The application process for universities is similar to the process for schools. You will need to identify the university that you want to attend and complete an application form.

Some of the top universities in Turkey are:

  • Istanbul Technical University
  • Bogazici University
  • Middle East Technical University

Apply for Turkey Citizenship

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can include qualified members of your family in the application. A qualified family member can be a child not older than 18 years that is currently enrolled in an educational institution and a spouse

You are not required to visit Turkey before or after obtaining your citizenship, you are, however, welcome to visit and explore the country.

Yes, the passport of Turkey is a biometric passport, also known as an ePassport.

The biometric passport of Turkey has 38 pages out of which 35 are visa pages.

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