Turkey is a large country and it comes as no surprise that life differs depending on regions and the distance between them.
The differences occur naturally and from various major factors such as climate, landscape, resources and so on. One cannot truly exist separately from their surroundings and so together all these factors create a somewhat unique way of life.
These regional differences are most evident in the local culture, which includes the daily routine and overall lifestyle. Therefore, if you travel across a country as rich with diverse regions as Turkey, you will see that different parts have their own distinct charm.
There area many regions and even subregions across Turkey that are fascinating enough to explore, but let’s focus on four major cities from four different regions most popular among tourists and expats, and see which one of them would be the best fit for you if you are considering a move to Turkey.
İstanbul
There couldn’t possibly be a more obvious place to start our journey but Istanbul – a legendary city with rich past, huge population and historic importance.
It’s hard to overestimate Istanbul’s significance for the country. A city of 16 million people, or more than 18% of Turkey’s population.
Antonymous descriptions of Istanbul as a place where West meets East, history meets modernity, and city meets nature are hackneyed. But true nonetheless. Istanbul is a city of contrast (another overused description) and it’s one of its major points of attraction.
Here you can enjoy a life in modern setting fully conforming to the current era but you cannot avoid encountering the city’s rich history. Istanbul is one of just a handful of cities with global significance where life had never stopped.
As befits a city as large as Istanbul, you will find comfort here. Unsurprisingly, this developed metropolis covers all the basic necessities of life – from health care to shopping to opportunity.
Moreover, Istanbul will also make sure you remain entertained no matter what your preferences are when it comes to leisure activities. Vibrant nightlife, nature getaways, city tours, hangouts by the sea – whatever comes to mind you can realize it in this city.
Istanbul is a city of choices. You just have to choose where and how you want to live and the city will accommodate you.
Muğla
Next we have Muğla. It’s a major touristic province in the southwestern corner of Turkey where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean.
Just reading the previous sentence can give a pretty good idea of what to expect from Muğla. Some of Turkey’s largest holiday resorts, including Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris and Ölüdeniz are on the coast in Muğla. Every year the province draws millions of tourists, who want to enjoy Muğla’s warm sun, pristine turquoise waters and lush coastal nature.
Muğla is known for its unique versatility when it comes to vacation activities. As a major tourist center the province and its resort cities attract various kinds of holiday makers, offering them a wide range of choices. It’s a perfect spot not only for a classic vacation by the beach, but also nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, partygoers and many more.
The busiest time of the year for Muğla is, of course, its relatively long summer, which lasts about five months. The life rhythm drops significantly in the non-touristic months, but that’s when the locals can really enjoy their region without the huge crowds of tourists.
The province offers the true taste of the Aegean lifestyle known for its serenity and lack of haste. In Muğla’s cities and towns you can fully take advantage of the local tranquility in a perfect natural setting. Meanwhile, the local climate will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Muğla sees very little cold days throughout the year and a lot of sunshine. Summers are hot and mostly sunny, while winters are mild and humid.
While most of the local economy is obviously tourism-oriented, Muğla may be a perfect place to live for those enjoying the perks of remote work.
Without even a hint of exaggeration, thanks to Muğla’s local lifestyle, environment and climate, living in the province is like a yearlong vacation.
Trabzon
In Turkey’s north, along its Black Sea coast we will find the city and province of Trabzon.
The city of Trabzon, which has a history of nearly three millennia, has some considerable development over the last decades, becoming a comfortable home for its residents. Here you can enjoy the usual advantages of living in a large enough city with minimized disadvantages such as overcrowding, for instance.
At the same time, the province lies in one the most scenic parts of Turkey – the Black Sea region. This area is famous for its nature of unparalleled beauty with fog-covered mountains, emerald green plateaus, lush forests and the sea coast. Some have called the region the “Turkish Alps.” And it’s hard to disagree with them, the resemblance is uncanny.
You can find all these features of the Black Sea region in Trabzon. The province also boasts a very central location within the region, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the Turkish Black Sea coast both to the east and to the west.
Trabzon along with the whole region has a unique climate, very distinct from the rest of the country. Local summers are usually warm and humid, while winters are cool and damp. What distinguishes the Black Sea coast, however, is high and evenly distributed rainfall the year round. It’s the only region in Turkey that receives high precipitation throughout the year.
With the combination of the city life comfort and the easy access to the surrounding natural landmarks, Trabzon has also become of the most attractive destinations in Turkey for foreign homebuyers.
Antalya
For our fourth and last city we have Antalya. This Mediterranean province is a true vacation heaven, which is supported by the statistics. In terms of drawing tourists, Antalya comes second only to Istanbul. Millions visit the province’s beautiful coast every year.
Aside from being a major tourist hotspot, Antalya is the fifth-most populous province in Turkey with a population of 2.6 million. Around half of this number live in Antalya proper.
If you don’t mind tourist crowds in high season and enjoy hot weather, Antalya does not really have a downside. Like Muğla, the Antalya area offers you a combination of sea and beautiful coastal nature.
It’s a big city with all the necessary amenities for a perfectly balanced life under the ever-blazing Antalya sun (the province is even hotter than Muğla). Since Antalya by itself is large metropolitan area the city does not just die down when the winter comes and the tourists leave. Life in this bustling place goes on uninterrupted all year long.
It’s comfortable place where in addition to the essential public services you will find many leisure opportunities as well.
