Five Reasons to Move House to Turkey
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for expats, whether they are looking for work or for somewhere to retire to. Many of the 34,000 strong British community originally worked in the country and liked it so much that they stayed on.
The Moving Partnership provides international removals to Turkey for both domestic and commercial customers. Here we look at some of the key reasons why people are attracted to this country which is part of both Europe and Asia.
- The Weather
The southern coast of the country, in particular, enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Although it can be too hot for some (temperatures sometimes exceed 35oC). Homes are built with this in mind. They are light, airy and roomy (lots of terraces, etc.) and are built out of natural materials which retain heat in winter and keep it out in the summer. You could also do what many locals do in summer and stay indoors!
Areas closer to the Black Sea have cooler summers and fewer extremes in temperature. Winters are milder in the south, but don’t be surprised to see some snow in other areas of the country.
- The Healthcare
The country spent a relatively low proportion of its GDP on health in the early 21st century. However, this is now much improved with a significant amount having been invested in the infrastructure, with modern hospitals, surgeries and equipment.
As far as payment goes, it is a mix of both public and private provision. There is a tax surcharge on employers, currently at 5%, which funds the bulk of it.
- The Cultural Heritage
Turkey has a rich cultural history coming in part to straddling both Europe and Asia. Throughout time it has been invaded by the Persians, Greeks, Spartans and Romans, all of whom brought their architectural influences to bear over the centuries. As a result, the country is now rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
If you are thinking of moving house from the UK to Istanbul, then there are plenty of historic sites to check out, including the Topkapi Palace, the Walls of Constantinople (which is what the city used to be called) and the 6th Century Hagia Sophia (pictured), which was originally a basilica, then a mosque, then a museum. Large parts of two James Bond films (From Russia with Love and Skyfall) were also filmed in the city.
- The Cuisine
As with many Mediterranean countries, there’s plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy at mealtimes. Seafood is common too, particularly in the coastal areas. Herbs, spices and rice feature in many recipes.
Vegetables can be served as a side dish or a main course. Meat dishes can be served with fruit or dairy products. The most well-known meat dishes are probably the kebab and kofte (meatballs), the latter of which come in all shapes and sizes.
Sweets aren’t forgotten either. Turkish cuisine offers a wide range of savoury and sweet pastries, many of which are dough-based. Baklava, a layered pastry full of nuts and covered in syrup, is probably the most famous.
- The Cost of Living
Provided you have a regular income, it should work out cheaper to live in Turkey when compared to many parts of Europe – although, like many countries, it has been affected by the cost of living crisis.
Local produce and eating out is very affordable compared to the UK. However, living in a city is likely to prove more expensive than living in a rural area, particularly when it comes to property prices and rents.
International Removals to Turkey with The Moving Partnership
Whatever reason you are considering moving to Turkey for, The Moving Partnership can help you with a competitively priced, high-quality removals package that will be tailored to your individual needs.
Remember, the country is not officially part of the European Union, but it is one of its main partners and is part of the EU/Turkey Customs Union.
For more information about our international removals to Turkey, follow this link. You can also use this page to leave a message or get a free moving quote from us.
