Moving to Turkey

There’s only one country that fuses the east and the west best, and no matter how many others claim that title, it’s still The Republic of Turkey that offers the best of both worlds.

Turkey, 37th largest country, is the only nation that proudly straddles two continents - Europe and Asia. Turkey is a Eurasian country, bordered by eight countries; Bulgaria to the northwest, Greece to the west, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. Turkey is surrounded by the Aegean, Black, Mediterranean and Marmara Seas. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, stands with one foot in Europe and the other in Oriental Asia.

As a result, Turkey is a massive blend of cultural diversity, embracing both Western and Eastern traditions without losing its own cultural beliefs.

Expats will certainly have an amazing experience living between the ancient and the modern city life, especially with Turkish unrivalled hospitality.

Turkey is among the largest producers of agricultural products such as hazelnut, cherry, fig, apricot, quince and pomegranate. In the industrial sector, textiles and clothing have the largest share in exports followed by automotive. In 2008, its automotive industry ranked at Europe's 6th largest producer of motor vehicles and 15th worldwide. Other Turkish export products include iron and steel, major appliances, chemicals and pharmaceuticals and machinery.

The big players in the financial market, Merrill Lynch, the World Bank and The Economist consider Turkey an emerging market economy.

Another emerging industry in the country is tourism. Turkey's beautiful climate, stunning beaches and a laidback quality life makes it a destination for every traveler.

Most of the total population in Turkey lives in the cities. Ankara, the capital, is a modern city located at the heart of the Central Anatolian steppe with a population of 4,548,939. Istanbul, a bustling cosmopolitan place that offers a hectic, fast-paced life is home to many expats. Most of the foreigners looking for employment can find job opportunities in Istanbul, with a population in of 12,697,164.

Turkey is officially a secular state with no official religion; however, 99% of the Turkish population is predominantly Muslim while the rest practice various forms of Christianity, Judaism and Yezidism. By law, any individual can practice freedom of religion.

A point to remember for expats: wearing religious headscarves and Theo-political symbolic outfits by law is forbidden in government buildings and schools or universities.

Although, Turkey is a relatively safe country, travelers and foreigners must be vigilant, especially in tourist areas where pickpockets are rampant.

Turkey is truly the epitome of a the majestic culture of the West and the mesmerizing history of the East, as no other nation can triumphantly emerge as the country that unites the diversities and creates a balance paradigm.