🇹🇷map Turkey [Overview]

Turkey, known locally as Türkiye, bridges Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait, with Istanbul famously straddling both continents. The country stretches from the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to the mountainous east bordering Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Iraq, while the northwest touches Greece and Bulgaria. Its population is around 85 million, with Istanbul as the cultural and commercial heart and Ankara as the capital. Many visitors are surprised to learn that the country’s famed Turkish coffee tradition predates the coffeehouse culture of Europe by centuries, and yet tea is now the everyday national drink served in small tulip-shaped glasses.

Travelers and expatriates usually find Turkey welcoming, energetic, and practical for regional travel. Airports in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir connect widely to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, making it an excellent base for digital nomads covering multiple markets. High-speed trains link major western cities, and buses reach nearly every town. Coastal areas like Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye draw international residents for their mild climate and seaside life, while Cappadocia and the Black Sea highlands offer a completely different landscape and pace. Expect a mix of modern city conveniences and traditional neighborhood life, often in the same street.

Economy

Turkey’s economy blends manufacturing, services, and a sizable informal sector. People work across automotive, textiles, white goods, food processing, construction, tourism, and a growing tech scene, especially in Istanbul and Ankara. Agriculture remains important in many regions, producing hazelnuts, olives, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Natural resources include boron minerals, marble, and a strategic energy corridor position—pipelines and shipping routes make the country a key gateway between producers in the Caucasus and Middle East and consumers in Europe.

Connectivity is one of Turkey’s strengths. Istanbul’s airports are major global hubs, and the country participates in organizations such as NATO and the G20, maintaining trade ties with the European Union, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Seaports on the Aegean and Mediterranean handle busy trade flows, and logistics infrastructure continues to expand. For professionals, this means frequent flights, cross-border business opportunities, and a steady stream of international conferences and fairs. While the economy can be cyclical and inflation has been a challenge, the market remains dynamic and entrepreneurial.

Culture

Turkish is the dominant language, and you’ll hear regional languages such as Kurdish, Arabic, and Laz in various communities. The largest ethnic group is Turkish, with significant Kurdish populations and other communities reflecting centuries at the crossroads of empires. The modern republic emerged from the late Ottoman period in the early 20th century, and you can feel the layers of history—from classical sites like Ephesus to Seljuk caravanserais and Ottoman neighborhoods—woven into everyday life. People are passionate about football, family gatherings, seaside vacations, and long conversations over tea; hospitality is a point of pride, and guests are frequently invited to share a meal.

Islam is the predominant religion, with a secular state tradition shaping public life; you’ll find mosques alongside churches and synagogues in certain neighborhoods, especially in older districts of Istanbul and Izmir. National holidays include Republic Day on October 29 and Victory Day on August 30, while religious festivals such as Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) and Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) bring family visits and generous feasting. Cultural calendars in the big cities are full—film festivals, contemporary art shows, and live music run year-round—while local festivals celebrate cherries, olives, and regional cuisines. For newcomers, learning a few Turkish phrases and embracing the rhythm of tea breaks can open doors faster than any business card.

Ahmed
Ahmed is a business development consultant and cultural advisor originally from Dubai, UAE, with over 14 years of experience in Middle Eastern markets and international corporate expansions. Having worked for major multinational corporations and regional conglomerates across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Ahmed has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other key Middle Eastern markets.