2007-03-09 06:20:27 · 15 answers · asked by Cessy 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Turkey
Ok, first off, Istanbul is a wonderful place, and once you get settled, you are certain to have a wonderful time.
1) Visiting here is much different than living here. As expats experience after moving anywhere else, you will first feel like you're on vacation. Then you very well may feel a bit of malaise for a few months, then eventual adjustment.
2) You'll have to learn Turkish to get by here. It's not like in some countries in Western Europe or in expat centers like Dubai where you can subsist on English. Few Turks from the older generations speak English and a lot of the written English you do see around town is something that reads like "the boat which is in the water that is blue has drinks sold on it thet are local." This is slowly changing, however, I'm a firm believer of learning the language of where you live. It's a matter of respecting the culture. Few things peeve me more about the expat community than expats who have been here upwards of four years yet can't even pronounce "Taksim" (a neighborhood in downtown Istanbul) correctly.
3) Unless you have dark hair and eyes (and not Asian- or African-American), you will stand out and attract attention. While often a good-natured attempt at being friendly, one can quickly tire of people yelling from across the street, "Vere are you from? Vaat is your name?" Turks have to deal with this too, but cab drivers and landlords often try to rip off foreigners especially blindly (another good reason to learn Turkish).
4) You will miss "American food". While Turkish cuisine is wonderful, after a couple of months you really can miss a warm pumpkin pie, Stove Top, and a thick, juicy cheeseburger topped off with cheddar or American--not kaşar--cheese. In Istanbul and Ankara there are some good Chinese restaurants, and in Istanbul there are a couple of decent Mexican and Indian places, so that helps. Although I have to point out, Turkish food is delicious--and healthy! Instead of coming home and sticking a frozen pizza in the microwave, I make taze fasulye, green beans sautéed in olive oil and a bit of tomato. I've lost about 30 pounds since moving here due to the lighter fare on offer.
4) Tiny culture clash issues that don't emerge after some time here may lead to disagreements with your Turkish friends. The one that irks me the most is the national fear of wind and cold. It could be 100 degrees outside and people eschew air-conditioning out of some baseless
fear of pneumonia or colds. Perhaps it seems petty in the grander scheme of things, but I hate sweating profusely. Bah. Moving on...
5) Most importantly, living abroad gives you deeper perspective on your home country. After spending a few years here, you can examine and assess what exactly it means to be an American, all the while becoming intimately acquainted with a culture and country that has fascinated me enough to pursue two degrees in Turkish language and history, has become my career and my life passion.
2007-03-11 00:55:40 · answer #1 · answered by YabanciKiz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I am in an American Citizen who moved to Turkey (to study HS abroad), and I lived in Istanbul for 4 months and then moved down to Izmir, where I will finish off the school year.
And the only problem I faced was the language barrier. VERy few people in Turkey actually know english, Students know a LITTLE and shopkeepers tend to know enough.
But you at first will be shocked by the hospitality fo the Turks. Is is INCREDIBLE. Their friendliness is amazing.
Once start to have conversations with people you might notice that they WILL ask you many questions about the US and almost always they will ask what you think about Pres. Bush.
But just enjoying the new culture, language, and religion.
and most of all RESPECT them. Just like anyone else in the world if you show respect towards them you will recieve it back double.
HAVE FUN!
2007-03-09 19:48:19 · answer #2 · answered by cilgin_can 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live in the United States, but I can tell you there is not too much to worry about. Istanbul is an amazing city, and you will be unable to stay unaffected by it. Expect to have a strong love-hate relationship with the city, it is one of the most beautiful in the world, yet sometimes ugly at the same time. It's a city of paradox where people of all kinds live together.
Now on to more specific things:
1)Few people speak good English. The younger generations tend to know some. However, you'll see that everybody is ready to help as far as they can.
2)If you're coming from a big city, it should not be much of a problem to get adapted: Be ready for the worst traffic jams ever. With time you'll learn what roads to avoid at what time. On the other hand, you can get pretty much everywhere with public transportation, however long it takes.
3) Huge city. Huge population. Way too many people. Just so you know.
4) You wil be completely fascinated by the accumulation of history in Istanbul. It's a city ages and ages old, full of places to see and experience. As an American you'll probably find it very rich in that sense, as America is an extremely young center of civilization compared to Istanbul.
5) Just a mere detail, but something that can puzzle you in daily life: It is normal for two acquainted men to kiss each other on the cheek as a greeting. (Also goes for women)
6) Safety: It's not the safest place in the world, but long as you act wisely you'll be fine. Listen to advice from experienced people if you're told to avoid certain areas. Keep your belongings in your eyesight. That's basically it, no need for paranoia.
Final comment: You will absolutely love the food and the variety of activities , concerts, exhibitions, protests...it's a city alive 24/7. You are probably not going to find any hostility at all, but expect questions about your political stand from the English speaking community.
2007-03-10 00:24:06 · answer #3 · answered by qaltahc 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Tell me what the deal is with your being a US citizen and moving to Istanbul?You will be just one of the other thousands of US citizens living in Istanbul and nothing more... Lets be realistic you are just an ordinary human being and as long as you are not a world famous celebrity, no impact will occur either positive or negative... Plus, Turks are famous for their hospitality, so do the math... Bet you will like it...
2007-03-09 09:34:00 · answer #4 · answered by AllsTar 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
There's nothing to worry about Turks.
I think u'll love Istanbul, one of the best cities in the world.
2007-03-09 10:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by peyemitte 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you ask someone who had been to Turkey before?If you are an American living in America, it is quite possible to meet an American who visited our nice country Turkey before...Because all the Americans I met here in Turkey left Turkey as HAPPY to go back to America....:)
2007-03-09 10:58:56 · answer #6 · answered by Angelica 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you rescpet people in here they will show their respect to you. Of course everyone's country is the best and you will miss your country but try to learn something from foreign culture. It will be best education for you.
Enjoy Turkiye
2007-03-09 23:55:36 · answer #7 · answered by merlin 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As my friends told,turkish hospitality is like no other.if you heard that there is a problem between Turkey and US,believe me,it is political not personal cuz we are not racist.Turkey and US has always been a good partner and will be so.Believe me Turkish people like even their enemies...:-)
2007-03-09 07:21:11 · answer #8 · answered by Hurricane 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Of course without swearing ... Do not look anyone.
We are good friend with US citizen. We fighted towards to enemy together. You will remember it.
You can just see hospitality.
Regards
2007-03-09 06:33:45 · answer #9 · answered by Tanju 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You would face nothing but hospitality and sympathy. After living in Turkey for a while, you'll find yourself advocating Turkey.
Welcome already
2007-03-09 08:22:49 · answer #10 · answered by nihil 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋