Digital Nomads

Two simple rules in Türkiye: buy good quality local shoes and wear a lapel jacket. Those two changes to my wardrobe made a huge difference to how I was treated in Türkiye. Random old men would ask me directions. Standing outside any shop young women would approach and ask questions. If you keep a plastic flour sifter poking out of your bag, no one will bother you.

Ottoman dishes are more Russian. Meze is more Mediterranean. Eat healthy, stick to the meze.

Right now inflation is at an all time high and there are so many Russians it blows the mind. It has put a big pinch on housing. That said, you can cook for yourself at SEA prices, particularly if you use the pazar (street market).

If in a big city, choose your neighborhood well and spend your week there. Venture out occasionally. Treat it like your village. If the village is not tourstic, the services will be 1980s grade.