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Last updated · 31 articles in the guide

Community

Making Istanbul home for 3+ months?

Meet other people living here or planning their move. We’re building a small WhatsApp group for people who’ll be around long enough to get to know each other.

Join the group

We’re gathering the first members of a WhatsApp group for people making Istanbul home for three months or longer. A place for introductions, everyday questions and getting to know each other. Tell us a little about your plans.

We’ll email you about your request and invite.

Include your country code, starting with +.

Already here? Tell us how long you expect to stay.

By requesting to join, you agree we can use these details to review your application and contact you about the group. This doesn’t subscribe you to a newsletter. If you join, your number will be visible to other group members. Privacy policy.

Where to look for events

You can also meet people through these local organisers. For dated events and bookable shows see the events page. Confirm the date and address before setting off.

Social events & language exchange

Smileys Community

Meet nomads, expats, travellers and locals through language meetups and social activities. Check each listing for the venue, language, cost and RSVP requirements.

See the event calendar →

Founders & startup teams

Startup Grind Istanbul

The Istanbul chapter of Startup Grind. Browse past events to see the format, and check the chapter page for new announcements or organiser contact details.

Visit the Istanbul chapter →

Organiser pages checked 7 September 2026.

Learn enough Turkish to use it

A language exchange is where you practise, not where you learn. Twenty hours of one-to-one lessons before you land gets you through a bakkal, a taxi and a landlord conversation. Online tutors from Turkey charge far less than a school in Cihangir.

Online Turkish tutors

Preply lists native Turkish tutors from about $8 an hour. Filter for "conversation" and pick one in Istanbul; they know the words you will actually hear. First lesson is a trial.

Find a Turkish tutor on Preply ↗

Ad · If you book through this link we get a small commission. You pay the same price.

Before you go

Check whether registration is required, which language the event uses and whether food or drinks cost extra. Allow time for the journey. Crossing between the European and Asian sides can shape your evening.

Run a local community? Send us its public listing and a short description of who it’s for.