Job Discussion Forums

[wldlioness]

Hi there,

I apologize if this topic has been covered, but i haenotbeen able to findit.... I am a 28yr old female of hispanic decent, considering looking at a job in Instanbul.. I have never been and though i have had girlfirends visit and say they loved it, i have yet to meet someone that actuallylived there. I have been warned that it may not be a greatplace for women but would like to hear some personal experience or insight if possible.

if anyone willing to do so I would be appreciative.

thanks

[Frizzie Lizzie]

You won't get away with wearing a mini skirt or a tight top even in Istanbul, but apart from that the city is quite safe for women. I've only been harrassed twice in 3 years - first time, a bloke on the bus asked me if I knew this and this school, and I made the mistake to reply in Turkish. The second time, and this is more common unfortunately as it has happened to a lot of my girlfriends, a car slowed down and whoever was driving it was obviously waiting for me to cross the road...luckily the greengrocer's was still open and I went inside.
I've heard all sorts of horror stories as well, but I guess you start questioning their authenticity until things happen to you...

[molly farquharson]

If you are Hispanic, it is likely that Turks will think you are Turkish. I think it is probably easier here than in certain parts of some cities in the US. Men look at foreign women but they don't often touch them. I think Turkish men are more polite than American men-- they give up their seats on public transportation, open doors, etc. I think this is not a big issue, actually, so come and see why your friends liked it here so much

[Frizzie Lizzie]

Molly is right, you will pretty easily pass for a Turk. I myself have got dark hair and black eyes, and people are quite amazed to learn I am NOT Turkish.
To be honest, I wasn't sure at all before making the step and moving to Turkey, all because of the Turkish men's "reputation". I was very glad to find out none of the "touching" and "b.u.m pinching" stories were actually true.
Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, is addictive

[lunamoon]

I agree with Molly too that the men 'don't often' (me: twice in 3 years) touch women. Also I agree you should pass for Turkish - 'Russian' women get the worst deal.

Coming from northern Europe I noticed Turkish men's love of staring at you so that if you should so chance to look in their direction, you appear to be looking at them on purpose

Just know that, as any big city, people come from all levels of background: family, financial situation, religion and education will all condition their response to you

The men in any tourist area are the most loved up....they're often gorgeous n friendly n used to being around foreigners....n of course you're more available cos you won't demand to take him home to meet the parents n get married....

Enjoy it here

[emypie]

When I told my friends/family that I was going to teach in Turkey, the first thing they asked about was the status of women... will I have to "cover up"... etc... but generally this is just because of a lack of information and the stereotypes perpetuated in the media.

Istanbul is a pretty liberal and cosmopolitan city, compared with other parts of Turkey. For example in Istanbul you can have piercings all over your face and it is no big deal. But the more east you go, the more conservative it gets.

When I arrived in the summer time I went out for groceries in capris and a sleeveless top, and a lady in a headscarf "tsk-tsk-tsk"ed me!!!!!! Ever since then I have become a little bit more modest, out of respect for their culture.

There are certain things that are very different from Western society that we may think are strange. For example, my roommates and I will have our boyfriends over, or male friends, and now our entire apartment building thinks we are all whores!!!! But c'est la vie, no? It's really none of their business.

Another example -- when you go into a restaurant, you will automatically be ushered upstairs to the 'salons' where families, women and couples go. This is not a sexist thing... they are not saying 'we don't want women here'. What they are trying to do is give female patrons and families a safe, quiet and comfortable environment.

The biggest bar in my town, ladies and couples HAVE to go to the 3rd floor, and men can't go to the 3rd floor without a female companion. I know it may sound strange, but men and women here tend to live seperate lives, when it comes to socializing.. Dudes hang with the dudes, and ladies hang with the ladies I suppose it is your choice to decide that this is either sexist, or simply different.

On a whole though, I think Turkish men are quite respectful of the ladies, they will pick up the tab and open doors and offer to carry your stuff, and so on. Once in a while a dirty old man will mutter something as you walk by, but on a whole, I feel very safe here, and on a whole, I think Turkish people have very good, big hearts.

[justme]

Sometimes old men mutter 'Maşallah' when they walk by, and that's okay...

[Otterman Ollie]

Yes ,yes , we know all this ,but the big question is ,would you be brave enough to marry one of them ,(men) that is ?

[dmb]

[howmucharefags]

Nice one

[justme]

[Baba Alex]