Job Discussion Forums

bluehighway · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Waterloo, Ontario

I have a generous offer to teach at a university in Istanbul. They are offering lodgings in Tophane - what is this area like? Safe? Mostly turks or a lot of expats?

Also, now that I have a job offer, how hard is it to procure a work permit? They want me to start teaching next week, but I don't see how I can obtain the permit that quickly.

Those of you who have experience working/living in Istanbul - what are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance, all.

keitepai · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 143 Location: Istanbul

Regarding work permits my school applies for them once you have started, the first ones are just coming through now after 2 weeks working. The school makes the application and does all the paperwork, pays the fee (the best bit!) and then we all go to the police station with a school permit officer and it is considered done.
It seems to be the way here........... Laughing

saloma · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 211

If you end up living in Tophane I'd be curious to hear what you think of it.

It's close the the tramway, but a bit old and rundown. I walked through there a few weeks back and it seems to be a little Arab enclave in the middle of the city. Not many women about, lots of "men only" tea houses and covered women. I mean really covered.

Some graffiti on buildings referred to arabs and some was actually written in Arabic.

I'm sure your university is getting a good deal on an apartment there. I'd ask them how much they'd be willing to allot you for rent if you don't take the assigned apartment. You might not mind living there, but better safe than sorry.

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

Well - NOT many expats, but it's so close to Istiklal, Cihangir, and Taksim that it doesn't matter much. After a 10 min. walk, you will be in the midst of anything you could want.

Our neighbors were very poor but very nice. Their kids were a bit evil - turned off our electricity on a regular basis, rang our doorbell 10 x a day and ran away at first (tapered off after a bit)... The area itself - Tophane - is famous for its narghile cafes. So, if you're a smoker, that's good news.

But it is very, very close to the middle of nightlife in Taksim and that's great. If you are a woman who will be living alone, I might be a bit hesitant or I might find a roommate...

But - GO!!! You will not regret it. Istanbul is amazing, and Tophane, while not fantastic, is close to the Fantastic Areas.