A Serbian Expat Married To A Turkish Man – About Her Expat Life In Ankara

In this interview, a Serbian expat woman married to a Turkish guy discusses her expat life in Turkey. Read about what does Marijana, a mother of two wonderful boys likes and dislikes about Turkey, what are her tips on adjusting to the new culture and why they decided to leave Turkey after six years?

About herself, she says that she loves carousels, but she hates clowns.

Where did you live in Turkey and when did you move?

I moved to Ankara in 2010.

How did you discover Turkey? What made you decide to come and live in Turkey?

I married a Turkish man. It’s easy to decide that way when you are in love.

Was it hard to get a residency permit in Turkey?

My husband arranged everything. I was just going to sign papers. From my point of view it wasn’t so hard, but again, you must ask him.

How to deal with cultural differences? What to expect?

Meditation can help. As long you know who you are nothing can touch you.

What are the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling in Turkey?

I had many cultural adjustments, but most of them are related to my personal choices. As long as you convince yourself that you must adapt country you are going to, you will be fine. No point to fight against windmills, because they are there and they are productive.

What did you enjoy most about Turkey?

My family. Beauty. Roads. Eriste. My mother in law. Friends.

What didn’t you enjoy about Turkey?

Every kind of pressure.

Was it easy to make new friends in Turkey?

Making friends is all about who you are not where you are coming from.

Did you feel accepted by Turkish people?

Yes, I did.

 How did you spend your free time in Turkey? How did you like restaurants and museums in Turkey?

Restaurants are amazing, classy. I wish i visited more cultural places, but the ones I went were prety cool.

Generally, how did you feel in Turkey? Did you feel safe in Turkey?

My personal feelings were mixed all the time. In the end I didn’t feel safe anymore. I was asking myself how is it posible things to change so fast. Well, literally so fast. I was happy with many things and unhappy with many things. I was missing freedom.

What do you think about the healthcare system in Turkey?

Healthcare system is really good in Turkey. I had two c-sections and both times I had everything what I needed.

What is your take on school system in Turkey?

This is the reason why we decided to leave Turkey. Government schools were never an option and private ones are crazy expensive.

Anything else you would like to add about your expat experience in Turkey?

Turkey is a wonderful country. I felt same way when I was living there and I sure feel that way now. 2000km away.

Hope you enjoyed this Interview with an expat mom from Serbia and her experiences in Turkey. Did you find out something that might be helpful for you?

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