Has the Expat Bubble in Turkey Burst?

I first read about the “expat syndrome” in 2014 but couldn’t find any reference of it by psychology communities. It seemed many writers have also put their own take on the “label” but it did originate with an expat author called Tony Crossley who was living in Thailand. He wrote…

Expat Syndrome is a condition whereby many expatriates see mostly either the best of their own nationality & the worst of the locals, or see the opposite.

He further went on to explain that…

The secret to expat life is tolerance of ways that are different to what the expat is used to. Many expats adapt well, but others become niggly clods of criticism that constantly complain that the authorities and locals do not devote their lives to making the expat happy.

In truth, these are wretched souls that think they can build themselves up by pulling all around them down.

What Specifically is the Expat Syndrome?

As I sit here and think about my expat years in Turkey, I begrudgingly have to admit that if such syndrome does exist, I have succumbed to it on numerous occasions.

Kate Ashley Norman at the Thrive in Turkey Centre, who is aware of the expat syndrome, says that psychology communities would probably refer to it, as an internal or external locus of control i.e. do you let events dictate your outlook on life or vice versa?

She says…

“For many, the decision to move overseas is fulfilment of their wish to ‘live the dream.” The first few years are a roller coaster of pure happiness. No stress, mid-afternoon beers, cheap cigarettes, no demands on their time but reality sets in.

Unexpected cold winters, changing bureaucracy, falling interest rates, missing the family back ‘home’, increasingly poor health, and fear of being conned (again), can lead to feelings of unhappiness, and often depression.

There is a distinct difference between those who succumb to the expat syndrome, and those who happily avoid it. Those who succumb demonstrate an external locus of control – a feeling of powerlessness over events that have contributed to their feelings of unhappiness.

Those who avoid the expat Syndrome trap are those who have a deep sense of control over their lives. Despite experiencing similar challenges to those affected by the syndrome, they have a greater sense of resilience and empowerment to deal with the crap and focus on the good.”

Expat Life in Turkey

So basically, thinking of your adopted country as the source of everlasting unhappiness and stress free days can be your downfall. More specifically, viewing Turkey as a utopia is a belief that we would do well to avoid especially given the current situation.

While expats have seen their monthly incomes dwindle, the cost of living go up and the value of their property spiral downwards, we’ve also witnessed a civil war in a neighbouring country, refugee babies dying on our beaches, ISIS threats, media restrictions, mass murder at a peace rally in the capital and a political scene that has evolved into the biggest mess the country has witnessed since the 1980s.

As the country goes back to the polls on November the 1^st, many Turks and expats will be watching the results with intense anticipation.

Turkey is at a crossroads.

Last week, an expat friend asked if it was time to leave.

“I wouldn’t do that” I replied but in the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to start being grateful for the small things in life.

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Nat says
at

Turkish patriarchy! Now, there is a good article to be written about that. Not sure if some of my readers would like it though!
Nat says
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The human mind Mary. It has a lot to answer for. On many occasions, I found myself down or disheartened by stuff that really is irrelevant
Nat says
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Greece???!!! Do these people read the newspapers?
Nat says
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Hi Zoed, are you referring to the Kurds? Can you be more specific?
Nat says
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I’m ok Jack – Just currently being grateful for the small things in life. Think the ones that hate the UK and Turkey are in Bulgaria
Nat says
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Yes, that’s right. Every year, there has been something that has rocked daily life but Turks seem to be like rubber. It bounces off them!
Nat says
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Very true Linda – Your frame of mind will always trump your environment
Robyn Daniels says
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There is another take on this – once the ‘rose-coloured specs’ come off one sees one’s situation more clearly. I know many expats who live in some kind of bubble completely avoiding seeing what is going on here. After living here for 4 years I have decided like many expats who don’t like what is happening politically in this country that it is time to leave – particularly with increasing restrictions on being able to express one’s opinions. I’ve had it with the long hot summers, the difficulty of acquiring the language, and despite knowing some very kind and hospitable Turks, they are in the minority, and I have realised that – despite converting to Islam many years ago and living as such for 8 years in the UK – living here long-term in a real Islamic country I have come to realise that my values and those of my Turkish hosts are completely incompatible and I am off to live in a more civilised country (France) where I feel I will integrate better with shared European values and a greater fluency in the language to help me to settle. I don’t regret my 4 years here – one has to live in a place for a while to fully understand and appreciate it, but there is an underbelly to Turkish culture (especially the patriarchy) that I find completely unacceptable. Civil war is here and will get worse in the coming 6 months or so and I see no easy resolution to the social, economic and political problems in the country.
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
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This is such an interesting concept. It is pretty common for expats to have very strong contrasting opinions about their native country and the one they have relocated to.
David Race says
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I get sick and tired of the whingers, why the hell did they come here in the first place ?
We tend to keep our distance from the expat community in general and only socialize with those who we are compatible with.
I have noticed recently some are starting to look towards Greece as an alternative though, frying pan and fire come to mind.
zoed says
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While I do admit I have succumbed to this syndrome I’d like to add that the way Turkey treats it’s own people is my biggest issue. I think what Turks put up with is horrendous and the lifestyles many live are harsh unjust and trying. They deserve more
Jack Scott says
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Pity the .poor expats who hate the country they’ve come from AND hate the country they’ve come to. Now they’re the ones really stuck! My advice is to stay put and see how things pan out. To badly paraphrase Mark Twain ‘The reports of Turkey’s death have been greatly exaggerated.’ Chin up, Nat!
Yvonne Alpan says
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Turkey has had a lot to deal with but as I see it the country always has so don’t feel I want to leave just a different type or actually the same type of trouble. Dealing with high inflation, coups at regular intervals and the terror brought on by the vastness and varied population in this country has just impressed me as to how flexible the population copes. I have battled with the syndrome and still do, depends so much on your circumstances if you feel like leaving and having the choice is an advantage most here just don’t have. I just wonder sometimes which country depresses me more……
Linda Kaya says
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Yes I think we have all succumbed to the syndrome to a certain extent until we realise that life is what you make it, wherever you decide to live.