Turkey faces challenges with some neighboring countries experiencing political instability. However, these regions are located at least 1,000 miles away from Istanbul. Thanks to Turkey's robust economic, political, and military strength, the country has maintained impressive economic growth, unaffected by issues in nearby regions.

Istanbul, a vibrant city teeming with tourists from around the globe, is generally very safe. The primary concerns for visitors are heavy traffic and the occasional risk of pickpocketing in tourist hotspots—issues common to most major tourist cities worldwide.

While the majority of Turkey's population is Muslim, it is important to note that Turks are not Arabs. Istanbul is home to a significant number of Christians and Jews, who coexist harmoniously with their Muslim neighbors. The city’s skyline beautifully reflects this diversity, featuring churches, synagogues, and mosques side by side.

Turkey is not an Islamic republic like Iran; its constitution is rooted in secularism (laicism). Islam itself is a religion of love and peace, not violence. While some Western media may highlight a connection between Islam and violence due to the actions of a few extremists, this does not reflect the reality in Istanbul.

Foreigners are warmly welcomed in Turkey, as hospitality is a deeply ingrained cultural value. Turks view guests as an honor, and your religion or background has no bearing on this tradition.

Most Turks you’ll meet at the clinic or elsewhere are not particularly religious. Even for those who are, it doesn’t imply any form of hostility. Like anyone else, Turks are ordinary people who aspire to live in peace, raise their families, and find happiness.

Your doctor is multilingual, well-traveled, and genuinely interested in other cultures, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for international patients.

Turkey also boasts a rich tradition of winemaking that dates back centuries. Additionally, raki, an unsweetened, anise-flavored alcoholic drink, is widely enjoyed across the country, reflecting its vibrant culinary culture. With its own thriving fashion industry, you will be surprised at the variety of dress amongst Turkish women.

Istanbul is a much safer city than many Western cities. There is less criminality than in Glasgow or London and Istanbul has become one of Europe’s safest city. An important solidarity between people and a solid economic growth allow Istanbul to be a safe destination. Traffic is however the only real danger as pedestrians never have priority.

When it goes about women:

– Turkish women received the vote on the same terms as men in 1934 (1928 in UK, 1944 in France and… 1971 in Switzerland).

– A lot of women have responsibility positions in Turkey (among others: hospital director, marketing manager or communication director).

– Turkey elected a woman, Tansu Ciller, as a Prime Minister in 1993 when a lot of Western countries never did.

– Turkey’s constitution is based on laicity and while some women wear a headscarf a lot neither do it nor experience problems because of it.

– Istanbul being Europe’s largest city, foreign women should apply the same rules as at home (don’t walk alone at night in a park or on a dark street, for instance) and respect some points that can be also important in other Southern European countries like Greece or Southern Italy (topless sunbathing is unusual, for instance)

Istanbul is home to 18 million people, making it a vibrant and dynamic metropolis. Over the past decade, Turkey has experienced one of the highest economic growth rates in the world, leading to the rise of a prosperous middle class with a demand for high-quality healthcare. As Turkey’s wealthiest city, Istanbul has become a hub for advanced medical services.

To meet this growing demand, intense competition among hospital groups has driven rapid advancements in healthcare. State-of-the-art, well-equipped medical facilities have been established, attracting global attention. Prestigious American institutions such as Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins have set up facilities in Istanbul, recognizing the city’s commitment to delivering exceptional medical care.

Istanbul is also home to a number of highly skilled surgeons who were educated and trained abroad. Many of them have chosen to return to Turkey, drawn by improved working conditions and the opportunity to gain extensive experience due to Istanbul’s large and diverse population. These surgeons often perform significantly more procedures than their counterparts in Western countries, such as the UK, further honing their expertise.