Ankara - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium - most expats in Ankara are diplomats, since the business world in Turkey still revolves around Istanbul. That means there’s a lot of mixing work and fun. - Nov 2023
Large. I think most people enjoy living in Ankara. It is relatively quiet and feels safe. If you want something more lively, Istanbul is an hour away by plane or 5 ish hours by car. There is also a train, but the station is far away from the city center. - Jan 2023
Ankara does not have as many expats as Istanbul. It is mostly diplomatic families, plus some other companies. Covid has made it hard to judge how easy it is to get to know others. I am mostly friends within our Embassy. Overall people love Ankara and people often extend assignments. - Nov 2021
Expat community is quite large in Ankara, with many large missions from across the globe. Expats seem really happy and interested in mingling with other expats. Many housing complexes are primarily filled with expats. - Sep 2020
For smaller countries, Ankara serves as a regional diplomatic hub, providing coverage into Central Asia and the Middle East. There thus appears to be more embassies present than in other similarly-sized countries. Across the international community, morale seemed to drop and physical safety concerns seemed to increase following the July 2016 coup attempt. It seems to have slowly rebounded, as it's my understanding that many missions downsized personnel and removed families. The considerable decline in the value of the Turkish Lira over the last six months has not seemed to boost confidence. The UN is well represented in Turkey. - Oct 2018
Large community, though morale seemed very bad around the time of the coup in July 2016. It improved after new people arrived, without families, who were used to hardship postings. Morale seems okay now, but most people take every opportunity to leave Ankara, or Turkey, for holidays. - Oct 2018
It is very large here, and I would say great morale. - Sep 2018
Large. Very poor morale. - Jul 2018
Medium-sized. Morale is ok, but worse for the U.S. because of all the unwarranted hostility. - Oct 2017
Large expatriate community. The German, Canadian and British missions all have regular events. Make friends among the community to get invited. - Sep 2017
Very large. Morale is very good among expats. - Jun 2017
Medium sized. I think morale is pretty mixed. There is a segment of people who love it here (me included) and those who find the security situation untenable. It is really a question of what you are comfortable with. Embassy hours are LONG and that has been a real struggle for us. But I love this country and I love the friendships I've made here -- both within the expat community and locally. - Sep 2016
The embassy has a very negative vibe. I have been to many different posts but Ankara is one of the least welcoming I have experienced. - Jun 2016
The community is large, and very diverse. The morale fluctuates with the politics and events - Aug 2015
Decent size. Morale appears good. - Apr 2015
Quite large actually and quite low. The pace of high expectations is quite furious. There are many long hours. Ankara is also an aggressive city on the roads and even when transiting on foot. Due to traffic, it can be a bit harder to break out of the bubble and get some balance and inspiration from getting to know others outside of the work arena. - Feb 2015
People I know seem to like living in Ankara, morale seems good. It doesn't have the color and pace of Istanbul but it's very easy to live here. - Jun 2014
Big community, mixed views. Embassy needs more happy hours for sure. - Apr 2014
Large expat community but since this is such a livable city, there is no need for lots of expat community outreach. There are tons of clubs and exercise groups here but you just have to take the effort to open your eyes and look for yourself. The CLO at the Embassy has tons of information and plans many group events. - Mar 2014
Big community, very low morale. The get togethers are few and far in between, the employment is available but the jobs are low ranked and given as gifts. Being part of the right group might get you a job but the positions are mostly part-time and the jobs are very low leveled. It's not a good post for a career-driven person. The higher management is very hostile to suggestions. - Mar 2014
Small to medium. Everyone gets to know everyone. The Turkish baggers at the commissary know me by name. - Jul 2013
Unknown. Consists primarily of the diplomatic community and a few businessmen/women and teachers. - Aug 2011
Large. - Jul 2010
