Istanbul's curated social community
We bring together curious, open-minded people through handpicked events, interest-based clubs, and a community that actually feels like one.
Our story
Smileys started from a frustration most people moving to Istanbul share: the city is magnificent, full of energy and culture — but breaking into it socially is surprisingly hard. Existing expat groups felt impersonal. Dating apps weren't the answer. And showing up to a random "networking event" felt like the opposite of fun.
We built Smileys to fix that. Not another app where you swipe through strangers, but a real community where every face you see at an event has been thoughtfully welcomed. Where the host knows your name. Where the guest list is balanced, the venue is handpicked, and the atmosphere is warm from the moment you walk in.
Istanbul deserves a social scene that matches its character — vibrant, layered, and genuinely welcoming. That's what we're building, one event at a time.
What we stand for
Four principles that shape everything we do — from who we approve to how we design events.
Curated, not crowded
Every member is personally reviewed. We keep the community intentionally small so that every event feels like a gathering of like-minded people — not a networking circus.
Real connections
We design events for conversation, not just attendance. Smaller guest lists, shared interests, and recurring faces mean friendships that actually last.
Global minds, local roots
Our members come from dozens of countries. What unites them is Istanbul — and a genuine curiosity about the world. You'll feel at home whether you arrived last week or last decade.
Balanced by design
Many of our events are gender-balanced by default. We believe the best social dynamics happen when everyone feels equally welcome.
How it works
Membership is application-based. Not to be exclusive — but to make sure the community stays the kind of place everyone actually wants to be in.
Apply
Tell us about yourself, what draws you to Istanbul, and what you're looking for in a community. Applications take about 5 minutes.
Get vetted
Our team reviews every application personally — looking for vibe alignment, not credentials. Expect a response within 24–48 hours.
Join the community
Once approved, browse upcoming events, join clubs that match your interests, and meet people who are actually excited to be there.
What to expect
First events can feel daunting. Here's what actually happens when you show up to a Smileys event.
- 👋A warm welcomeEvery event has a host whose job is to make introductions. You will never have to walk into a room and figure it out alone.
- 👥Small, balanced groupsWe keep guest lists tight — typically 20 to 60 people — and gender-balanced by default. It feels more like a dinner party than a conference.
- 🌍Instant common groundEveryone in the room chose to be here. That shared curiosity about Istanbul is the icebreaker. The conversations start easily.
- 🔁Familiar faces, fastMembers attend regularly. Within two or three events, you start recognising people. That's when it starts feeling like a community.
Still on the fence?
The most common thing members say after their first event: "I wish I'd come sooner." Apply takes 5 minutes. You can always say no to events until you find the right one.
Apply to joinFind your people
From sailing and wine tasting to book clubs and language exchange — our clubs are built around shared passions, not just shared geography.
Explore clubsReady to feel at home in Istanbul?
Join a community of people who came from all over the world and found their people here.