Stories
Club spotlights, event recaps, and tips for making the most of Smileys.
Looking for how the city works? The Istanbul Handbook →
Argentine Cinema Comes to Kadıköy: Secrets, Swindlers and Stories That Stay With You
From 23 October 2026, Sinematek/Sinema Evi invites Istanbul audiences into a world of family secrets, dangerous memories and very convincing liars.
The Many Lives of Türkiye
From Ladino songs in İzmir to Syriac traditions near Mardin, discover the languages, family histories and communities that shape life in Türkiye.
Love Without Borders: When Two Cultures Fall in Love
What happens when two people from different cultures fall in love? Discover the attraction, surprises, and realities of international relationships.
Uzakrota Global 2026: Istanbul Welcomes the World of Travel
Discover Uzakrota Global 2026 in Istanbul on November 27. Explore AI, travel technology and international networking with free conference registration.
Discover İKSV: The Cultural Institution Connecting Istanbul with the World
Discover İKSV, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, and explore international film, music, theatre, contemporary dance and art events in Istanbul.
Beyond the Office: Six Cities Changing How Digital Nomads Live and Work
From Lisbon to Chiang Mai, location-independent professionals are redefining where they call home. But the future of remote work is about more than affordable living and reliable Wi-Fi.
Türkiye, Quo Vadis? Democracy, Corruption, and the Question of Power
From the Halk TV takeover to the investment fund crisis, Türkiye faces growing questions about government pressure, corruption, justice, and accountability.
Youngr brings his live-looping show to Istanbul
October 17, 2026 | The British musician builds electronic pop performances in real time, layering beats, vocals and instruments into one-person arrangements.
Grouper Live in Istanbul: An Evening of Music and Discovery
Grouper brings her atmospheric vocals and dreamlike melodies to Fiba Salon İKSV on November 4, with Istanbul’s Ekin Fil opening the evening. Discover her music and find everything you need to plan your night—from arrival times to tickets.
Why I Created Smileys Community: A Personal Story From New York to Istanbul
Only an expat truly understands what it means to be far from home when life takes an unexpected turn. The loneliness, the distance from family, and the importance of having people you can count on when you need them most.
Working European Hours in Istanbul? Your Evening Plans Change on 25 October
Clocks go back in the UK and EU on 25 October, but Türkiye stays on UTC+3. What it does to a London, Berlin, or New York schedule worked from Türkiye and why your mornings just got more useful.
A Parisian Night in Istanbul: Olivier Giraud Brings His Hit English-Language Comedy to Istanbul
French comedian Olivier Giraud performs How to Become a Parisian in One Hour? — fully in English at DasDas Sahne on Saturday, October 24.
🇪🇺 ErasmusDays 2026 in Istanbul: Discover Opportunities, Meet New People & Celebrate Cultures
October 12–17, 2026 | International education, cultural exchange, language learning, and new friendships across Istanbul.
Filmekimi 2026: Discover the World Through Cinema in Istanbul
October 9–18, 2026 | International films, award-winning directors, and a chance to experience Istanbul’s cultural side.
❤️ Together for Tetiana: A Community That Stands By Its Own
Following the tragic building collapse in Maltepe, Smileys Community has come together to help one of our own. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve already raised approximately 65,000 TL. But our work isn’t finished yet.
The Erasmus Bubble: Are You Really Experiencing Istanbul?
You came to Istanbul to discover a new culture, meet different people, and experience life in another country. But what if you’re spending most of your semester surrounded by other international students?
Ekrem İmamoğlu: The Jailed Mayor at the Center of Türkiye’s Democracy Debate
From winning Istanbul’s historic mayoral election to facing one of Türkiye’s largest corruption trials, Ekrem İmamoğlu’s political journey has become a major test of the country’s institutions.
Istanbul Is Rebuilding: What You Should Know About Urban Transformation
From Kadıköy to Beşiktaş, older apartment buildings are being replaced across Istanbul. Here’s what urban transformation means for residents, renters, and anyone planning to make the city their home.
The Remote Work Survival Guide: Stay Productive, Avoid Burnout & Find Your Community
Practical advice for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads navigating work and life in Istanbul.
When One of Us Needs Help: Smileys Stands With Tetiana After the Maltepe Building Collapse
Following a building collapse in Istanbul’s Maltepe district, Smileys members are working together to help a fellow member find accommodation and rebuild her daily life.
🗺️ Istanbul Explained for Erasmus Students: Why One Place Can Have Three Different Names
Moda, Caferağa or Kadıköy? A quick guide for Erasmus students to Istanbul's districts, neighborhoods and the place names locals actually use.
How to Find Your First Remote Job Without Remote Experience
“Previous remote experience preferred” doesn’t have to rule you out. How to pick the right roles, show what you can already do, check the details, and explain it in an interview.
Where to Stay in Istanbul for a Short Visit
Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Karaköy, Galata, Taksim or Kadıköy? How to choose a hotel area for a short Istanbul visit — what each is good for, the slopes and ferry rides to check, and what to compare in the room itself.
🤯 Things About Istanbul That Make No Sense Until You Live Here
Distances that lie, a city with several centers, a Bosphorus that shapes your weekend plans, and the minibus phrase worth learning — what Erasmus students usually figure out in their first weeks.
✈️ Your First Istanbul Trip: What to Know Before You Arrive
Entry requirements, which airport you’re flying into, where to stay, how the Istanbulkart works and a sightseeing plan that leaves room to enjoy it — the practical details to sort before your first Istanbul trip.
🇹🇷 Turkish Culture: What Every Erasmus Student Should Know
Tea at every turn, professors called hocam, food that keeps appearing, shoes off at the door and a few phrases that go a long way — the small cultural details of a semester in Türkiye.
🎓 Student Istanbulkart: Can Erasmus Students Get One?
Who can get the discounted student card, how the online-only application works since 1 September 2026, what to do if the system doesn’t recognize you and the 1 TL student abonman until 17 October.
🎓 Erasmus in Istanbul: What Nobody Tells You About Studying in Türkiye
Attendance rules, Learning Agreement changes, grading, group projects and who to ask — the university side of Erasmus in Istanbul, before the semester gets ahead of you.
🇪🇺 Erasmus in Istanbul: You’re Here. Now What?
Your first weeks in Istanbul: where to start exploring, what to eat, how to make friends beyond the Erasmus bubble — plus the residence permit, Istanbulkart, SIM and lira basics.
Living Abroad? Make Sure Your Government Can Reach You
Living abroad is exciting but being prepared matters too. Learn how your government can reach you, what emergency support is available, and what you should have ready before you need it.
Safety in Istanbul: What Expats Actually Need to Know
Istanbul is a huge city, but living here safely is mostly about knowing your surroundings, trusting your instincts and learning how the city works. From traffic and taxis to scams, earthquakes, nightlife and everyday life, here’s what expats should know.
Banking & Money in Istanbul: What Expats Need to Know
Managing money in Istanbul gets easier once you understand the basics. From cards and ATMs to Turkish banking, bills, taxes and sending money abroad, here’s what expats need to know.
Getting Around Istanbul: What Expats Need to Know
Getting around Istanbul is all about knowing your options. From metro and Metrobüs to ferries, Sea Taxis, taxis and apps, here’s how to make everyday travel easier and avoid wasting your life in traffic.
How free-event spots work, and what counts as a no-show
Most of our events are free and many fill up, so a spot nobody uses is a spot someone on the waitlist wanted. Here is exactly what is recorded, what isn't, and how to stay clear of all of it — the short version being: turn up, or cancel in time.
How attendance works on your events — a guide for hosts
You check people in; anyone unchecked hears from us the next morning and can say "I was there". Nothing counts against them unless that message reached them, and you can correct any of it for 30 days. Here is the whole system from the host's side.
Healthcare in Istanbul: What Expats Actually Need to Know
Healthcare in Istanbul doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what expats need to know about insurance, public and private hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, emergencies and staying prepared.
Kadıköy, Istanbul: What to Do, Where to Eat, and How to Get There
Kadıköy is Istanbul’s Asian-side hub — a busy ferry port surrounded by one of the city’s best food markets, historic neighborhoods, independent shops, cafés, bars and a long waterfront stretching toward Moda. Come for the market, wander through Yeldeğirmeni, explore Bahariye, walk to Moda and stay until sunset. This is where you experience a different side of Istanbul.
Istanbul Work Life: What Is It Actually Like?
Working in Istanbul is a different experience from simply living here. From Turkish vs. Western work culture and local salaries to career growth, commuting, remote work and work permits—here’s what expats should know before joining the Istanbul workforce.
How Do You Make Friends in Istanbul?
Making friends in Istanbul takes more than showing up once. Here’s how to meet people, build real connections, and find your community.
Do You Need Turkish to Live in Istanbul?
Can you live in Istanbul without Turkish? Yes. But learning even a little can make everyday life easier and help you feel more connected.
The First 30 Days in Istanbul
Your practical guide to the first 30 days in Istanbul—from paperwork and transport to finding your routine, your neighborhood, and your people.
Finding an Apartment in Istanbul: What Nobody Tells You
Finding an apartment in Istanbul can be exciting, but the real challenges often start after you find one. A practical guide to renting, contracts, residency zones, hidden costs, and avoiding common problems.
How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Live in Istanbul?
Forget the “live like a king for €500” stories. Here’s a realistic look at what life in Istanbul actually costs and where your money goes.
Which Istanbul Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Choosing where to live in Istanbul can shape your entire expat experience. A practical guide to finding the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, budget, commute and daily routine.
Living in Istanbul: The Pros & Cons
Istanbul has two sides: the things that make you fall in love with it and the things that can drive you crazy. A real look at the pros and cons of living here.
Thinking About Moving to Istanbul? Start Here
A practical guide to moving to Istanbul, from choosing the right neighborhood to transport, costs, language, and everyday life.
Why Digital Nomad Life Is More Than Just Working From Anywhere
Your office could be in Istanbul today, Lisbon next month, and somewhere by the beach after that. Sounds pretty good, right? Welcome to digital nomad life.
Modern Dating: Maybe We’re Looking in the Wrong Place
Modern dating is changing. At Smileys, we believe the best connections start naturally—with a conversation, a laugh, or simply meeting someone new. We’re not a dating app; we’re a social community where people from different cultures come together, make friends, share experiences, and sometimes discover something more.
Smileys Is Coming to Bursa 🌿
A city where history meets nature, local life meets international communities, and there’s always something new to discover. Smileys is bringing people together to meet, explore, and make memories in real life.
Smileys Is Coming to Antalya 🌴
Meet locals, expats, digital nomads, students, and travelers through hangouts, sports, food, adventures, and spontaneous plans. Help us build Antalya’s new international social community from the ground up. 🌍😊
Yeldeğirmeni: Istanbul’s Brooklyn?
Yeldeğirmeni has always had a character of its own. Creative, lively and full of independent cafés, street art and local energy, this Kadıköy neighborhood has recently gained a new title: Istanbul’s Brooklyn, after being selected by Brooklyn Of as the city’s standout neighborhood.
Smileys Is Coming to İzmir! 🌊
A new city means new people, new friendships, and plenty of new adventures. From seaside hangouts and sports to food, music, and spontaneous plans — Smileys is bringing the community spirit to the Aegean.
Smileys Is Not a Dating App ✋
Smileys was created to help people connect in real life — to make friends, discover activities, find travel companions, expand their networks, and become part of a community. It is not a dating service, and we have a zero-tolerance policy toward members who use Smileys to pursue dates or romantic or sexual partners.
Givers & Takers: The Smileys Way. 🫵
A community is only as good as the people who make it. Some people show up to contribute, connect, and help others. Others simply take what they can. At Smileys, we believe being part of a community means giving something back.
Smileys is Coming to Bodrum! ⛵️
After building our community in Istanbul, we’re expanding to one of Türkiye’s most social, international and beautiful destinations. Bodrum is the perfect place for meeting people, discovering new experiences and making real-life connections. ☀️
Smileys: The Social Infrastructure for Modern Life 👍
Smileys is a real-life social community for people who want to meet others, discover new experiences, and feel connected wherever they are — whether they’re traveling, living abroad, working remotely, or simply looking to expand their social circle.
Why Most Communities Stay Local, And Why We Didn’t ✨
Why build an international community when staying local is easier? Because the best connections often happen outside our familiar circles. This is the story of why we chose diversity, curiosity, and carefully curated experiences and why the right mix of locals and internationals makes a community truly come alive.
Smileys Cup 2026: How it finished 🏆
Spain lifted the trophy and Semih A. took the Smileys crown. The final podium, the top-ten predictors, and a thank-you to everyone who played.