Stories
Club spotlights, event recaps, and tips for making the most of Smileys.
Looking for how the city works? The Antalya Handbook →
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hadrian's Gate, Antalya: The Complete Visitor's Guide
Hadrian's Gate, or Üç Kapılar ("Three Gates"), is one of Antalya's best-preserved Roman monuments. Built in AD 130 in honor of Emperor Hadrian's visit to the ancient city of Attaleia, the monumental marble gateway now marks one of the main entrances to Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic old town. It's free to see and takes only 20–30 minutes, but it makes an excellent starting point for a longer walk through Kaleiçi and down to the old harbor.
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. 🌍😊
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.