Today kicks off a new feature at Turkish Muse: 5 Questions. There is where I get to ask 5 questions of an expat living in Turkey about something interesting that they have done, whether it's open a business, write a book, buy a house or snag a great apartment in a cool neighborhood.
Helena is leaving Istanbul in September, but before she goes, she answered a few questions for Turkish Muse for its inaugural "5 Questions" feature. She first came to Turkey in July 2007 to be abroad and to take a job at Oxford Business Group, a publisher of international economic information. Since then, she has done some writing and has managed to get a press visa to live in Turkey. Here's how she did it:
How did you go about getting a press visa? Walk me through the steps you had to go through to get it.
First, you need to be sponsored by a media organization. (It doesn't matter where they're based). They need to write a letter for you verifying that you are working for them in Turkey. With this letter in tow, you need to apply for a journalist visa from the Turkish consulate in your country. This is a single entry, three-month long visa. During these three months, you need to apply for the actual press card in Turkey. See more info here.
You need to be present when you submit the application to provide a signature in person. (Someone else can pick up the press card for you when it's ready in a week or so). Along with the application form, you need a letter from the consulate of the country your media organization is based in basically saying they're not responsible for anything you write. (It's a standard letter written in Turkish. Make an appointment beforehand). You don't need an appointment when submitting the press card application.
What was the most difficult part of obtaining a press visa?
It's just time consuming.
What's the biggest benefit of having a press visa?
Free bus and ferry rides! You can also probably get into events for free if you take the initiative and are planning to cover the event. I also receive invitations now and then for concerts and conferences.
How much did the visa cost?
The fee has gone up since I applied but for Americans it was $37 in December 2008. The press card itself doesn't cost anything. I applied for a residence permit after and that was 90 TL.
You're leaving Turkey in August. What will you miss most about the country?
Cost of living is unbeatable. The Bosphorus view from my flat. My friends. Traveling around Europe on a whim.
Do you know of someone who would make a good feature for "5 Questions"? Turkish Muse is looking for expats in Turkey who have done something that would be of interest to other expats. If you know of someone (including yourself), send an email to barbara@turkishmuse.com.
