One of Istanbul’s strengths is in its residents. And I’m not just talking about the ones who hail a Turkish citizenship – Istanbul is home to a broad network of expatriates that have definitively carved their niche in the city. Buffered by student exchange programs, such as Erasmus, and the convincing powers of Istanbul’s culinary scene, nightlife, and historical attractions – to say nothing of its absolute beauty – expats are staying far longer than the “tourist” tag would do justice. And all for good reason.

Here are some expat-friendly places, faces, and spaces to keep the excitement burning and the city perpetually welcoming.

Everything Istanbul

As if Istanbul weren’t overwhelming enough for a local, the transition from a bright-eyed newcomer waiting for the Havaş at the Atatürk Airport to a trans-continental coasting, çay-chugging, street-cat-immunity bearing de facto Turk can’t be done alone. The Guide Istanbul is as detailed, forward, and all-encompassing as it gets. It is the go-to resource for all expats, travelers, and Turks alike, with reliable, up-to-date information, a flair for creative, hole-in-the-wall finds, and a voice that speaks to us all. The Guide Istanbul is devoted to giving you the opportunity to enjoy Istanbul completely, with visuals to motivate, stories to fascinate, and reviews to lure.

Connect

First things first. The best way to keep in touch is to find others who are looking for the same thing: a community. Any question you may have about integrating in the city can be answered by the following websites and their forums. From questions about visas and documents to finding a tennis partner, these portals should be bookmarked in every expat’s laptop.

CouchSurfing.com: This is great for meeting other expats in the city. Technically, it is for finding a place to crash for free (and this is strictly enforced across the site), but it has turned into something of a social network for travelers and expats alike.

SublimePortal.com: Check out blogs and interact with other expats here.

AlloExpat.com: General forum to connect expats with expats.

BritishExpat.com: If you are British, this site is geared towards you!

ExpatExchange.com: This site is focused on the initial jump, which includes paperwork, finding housing, language resources, and connecting with others. 

Expatriates.com: Imagine craigslist, but for expats… 

Meetup.com: People from all over the world coordinate, well, meeting up! This is a great place to find people with similar interests or who are simply in the same area. 

The Professional American Women of Istanbul (PAWI), www.pawistanbul.com: Bringing together the women of the city, this organization is a great way to stay connected on and off line.

The International Women of Istanbul (IWI), http://www.iwi-tr.org/: This non-profit, social organization brings together international women of all ages and cultures.

Theater

The Square Peg Theatre Group is an expat community theater group located in Tarlabaşı that hosts play rehearsals, theater workshops, writing workshops, small exhibitions, poetry readings, movie nights, open mic nights, Art After Dark, and small staged theatrical shows. Brought to life by donations and volunteers, the theater is growing in presence by enthusiastic participation and no lack of talent. Contact the space at thespaceistanbul@gmail.com, and visit its website,squarepegistanbul.com for more information and pictures as well as to meet its founders and leading participants.

Nightlife

While conceivably everywhere in Istanbul will cater to expats, the following bars, pubs, and clubs as well as restaurants are notorious for their worldly patrons.

Ritim: Ritim is a 4-floor bar, restaurant, and club that offers a taste of music and company from around the world. İstiklal Caddesi, Nevizade Mevkii Balık Pazarı No:20, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 249 0252

Romeo & Juliet: Expats are no stranger to this outdoor/indoor bar/club that provides opportunity to dance, chill or listen to live bands.Evliya Çelebi Mah. Refik Saydam Cad. No.15A - 17A, Asmalımescit; P: (0212) 243 6565

Grand Hotel de Londres: For an afternoon drink amidst an exquisite design reminiscent of the 1900s, the Grand Hotel de Londres oftentimes finds one in company of other native English speakers.Meşrutiyet Caddesi. No: 53, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 2450670

Lokal: An Italian restaurant that turns into a lively and crowded bar/club afterhours, Lokal is a go-to expat destination. Tünel Meydanı No.186/A, Tünel; P: (0212) 245 40 28

Leb-i-Derya: Panoramic views of the Bosphorus & parts of the Old City and delicious cocktails makes Leb-i-Derya a regular spot for expats and tourists. Be warned though: the view is very romantic, and you’ll find that most tables are reserved for two. Kumbaracı Yokuşu No. 57/6, Tünel; P: (0212) 293 49 89 

Balkon: Jazz and bossa nova lovers head here during the day, while at night it’s all about funky house and the oldies.Asmalımescit Mah. Sehbender Sok. No. 5 Kat: 6, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 293 2052

Riddim: In a city where a club devoted to R&B and hip hop is rare, it is no wonder Riddim attracts a steady American clientele.Sıraselviler Caddesi No: 69, Taksim; P: (0212) 251 2723

Annual International Events

For a few occasions each year, Istanbul is the center of global attention. In a country fraught with up and coming artists of its own, its no wonder Istanbul attracts the attention of some of the world’s greatest artists, actors, singers and designers as well as contributes its own talent to the mix. These events put Istanbul on the map, bringing expats closer to an international context.

Istanbul International Film Festival, film.iksv.org/en: This event is held in March-April each year.

Istanbul International Theater Festival, tiyatro.iksv.org/en: This event is held in May-June, attracting more than 20,000 visitors per year.

Istanbul International Music Festival, muzik.iksv.org/en: This event is held in June-July and features ballet, opera, and classical music performances.

Istanbul International Jazz Festival, jazz.iksv.org/en: For more than 20 years, this early-July event attracts high-profile jazz performers from around the world.

Istanbul Fashion Week, ifw.com.tr: Taking place annually in February and September, Istanbul Fashion Week showcases more than 20 Istanbul designers and attracts international attention.

Istanbul Design Biennial, tasarimbienali.iksv.org/en:  The first Istanbul Design Biennial will take center stage between 13 October – 12 December 2012, marking the beginning of many design biennials to come.  

Istanbul Biennial, 12b.iksv.org/en: Assembling contemporary art from around the world for the public to view, the Istanbul Biennial centers around a theme that inspires discussion. 

Contemporary Istanbul, contemporaryistanbul.com: Contemporary Istanbul brings together numerous contemporary art galleries from all over the world, with exhibitions, publications, initiatives, and other art-related presentations on display.

Network, Network, Network

The name of the game is to keep your ears and eyes open, your friendships growing, and your affiliation with Istanbul’s various social groups alive. The city will continue to present opportunities to be creative, to have a crazy night out with other internationals and Turks alike, as well as to forge professional relationships through social networking.