10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Seyhan (According to a Sleep-Deprived Blogger)

so you're thinking about moving to Seyhan? good choice, honestly. but lemme save you from a few facepalm moments. first off, this isn't istanbul or antalya. it's quieter, grittier, and weirdly charming once you figure it out. i moved here last year thinking it'd be a quick stop-now i'm still here, eating baklava at 2am and wondering why i ever left.

rent is weirdly affordable (if you know where to look)

you can get a decent one-bedroom in the city center for around 4,000-6,000 TRY/month. but don't just trust the listings-go see the place. some landlords still think "furnished" means a chair and a lightbulb. also, bring cash. not all places take cards, and no one wants to explain that at 11pm with a suitcase.

the food scene is underrated

forget the tourist traps. head to the local çiğ köfte spots or the tiny baklava shops that smell like heaven and regret. my personal fave? a hole-in-the-wall called "saray muhallebicisi"-it's been around since the 70s and the rice pudding will ruin all other rice puddings for you.

transportation is a mixed bag

taxis are cheap, but drivers will try to take the "scenic route" if you look lost. the metro is clean and efficient, but it doesn't run late. buses? they exist. just don't expect them to be on time. ever.

weather is a mood

summers are hot. like, "i regret wearing pants" hot. winters are mild but damp. and the wind? it'll mess up your hair and your plans. locals just shrug and say "it's Seyhan."

jobs are... niche

if you're in manufacturing, agriculture, or education, you're golden. tech? not so much. most expats i've met here teach english or run small online businesses. side hustle culture is real.

safety is decent (but use your brain)

crime rates are lower than in bigger cities, but petty theft happens. don't leave your phone on the table at cafes. and if someone offers you a "deal" on a leather jacket at 2am, just walk away.

the locals are curious

strangers will ask where you're from. a lot. some will want to practice english. others will just stare. it's not rude-it's Seyhan. embrace it or learn to dodge eye contact like a pro.

nightlife is low-key

if you're expecting clubs that stay open till sunrise, lower your expectations. but there are great meyhanes (turkish taverns) where you can drink rakı and eat meze until your legs stop working. check out TripAdvisor's Seyhan nightlife guide for recs.

don't skip the day trips

adana is 15 minutes away. mersin is an hour. both are worth the trip. and if you're into history, the ancient city of anavarza is a hidden gem. just bring water. and maybe a hat.

learn a few turkish phrases

not because you have to, but because it'll make life easier. "teşekkür ederim" (thank you) goes a long way. and if you can order coffee without pointing, you're basically a local.

a person sitting on a bench under a canopy of trees

a body of water with a bridge in the background

final thoughts (aka drunk advice)

Seyhan isn't for everyone. it's not flashy. it's not perfect. but it's real. and if you're okay with a little chaos, a lot of tea, and the occasional power outage, you might just fall in love with it. or at least not hate it.

p.s. if you see a guy selling simit from a cart near the park, buy two. trust me.