A life together

Wilma: I met Veli in 1999, and soon a beautiful relationship developed between us. He is of Turkish descent, and we decided to continue together on the journey of life.

Veli lived and worked in the Netherlands from 2001 to 2006. However, after a few years, due to health issues, he decided to return to Turkey. What started as a temporary solution quickly turned into a permanent choice. We soon realized that we both thrive best in our own country. The lifestyle, the people, and the culture in Turkey were what had always drawn us in.

Building a house

We often vacationed in Turkey, but slowly but surely, the idea of building a house there started to take shape. We found the perfect spot: a piece of land near the beach, close to a charming Turkish town. It felt like a dream come true. We decided to let our house be built entirely in Turkish style, tailored to our own wishes and needs. The result is a place that is entirely ours: cozy, comfortable, and connected to nature.

Feel at home

As we spent more time there, we began to feel more at home. I made some friends in the village, and little by little, we became part of the community. At first, I visited a few times a year, but now, since my retirement, I stay there more often. So now we have both a home in the Netherlands and in Güzelyurt in Ortaga, Turkey – an ideal balance. And honestly, we really love it here.

What makes Turkey so special and inspiring?

People, and especially the culture of connection, contact, and helping one another. There is less focus on status or appearance, although that can be different in certain groups. But for us, it’s more important who you are, how social you are, and what you’re willing to do for each other.

In Turkey, for example, you have the typical “men’s cafés” where Veli (my friend) often goes. No alcohol, but plenty of conversations, games, and some discussions with each other. It’s not about making an impression or the latest gadgets, but simply being together, supporting one another, and enjoying the moment.

Large garden

We have a large garden ourselves, full of fruit trees and flowers. Maintaining the garden is not only relaxing for us, but also a way to connect with the neighbors and the local community. There is much sharing: everyone grows something in their garden, and often you receive a bag of fresh vegetables or fruit from someone else. It’s the culture of giving and taking, of building a nice community together.

Cozy Gathering

What I also find amazing is the culture of eating, drinking, listening to music, making music, and dancing together. The social aspect of life in Turkey is very different from what we were used to in the Netherlands. There is always time for a pleasant gathering, and it always feels like a moment of genuine connection.

So, what do you have now?

Two houses, two cultures, but above all a sense of home. In the Netherlands, we feel safe, but in Turkey, we have found a second home, surrounded by a friendly, helpful community. It is the perfect place to be, and we couldn’t wish for a better place to experience this phase of our lives.