Bingol, Turkey

Capital City

The population of Bingöl is a modest 160,165, but the city's high elevation of 1,120 meters and mountainous terrain make it a challenging place to call home. The region has a history of violent incidents tied to the Kurdish-Turkish conflict, and the winters are notoriously cold and snowy. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, as the city was only renamed from its former Armenian name of Çapakçur in 1944. While Bingöl may appeal to outdoor enthusiasts drawn to its rugged landscape, its harsh climate and political tensions make it a poor choice for those seeking an easy transition abroad.