Cankiri (Çankırı), Turkey

Capital City

Moving to Çankırı, Turkey? Prepare for a population of just 69,087 and a provincial backwater vibe, far from the glitz of Istanbul. The climate is a harsh continental affair, with scorching summers and bitter, snowy winters. And don't expect a high-powered economy - industry is concentrated in a few surrounding towns, while agriculture dominates the local economy.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city has traded hands between numerous empires and cultures over the centuries. Remnants of this tangled history remain, with the city's ancient name of "Gangra" giving way to the modern "Çankırı" over time.

This sleepy central Anatolian town is better suited for those seeking a slower-paced, traditional Turkish lifestyle than ambitious expats chasing career opportunities.