Mardin, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of just 129,864, Mardin may seem quaint, but the reality for would-be expats is far from idyllic. The city's storied history - marked by Artuqid, Syriac, and Ottoman influences - belies an on-the-ground experience fraught with bureaucratic headaches. Winters are chilly and occasionally snowy, while summers can easily scorch at over 40°C. And while the city has avoided occupation since World War I, the specter of ethnic and religious tensions still lingers. Those seeking an authentic Turkish experience steeped in culture may find Mardin intriguing, but its challenges make it best suited for the most adventurous of expats.