Economic pressures impact retirees in Zonguldak and real estate in Eskişehir

Economic challenges are impacting various sectors in Turkey, specifically affecting retirees in Zonguldak and the real estate market in Eskişehir.

In Zonguldak, Adnan Küçükvar, Secretary of the All Retirees Association Zonguldak Branch, highlighted the growing difficulties faced by the city's 183,000 retirees. He noted that while the city is historically known as a center for labor, it is increasingly becoming a center for retirees who are struggling with living costs and social isolation. Küçükvar pointed out that approximately 20,000 retirees live alone and emphasized the city's rapid impoverishment and population loss.

In Eskişehir, Gazi Çelik, President of the Eskişehir Real Estate Brokers Chamber, reported a significant downturn in the property sector. High inflation and difficult access to liquidity have forced many businesses to close. Due to high credit interest rates, the market has shifted toward barter systems, where consumers attempt to trade vehicles or land for housing. Çelik noted that even expatriates are avoiding investments in Turkey due to high costs, though he suggested that those with cash may find current conditions favorable for investment.