Reverse migration has accelerated: The new destination of those moving out of Istanbul is surprising
Rising living costs and the increasing difficulty of urban life have reversed the migration balance in Istanbul. According to 2024 data, the megacity is now seeing more departures than arrivals, with a notable shift toward Anatolian cities.
For many years, Istanbul was Turkey's strongest center of attraction, but the migration balance has shifted. The city, which once drew millions with the promise of jobs, education, and a better life, is now making headlines for a wave of departures based on recent data. Soaring rents, transportation issues, and the increasing difficulty of daily living conditions have led many people to move from Istanbul to other provinces.
MIGRATION ROUTES HAVE CHANGED
In previous years, it was known that the majority of those leaving Istanbul headed for the Aegean coast. However, statistics for 2024 reveal that this preference has changed significantly. The fact that an Anatolian city, known for neither its sea nor its heavy industry, has risen to the top of the list of destination provinces is considered a remarkable development.
ANATOLIA AND MARMARA STAND OUT
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, a significant portion of those leaving Istanbul have settled in cities in the Marmara and Central Anatolia regions. A quieter life, relatively lower expenses, and family ties were cited as the deciding factors in this preference.
PROVINCES RECEIVING THE MOST MIGRATION FROM ISTANBUL: KOCAELI IS AT THE TOP
According to 2024 data, the provinces where those migrating from Istanbul settled the most, along with the number of people, are as follows:
1- Kocaeli: 21 thousand 600 people
2- Ankara: 19 thousand 84 people
3- Tokat: 18 thousand 814 people
4- Tekirdağ: 18 thousand 772 people
5- İzmir: 16 thousand 37 people
6- Bursa: 12 thousand 503 people
7- Antalya: 11 thousand 510 people
8- Sakarya: 11 thousand 470 people
9- Balıkesir: 10 thousand 288 people
10- Samsun: 10 thousand 200 people
Kocaeli, which sits at the top of the list, has become the province receiving the most migration due to its proximity to Istanbul, its developed industrial infrastructure, and its transportation facilities. The rise of Tokat to third place is interpreted as a striking data point showing that Anatolian cities are becoming increasingly attractive in reverse migration.
News Source: 12punto
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