Turkish people are celebrated for their warmth, generosity, and hospitality, traits that are evident in every encounter. A few weeks ago, Fethiye Times was thrilled to discover a gözleme stall in the Rugby market run by Müge, where we were fortunate to experience this hospitality firsthand, as well as sample the delicious gözleme. Curious to learn more, we visited Müge to hear her story.
Müge’s Story
Müge and Barış, along with their young son Can, embarked on a transformative journey from the bustling metropolis of Istanbul to the tranquil town of Rugby in the United Kingdom. Their decision to relocate was driven by a desire for a less stressful life and a brighter future for their family.
The Move to the UK
In Istanbul, Müge and Barış faced the daily grind of long working hours, from 6 am to 8 pm, compounded by relentless traffic and urban stress. These factors motivated their search for a more balanced lifestyle. “We wanted to make another life for our son, Can,” Müge explained. The high cost of private education in Istanbul further fueled their decision, as they sought a place where quality education was more accessible.
Encouraged by friends who had successfully moved to the UK, the couple applied for and were granted a Turkish Businessperson visa. With Müge’s background in business and economics, they were confident about starting anew. Beyond the personal reasons, the political climate and social challenges in Türkiye also played a role in their decision to leave. “There are many unfair things happening in Türkiye, and we didn’t want to be involved,” Müge noted.
Settling in Rugby
Initially, the family arrived in London during the coronavirus pandemic, which made it difficult to find housing due to the closure of estate agencies. Fortunately, friends who had settled in Rugby recommended the town as a viable alternative, praising its secure environment and excellent schools.
The family quickly found a suitable rental property, allowing them to settle down comfortably. Rugby’s reputation for safety and the availability of quality education made it an ideal choice for them.
Building a Business
Upon arriving in the UK, Müge continued her work, balancing trades between Türkiye and the UK. However, she soon realized the need to explore new ventures. After a brief stint in online selling, she decided to open a market stall featuring Turkish goods, such as evil eye ornaments and pillowcases. Observing the success of local food businesses, Müge started a takeaway service from home, which proved successful and eventually led to opening a shop.
Müge’s shop adapts to its space constraints by offering easily prepared dishes. While Turkish people visit for a chat and complimentary çay, the menu avoids traditional Turkish fare. Her dream is to open a larger shop selling mezze and salads, but high rental costs pose a challenge.
Despite initial success, the business faced difficulties during the winter months as inflation impacted consumer spending. “People are not coming here when there is no market,” Müge observed. To address this, she suggested to the local council the idea of a daily concept market, which would provide a platform for local crafters who cannot afford permanent shops. The council listened to her proposal, demonstrating her growing influence in the community.
Life in the UK
The family appreciates the calmer and more secure environment of the UK. Müge values the free education system and finds that, with an income, life is affordable. “I can afford what I want—meat and trainers,” she remarked. However, they find the slow pace of bureaucracy and the differences in the health system challenging, and Müge humorously admits that the UK weather tops her list of dislikes.
While enjoying the benefits of their new life, the family misses several aspects of Türkiye. Strong family bonds, fresh seafood, and a vibrant social life are particularly missed. “Here it is very calm; every day is the same. If you are not in London, life is very routine,” Müge said, reflecting on the livelier cultural scene in Türkiye.
Despite the challenges they face, including Barış’s difficulty working in his field as an architect due to the language barrier, the family remains optimistic. They are open to the possibility of returning to Türkiye in the future however, for now, they are focused on adapting to their new environment, making the best of their time in the UK, and continuing to provide a stable and enriching life for their son Can. Their journey reflects a commitment to creating a fulfilling life for their family while adapting to new circumstances with resilience and creativity.
Heyday Takeaway
Heyday Takeaway is located on Sheep Street in Rugby town and offers a unique blend of British street food infused with the warmth and love of Turkish hospitality. This local favorite has quickly become known for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
We highly recommend giving it a try.
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