Giving birth and dying are both very hard! A striking detail on the island where Turkish citizens are granted property rights.

The Svalbard archipelago, belonging to Norway and located about 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, has come to attention with a development that draws Turkey's interest.

After the agreement on conducting scientific research in the polar regions was adopted by TBMM last year, the activities of Turkish scientists in the area also accelerated. While TÜBİTAK opened a Polar Research Centre, the scope of work on Svalbard was expanded.

Property and Residence Rights for Turkish Citizens

With the agreement, Turkish citizens were given the opportunity to acquire property and reside in Svalbard. Turkish companies can also operate and acquire property in the islands in sectors such as industry, fishing, and trade.

While Turkish students were also given the chance to study at universities in Svalbard, Turkish scientists began their work in the region following the agreement.

Temperatures Drop to as Low as Minus 50 Degrees

Svalbard, in addition to the facilities it provides, also draws attention for its extremely harsh living conditions.

Due to its proximity to the North Pole, temperatures in the region can fall to minus 50 degrees in winter. Long periods of darkness, harsh weather conditions, and transportation difficulties make daily life quite difficult.

The fact that one of the first government-level visitors to Svalbard was Minister of Industry and Technology Fatih Kacır, as part of the Turkish scientific delegation, was also an important indicator of the growing Turkish presence in the region.

Why is Birth and Death Difficult in Svalbard?

In the region, dying and giving birth are almost forbidden.

Because healthcare services are limited on the islands, the processes of birth and death are carried out differently.

Patients in critical condition are being sent to the mainland because suitable medical and burial facilities are limited in the region. Pregnant women also need to go to health centers on the Norwegian mainland, primarily Ålesund and Oslo, for childbirth.

Because there is no regular cemetery where burials can be conducted in Svalbard, those who have died are also taken to the mainland and buried there.

Leaving the Island Center Unarmed is Prohibited

One of Svalbard's greatest dangers is polar bears.

It is noted that the number of polar bears on the islands exceeds the human population, and occasional attacks on people do occur. Therefore, precautions against polar bear attacks must be taken when leaving settlement centers.

While walking unarmed outside the area is prohibited, killing polar bears is also subject to severe penalties. Those who kill a polar bear can face steep fines and imprisonment.

After World War I, it was attached to Norway.

Until the 20th century, largely.“unowned land”The status of Svalbard, considered “unowned land,” changed after World War I.

With the Svalbard Treaty, the islands came under Norwegian sovereignty, and special provisions were introduced regarding the region's economic and legal status.

Today, Svalbard stands out as one of the world's most unusual settlements, with its scientific research, harsh climate, polar bears, and unique living conditions.