In the heart of Istanbul, amid the towering skyline and the hum of a bustling metropolis, many people live in *pansyon*s—budget hotels or dormitories that have become increasingly common as housing costs have soared and economic hardship has deepened. These facilities are often the only affordable option for those at the bottom of the economic ladder: a retired worker with a modest pension, a young waiter struggling to make ends meet, a student chasing a better future, or a migrant escaping extreme poverty. They all find themselves in the same place, where the cost of living has become a daily burden. The economic crisis in Turkey has led to a sharp rise in housing prices, making it nearly impossible for many to afford private apartments. As a result, *pansyon*s have proliferated across the country, especially in urban areas. In the Çaglayan neighborhood, located on the European side of Istanbul, these budget accommodations are particularly common. Here, retirees—many of whom are isolated and have no family nearby—often choose to live in *pansyon*s due to their affordability. According to the Turkish Ministry of Health, there are approximately 39,000 places in retirement homes across the country, a stark contrast to the more than 590,000 available in France. In one of these *pansyon*s, the price of a room can vary significantly depending on its size, whether it is shared or single, and whether it includes a television or a window. A room in this facility can cost as much as 11,000 pounds per month, which is a significant portion of the average pension. For many, this is a necessary sacrifice, even if it means living in crowded conditions with limited privacy. The high cost of housing has forced many to make difficult choices, often leaving them with little more than the essentials. The situation reflects the broader economic challenges facing Turkey, where inflation and currency devaluation have made everyday life increasingly difficult. For those living in *pansyon*s, the hope is that they can endure until the situation improves. As one resident said, "May God not let anyone fall." These words capture the uncertainty and fear that many feel as they navigate a rapidly changing and often unforgiving economic landscape.