The Culture And Traditions Of Turkey

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Hello there, world travelers! Are you a massive fan of old and gorgeous structures? Then plan a vacation to Turkey, which has some of the most beautiful architectural designs globally. Being a predominantly Muslim nation, Turkey has a slew of cultural quirks due to its blend of eastern and western influences. Turkey has its unique customs and traditions, which should be considered while planning a trip to the country.

1.Making friends with the locals in Turkey

To avoid offending anybody in Turkey, it’s essential to be familiar with its diverse traditions and etiquette rules. Greetings between men and women are somewhat different.

  • Meeting Men

     

    When two men meet for the first time, they must shake hands and maintain eye contact. It’s also a good idea to provide a solid handshake. Hugging or patting someone on the back is shared among close friends and family members. Men are also known to kiss on both cheeks, as the Arabs do. There is no kissing in the workplace, but you may see guys rubbing their temples, which is a typical political convention.

 

  • Meeting Females

     

    Women’s handshakes are usually relatively light. Give her a quick embrace and kiss on each cheek if she is near you.

     

  • Greetings Between Opposite Genders

     

    As a visitor, you have a wide range of options on how to react. When someone extends their hand or offers their cheek, you may kiss them on both cheeks. Even if none of the above occurs, you may nod and say “Merhaba” (hello). Also, as foreigners, we can find it unsettling that there is a lack of personal space. Because of this, if someone stands too near to you, don’t interpret it as a threat.

2. No funny business

A sexual gesture is defined as touching someone below the waist or their lower back. Don’t accidentally touch anyone’s leg, even if you’re fooling around. Whenever feasible, be sure to maintain eye contact with the other person.

3. What is "punctuality"?

When it comes to social events or deliveries, don’t expect anybody to show up on time unless in the case of business. You’ll notice a frequent Turkish trait: a lack of urgency. The slightest delay in showing up for a meal is not seen as disrespectful.

4. Tea is a gesture of welcome in Turkey.

Though Turkish tea may seem to be the most popular beverage in Turkey, it’s a way to show hospitality and camaraderie, not hydration. Fresh fruit and sweets are common accompaniments to tea at a friend’s house after dinner.

5. Respect the elders, and you'll be better looked at for it.

Adding “teyze” or “amca,” which signify aunt or uncle and are used as a symbol of respect, to the end of the first name of a friend’s parents while paying a visit is considered polite. To show respect for individuals who are older than you, you should add “abi” to a man’s name and “abla” to a woman’s name.

6. When attending a mosque in Turkey, you must cover yourself up

Despite the country’s secular nature, most of its citizens are Muslim. When entering a mosque, show respect by dressing modestly, as you would in any other holy worship site. Women should cover their heads and avoid exposing their arms or legs. For males, long shorts or pants that cover the knees are essential.

7. Assertive snub

Lay your palm on your heart to say no to an offer. In Turkey, this is a regular occurrence.

8. Finally, here are a few things you should never do in Turkey:

• It’s considered impolite to point at someone.
• In public locations, no French kissing is permitted.
• Don’t bring your shoes into people’s houses.
• It is improper to sit with your foot pointing toward another person’s behind.
• Do not whisper into another person’s ear at a dinner table since it is thought to be impolite and disrespectful.
• It is customary to abstain from public consumption of food and drink during Ramadan out of respect for the Muslim community.

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