Turkish culture, norms and values cannot be described in a few words, we will give you information and tips in this article to take with you for your upcoming trip through Turkey.
Influenced by Islam and located in both Europe and Asia, Turkey has an incredibly rich history and culture. To help prepare you for this beautiful country, you can use the guide below so that you already have some background information about the norms and values of Turkish culture. You will then know immediately what to take into account.
The Turkish culture
Although 99% of the Turkish population is Muslim and the streetscape is influenced by the many mosques and minarets, Turkey is a secular state. This means that there is a separation of state and religion, which means that Islam has little influence on public life compared to other Islamic countries. However, there are many Turkish traditions, which are deeply rooted in the Ottoman and Anatolian era and which have been influenced by Islam.
Turkish traditions
The famous Turkish coffee, besides being incredibly tasty, also has another function. For example, after the coffee has been drunk, the cup is covered with a coffee plate and one waits until it has cooled down. When the coffee has cooled down, one removes the plate and your future is read in the coffee grounds!
When you are traveling in Turkey and a few friendly locals help you on your way, it is possible that they have a cup of water with them. It is tradition to spill water when a passenger leaves. Loosely translated, they wish the traveler: “Come back easily and quickly”.
Evil eye turkey
Wearing the – very nice looking – “evil eye” is supposed to protect you from evil. According to Turkish culture, this wards you off negative energy. It is therefore very normal to show this eye to newborn babies, children or to people you love.
Turkish norms and values
Hospitality is highly valued in Turkish culture. Turks open their doors to everyone. They are more than happy to share food or offer you a cup of tea or coffee. It is very rude to refuse this invitation. So there is a good chance that you will not leave the country without having had at least one cup of tea in someone’s home.
Turkish tea
You will look back with a warm feeling on the Turkish population, because they do everything to please the traveler. Besides the enormous hospitality towards you as a tourist, Turks attach great value to family, friends and neighbors. It is natural that they visit each other a lot. This is usually spontaneous and is not arranged in advance.
Culinary traditions
As colorful as the mosaic of the country is, so is the Turkish cuisine. Although there are typical Turkish dishes, each region has its own main dishes. For example, the Anatolian region is known for kebab due to the abundant livestock and the Aegean region is mainly known for vegetable dishes based on olive oil, thanks to the large production of olives. In Istanbul, however, you can find all Turkish dishes from all regions, because many migrants from different regions have moved to this bustling city. Some traditional Turkish dishes include:
- Meze: These are small dishes served as a starter or side dish with a meal and often shared with friends and family.
- Kebab: This is a dish of grilled or roasted meat, usually served with rice, salad and bread.
- Dolma: These are stuffed vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and eggplants, filled with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat.
- Baklava: This is a sweet pastry made of wafer-thin layers of dough, filled with chopped nuts and sprinkled with sugar syrup.
- Turkish Coffee: This is a strong coffee prepared by boiling finely ground coffee with water and sugar, and served in small cups.
- Çay: This is Turkish tea, often served in small glasses and enjoyed at any time of the day.
Etiquette and rules of conduct
In Turkish culture, etiquette and rules of conduct are of great importance, with respect for elders, hierarchy, hospitality, politeness, good manners and grooming being central, as well as avoiding certain taboos and showing humility and gratitude. Also good to know:
People address each other with their first name but add a second word “bey”. So for example, a persons name is John. People out of respect address him John bey until they become very friendly. For the Americans using last name is also acceptable. If a person’s name is John Doe. He can be addressed as Mr. Doe also in Turkey.
Often an offer is made several times. It is polite to decline the gesture at first and only accept it when the person insists. This allows the offerer to show his sincerity and the receiver his humility.
In a Muslim country, as a tourist you should take into account that there are certain dress codes. Although people in tourist areas are often more lenient and do not have certain dress codes, it is advisable to be covered and modestly dressed. If you want to visit a mosque, your shoulders and knees should be covered.
People are expected to be on time for dinners and more intimate gatherings, and it is strangely appropriate to be late to parties.
In Turkey, the bill is rarely split. The person who invited the people usually pays. If you initially want to pay the bill, but your Turkish companion insists on paying, let them. It is polite to offer to pay next time.