Turkish Culture

When you come to Turkey, you will experience the distinct culture that makes a Turk. Turks are proud of their Ottoman heritage and the accomplishments of Ataturk. You will find diverse groups of people if you travel from the modern, bustling downtown scene to the rustic, rural villages. Here you will find the latest implementations of Internet technology as well as horse-drawn plows from yesteryear. And you will find all Turks to be warm and hospitable, always ready to sit down for a cup of Turkish tea (called chai) and conversation. In this land where East and West converge, you will see the clash of modern culture and Middle East custom as the ezan, or Muslim call to prayer, sounds out in the subways and city marketplaces.

In business dealings, you should never forget the personal side of things. One should spend a little time asking about the other's state of affairs and small talk such as how business is going. This shows your interest in your acquaintance as a person. Shaking hands is an important part of a greeting for men, as is kissing both cheeks for close friends. More conservative women may refrain from a handshake, and for them simply saying Merhaba (hello) will do. After being seated you will be offered tea or possibly coffee (Nescafe instant coffee, that is). Business dealings tend to be direct and to the point, and though Turks are known for their haggling and bargaining, this is not always the case.

If you go to someone's home, you will be expected to take your shoes off at the door, and will probably be offered slippers to wear. After greetings and being settled in the sitting room, you will probably be offered tea presently. If you have been invited for tea, you will also be presented with some pastries and sweets. You should of course try a taste of everything, but if you leave some on your plate, your host will be understanding. It's usually polite not to take seconds even if offered. Tea, however, is another matter. As soon as you finish the small glass, you will be promptly provided with a refill (sometimes without asking) accompanied with sugar. You may have to insist repeatedly when you don't want any more. 

Dinner at someone's house happens later than Americans are used to. You will be provided with a wide variety of dishes, which the hostess has probably spent most of the day preparing especially for you. Then you will get tea afterwards, then possibly fruit or coffee. Turks love this time of sitting and socializing, so relax and enjoy yourself. When it's time to go, the host will always insist that you should stay longer, because we're having such a wonderful time. This is a way of making you feel welcome in their house, and you may have to be quite insistent yourself, repeatedly emphasizing what a nice time you had and how you wish you could stay longer.

There are many more facets to Turkish culture, but we will leave that for you to explore and find out yourself! Just be prepared for a rich, rewarding experience. If you take the time, you will come away from Turkey realizing the importance of taking time for people and the values of the Turkish ways of life.