I read an article about some important cultural aspects I found very interesting. Here are some of them:
- Shake hands or kiss the cheek
In Turkey, hugs are for close friends and family. If it is the first time to meet, a handshake is perfectly acceptable. Turkish people also like to kiss their cheeks, which is suitable for any occasion when people greet each other. If you know each other and if you want to kiss, men would like women to do it first.
- Prepare to drink a lot of tea
Tea is not just a hot drink. In Turkey, it's a sign of a warm welcome in the homes of enthusiastic hosts; drink tea and make more friends. You usually have tea, fresh fruit and candy after dinner. In addition, you might find someone is bargaining in the Turkish market while drinking teas together.
- Don't worry if you are late
If you're late for a social event, people won't think you're rude. On the contrary, if you are the host, you may meet some laggards. In Turkey, time is considered to be relatively volatile, and unless it's a business meeting, you should be on time.
- Be respectful to the elders
If you want to see a friend's parents, add "teyze" or "AMCA" after their name. These terms are meant to show respect. You can also try to pay homage with "ABI" or "abla" (brother or sister). When you travel, you may hear men call each other "ABI", which is a bit like saying "brother" in the context of friendship.
- Gold means a lot in Turkish wedding
If you are going to Turkey for a wedding, please pay attention to the special significance of gold in the wedding. Guests will present gold coins to the bride and groom, as well as gold bracelets for family gifts. Gold is attached to a silk belt around the necks of the bride and groom. There is a simple and fairly common reason: gold is considered a reserve currency and will never depreciate.
- In the mosque
Although Turkey is secular and modern, most of its population is Muslim. You must show respect wherever you worship. A woman should cover her head, arms and legs. Men should also make sure their legs are covered.
- Do not shoes at homes
Never wear shoes at home. Put your shoes at the door. The owner may even offer some slippers.
- Bring gifts
Turkish people are very hospitable. If you want to make friends with them, you will definitely be invited to their home. When you do this, it's important to bring a small gift: food or flowers are the most appropriate, and it's best to avoid alcohol, because many Turkish people don't drink for religious reasons.
- The owner always pays
If you go out to dinner with your Turkish friends, it's important to remember that! Generally speaking, whoever treats pays. Sharing the bill is almost unheard of: it is understood that the guest will return it in the future.
Generally speaking, hospitality is a sign of welcoming Turkish friends and family. Surprisingly, mass tourism has not reduced the desire of Turkish people to welcome tourists. In the 21st century, Turkish people are keen to show foreign tourists their homes and countries and learn their cultures and ways just as tourists do.
Comments
This culture post helps me learn more about Turkish culture. To be honest, I know nothing about Turkish culture before reading your post. I find that its culture is so interesting, especially do not worry if you are late. Because in China, my friends always blamed me for my lateness for the social events. It is interesting to find out the differences between Turkish culture and Chinese culture. Thank you for this culture post!
This post is really useful since I am planning to visit Turkey after graduation! What is strictly forbidden in one culture sometimes is perfectly normal in another culture, and this is the fascinating charm of culture differences. It also interesting to compare one culture with other cultures for me. I hope that I could learn more about Turkish culture before I visit Turkey.
It's so interesting to learn about different aspects of Turkish culture. It appears to me by reading these things that Turkish people are very generous and hospitable. It is also interesting to notice the differences between Turkish culture and other cultures I've already known, such as Chinese and American. I would like to learn more about Turkey and its culture!
Great post Tianhui! It's always fascinating to hear all about other cultures and I think Turkish culture is something that I haven't had much knowledge about. It's always amazing to see how similar but different some cultures are in comparison to each other. I learn so much speaking to other people people who come from different cultures.