Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, offering an extraordinary blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the turquoise coast, Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman palaces, Turkey delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home — you'll often see a row of shoes at the entrance as the cue
Accept tea when offered in shops and markets — it creates goodwill and is genuinely hospitality-driven, not a hard-sell tactic (usually)
Dress modestly when visiting mosques — shoulders and knees covered for all genders; women should bring a headscarf or purchase one at the entrance
Learn a few Turkish words — even merhaba (hello) and teşekkürler (thank you) are deeply appreciated and transform interactions
Bargaining is expected in bazaars and markets but not in shops with fixed price tags or in restaurants
Turkish people are extremely hospitable — invitations to tea or meals are genuine; declining respectfully is fine but accepting creates lasting warmth
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly — a handshake for men, a slight bow or air-kiss on cheeks for women (follow their lead)
- Remove shoes before entering homes and some guesthouses — a row of shoes at the entrance is the cue
- Dress modestly at mosques and religious sites — cover shoulders, knees, and hair (for women); use the provided wraps if needed
- Accept tea when offered in social settings and bazaars — this is genuine Turkish hospitality
- Negotiate prices in bazaars and markets — it's expected and part of the shopping culture
- Learn basic Turkish phrases — locals are genuinely touched when foreigners try their language
- Queue properly in banks, government offices, and official settings where ticket systems operate
Don't
- Don't photograph people (especially women in religious dress) without asking permission first
- Don't point the sole of your foot toward someone — it's considered disrespectful
- Don't enter a mosque during prayer times — wait until the prayer (namaz) finishes before entering
- Don't discuss sensitive topics with strangers — Kurdish politics, the Armenian issue, and criticism of Atatürk are particularly sensitive
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke visibly in public during Ramadan daytime in more conservative areas — be respectful of those fasting
- Don't assume all Turks are conservative or religious — Turkey has a wide spectrum from secular urban cosmopolitans to devoutly religious rural communities
- Don't accept prices that feel wrong without checking — some tourist-area taxis, restaurants, and shops inflate prices significantly for foreigners
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Turkish Hospitality (Misafirperverlik)
Turkish hospitality is legendary and genuine — guests are treated as gifts from God. Expect to be offered tea, food, and assistance more than you need. Visiting someone's home typically means a full meal regardless of the hour.
Evil Eye (Nazar) Protection
The blue glass evil eye (nazar boncuğu) ward off the 'evil eye' — envious or malicious glances believed to bring bad luck. You'll see them everywhere: above doors, on babies, hanging in cars. Giving one as a gift is considered protective and thoughtful.
Hammam Culture
The Turkish bath is a centuries-old social institution for cleansing, relaxation, and community. Traditional single-sex hammams have a central heated marble slab (göbek taşı) where attendants scrub and massage. Men and women have separate sections.
Tea Glass Culture
The tulip-shaped çay glass is ubiquitous — offered at every shop visit, office meeting, and social gathering. Refusing tea is unusual; it's the primary social lubricant of Turkish life alongside coffee.
Sünnet (Circumcision Ceremony)
Male circumcision (sünnet) is celebrated as a major life event with elaborate parties, special white ceremonial clothing for the boy, and gifts. These celebrations can be large community events — you may be invited to join celebrations in traditional neighborhoods.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Men shake hands with men; women may air-kiss cheeks with close friends. Men wait for women to extend hand first. Use 'Merhaba' (hello) formally; 'Selam' casually between friends. 'Hoş geldiniz' (welcome) is replied to with 'Hoş bulduk'.
- Dining
- Wait to begin eating until the host says 'Afiyet olsun' (bon appétit). Bread should not be wasted — it's considered sacred. The eldest or most senior guest is served first. Offering to pay the bill is expected even if declined.
- Dress
- Smart casual in cities; modest in religious areas. Istanbul is cosmopolitan — Western dress is fine in tourist and modern neighborhoods. Rural areas expect more conservative dress. Always cover up for mosque visits.
- Gifts
- Bring pastries, baklava, or fruit when visiting someone's home — sweets are traditional. Quality chocolates or imported items are appreciated. Flowers acceptable but check numbers (even numbers for funerals only).
- Business
- Business cards exchanged with both hands or right hand. Relationships built before business — expect extended tea and conversation before getting to the point. Punctuality expected from you though meetings may run late.
- Tipping
- 10-15% in sit-down restaurants; round up in taxis if using meter; hotel porterage $1-2/bag; tour guides $10-20/day; hammam attendants $5-10
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Merhaba
Hello
mehr-HA-ba
Teşekkür ederim
Thank you
teh-shek-KYUR eh-deh-reem
Lütfen
Please
LYUT-fen
Rica ederim
You're welcome
ree-JA eh-deh-reem
Günaydın
Good morning
gyun-AY-din
İyi akşamlar
Good evening
ee-YEE ak-sham-LAR
Ne kadar?
How much?
neh ka-DAR
Çok pahalı
Too expensive
chok pa-ha-LI
...nerede?
Where is...?
neh-reh-DEH
Anlamıyorum
I don't understand
an-la-MI-yo-rum
İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
Do you speak English?
in-gee-leez-JEH bee-lee-yor moo-SOO-nooz
Afiyet olsun
Bon appétit / Enjoy your meal
ah-fee-yet ol-SUN
Şerefe!
Cheers / To your health
sheh-REH-feh
Güzel
Beautiful
gyoo-ZEL
İmdat!
Help!
im-DAT
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Turkey.
Main: Islam (predominantly Sunni), with a secular government framework. Approximately 98% of the population is nominally Muslim, though observance varies enormously — from deeply devout to entirely secular, especially in Istanbul and coastal cities.
Sites: Notable Islamic sites include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul; Mevlana Museum in Konya (spiritual home of Sufi whirling dervishes); mosques in every city and village. Christian sites include the Church of St. Peter in Antakya, various Byzantine churches in Istanbul.
Holy Days: Ramadan (month of fasting, dates shift annually); Eid al-Fitr (Şeker Bayramı — Sugar Feast, 3 days after Ramadan); Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı — Sacrifice Feast, 4 days); Friday is holy day — midday prayers can affect business hours.
Conversations: Avoid criticizing Islam or making jokes about religion. Also sensitive: Armenian Genocide debate, Kurdish political status, criticism of Atatürk (legally protected), and current political criticism. Religion and politics are best not raised by visitors unless locals initiate.