İzmir is Turkey's third-largest city, a cosmopolitan Aegean port that blends ancient Greek ruins, Ottoman bazaars, and a modern waterfront promenade. Known for its liberal culture, vibrant café scene, and easy access to Ephesus, Çeşme, and Pamukkale, it serves both history seekers and beach lovers.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
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Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Learn a few Turkish words — Merhaba (hello), Teşekkürler (thanks), Ne kadar? (how much?) go a long way
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques: shoulders and knees covered; women carry a headscarf
- Try the local breakfast (kahvaltı) culture — İzmir's spreads are legendary
- Respect prayer times; wait quietly outside mosques during the call to prayer (ezan)
- Ask before photographing military buildings, bridges, or government facilities
Don't
- Don't show the soles of your feet when sitting — considered rude
- Don't blow your nose at the table — step away
- Don't openly criticize Atatürk — insulting his memory is a criminal offense in Turkey
- Don't point with a single finger — use an open hand
- Don't assume all Turks are Muslim or conservative — İzmir is highly secular
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Merhaba
Hello
Günaydın
Good morning
İyi akşamlar
Good evening
Teşekkür ederim
Thank you
Rica ederim
You're welcome
Evet / Hayır
Yes / No
Ne kadar?
How much?
Hesap lütfen
The bill, please
Nerede?
Where?
İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
Do you speak English?
Çok güzel
Very beautiful
Afiyet olsun
Bon appétit (said when starting or finishing a meal)
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in İzmir.
Items:
- Faith
- Islam (Sunni)
- Role
- Majority religion, though İzmir is Turkey's most secular city. The call to prayer (ezan) sounds five times daily from mosques.
- Tip
- Mosques are open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times. Remove shoes, cover heads (women), and dress modestly.
- Faith
- Jewish (Sephardic)
- Role
- İzmir has one of Turkey's oldest Sephardic Jewish communities, dating to the 1492 expulsion from Spain. Historic synagogues in Havra Sokak (Kemeraltı).
- Tip
- The Bet Israel Synagogue (Havra Sokak) offers tours; contact İzmir Jewish community (+90 232 425 1628) in advance.
- Faith
- Greek Orthodox
- Role
- A historic Greek Orthodox community existed until the 1923 population exchange. The Aya Fotini Church in Konak is still active.
- Tip
- Services are held on Sundays; visitors are welcome to observe.