Çorum is a mid-sized city in north-central Turkey, perched on the Anatolian plateau at roughly 800 m elevation. It serves as the provincial capital and is best known as the jumping-off point for the UNESCO World Heritage Hittite sites of Hattuşa and Alacahöyük. The city itself harbours a fine archaeological museum, animated bazaars, and a tradition of producing Turkey's finest roasted chickpeas (leblebi). Visitors find a genuinely local atmosphere, affordable prices, and easy day-trip access to some of the most consequential ruins in the ancient world.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
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Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes before entering any mosque
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites; women should carry a headscarf
- Greet locals with 'Merhaba' (hello) or 'İyi günler' (good day) – politeness is greatly appreciated
- Accept tea (çay) if offered; refusing can be seen as impolite
- Bargain politely in the bazaar – it is expected and enjoyable
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in mosques and at market stalls
Don't
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours out of respect (even non-Muslims)
- Do not make disparaging remarks about Atatürk – criticism of Turkey's founding father is illegal and deeply offensive
- Do not enter mosques during prayer times (the call to prayer lasts about 10 minutes, five times daily)
- Do not raise your voice or display impatience; calm and courteous interaction is the norm
- Do not publicly display affection beyond a brief touch – Çorum is conservative
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Merhaba
Hello
İyi günler
Good day
Teşekkür ederim
Thank you
Lütfen
Please
Kaç para?
How much does it cost?
Çok pahalı
Too expensive
Su lütfen
Water please
Hesap lütfen
The bill please
Tuvalet nerede?
Where is the toilet?
İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
Do you speak English?
Evet / Hayır
Yes / No
Afedersiniz
Excuse me / Sorry
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Çorum.
Items:
- Topic
- Predominant religion
- Detail
- Islam (Sunni) is practised by the vast majority of the population
- Topic
- Prayer times
- Detail
- Five daily calls to prayer (ezan) are broadcast from minarets; the first (Fajr) is pre-dawn, the last (Isha) is after dark
- Topic
- Friday prayers
- Detail
- Many businesses briefly close or reduce staff around midday Friday (Cuma namazı); plan accordingly
- Topic
- Ramadan
- Detail
- Dates vary annually. During Ramadan, many restaurants open only at iftar (sunset); the city has a special festive atmosphere at night
- Topic
- Non-Muslim visitors at mosques
- Detail
- Welcome outside prayer times; dress modestly, enter quietly, no flash photography during worship