Living in Turkey is a dream for many. From its ancient cities to its balmy Black and Mediterranean sea shores, this country has what it takes to appeal to retirees, expats and holidaymakers alike. If making the move to this country is your plan, there are some customs you might want to be aware of before heading over for good.
Turkey is at its heart a Muslim country. Although it has a very distinct international and even cosmopolitan flavour – especially in the big cities and holiday resort areas – the customs in Turkey are strongly influenced by tradition. Many of Turkey’s customs came about during Ottoman rule when formality and extreme politeness were the norm. Whilst it’s likely you won’t find these things as predominate as they were in the past, expressing respect, courtesy and even a formal air is still quite common in everyday dealings. In this article we’ll take a look at living in Turkey and learning the customs for interested expats.
In conversation in Turkey for example, it is quite common for many niceties to pass between speakers. The more polite phrases that are sprinkled into conversation generally the better.
When meeting new people in Turkey, respect and courtesy are absolute musts. Handshakes are not out of the question, but take care when shaking the hand of a member of the opposite sex. In some parts of the country this is seen as a serious affront! This is particularly so in areas where Muslim customs hold complete sway.
Sitting on the floor to eat and drink is not uncommon in Turkey. When doing so be certain to not expose the bottom of your feet to others. Sitting cross-legged is generally the preferred style to avoid being rude. Also, do avoid pointing. As it is in many cultures, pointing at a person is a sign of rudeness. This is especially so in Turkey.
Overall, body language and proper behaviour in Turkey can take some getting used to. If you’re accustomed to Western traditions, getting the knack of the ins and outs in Turkey can be a little tricky. Here are some basic things to watch out for: -
Nodding yes and no. Whilst the Turkish do nod their heads for yes in the same basic manner as Westerners, the typical gesture for no means “I don’t know.” To nod no, move your head back once and raise your eyebrows.
Displays of affection. Public displays of affection are typically frowned upon in Turkey.
Nose blowing. Whilst this is never truly polite in public, in Turkey it is seen as a very rude action indeed. Take nose blowing into a restroom facility or another room.
Rules for mosques. Living in Turkey and not visiting some of the world’s most famous mosques would be a waste of a mortgage or rental payment! If you intend to explore the architectural wonders, do be prepared with the right rules of etiquette. Before entering, take off your shoes and pay attention to how locals behave. Westerners should dress very conservatively and make sure limbs are covered. Women should take care to cover their hair and consider full body covering. Do keep talking at a whisper level as a proper sign of respect.
Living in Turkey is an incredible experience that many expats and retirees from all over the world enjoy. Taking the time to learn some of the basic customs can help you fit in better and assist you in assuring you don’t offend new neighbours!
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