Turkey is home to a variety of unique customs and rituals that you won’t find anywhere else. Our selection of the most unique traditions in Turkey includes some of the most interesting customs you’re likely to encounter on your visit to the country.
Tea (Çay)
Turks are not just the world’s fifth-largest tea producers, but also the world’s top tea consumers per capita. “Çay” (pronounced “chai”) is the Turkish word for tea. Tourists visiting Turkey may be surprised by the beverage’s widespread popularity. Tea has a regular presence on street corners, at cafés, restaurants, and offices, and simply everywhere people gather, lounge, or pass the time.
Tea is the go-to beverage for any situation, whether it’s to wash down a meal or to take a break from work. Tea is more than just a beverage for the people. Serving and drinking tea is an essential part of socializing and is the most basic ritual of hospitality. Turkish Tea is a custom that is centered on hospitality and sharing.
When visiting Turkey, it is customary to be provided a cup of strong dark red brew tea, never with milk, presented in a tulip-shaped glass. Whether you are visiting someone’s home, a shop, or even the barber, you will almost always be welcomed with an inviting cup of Turkish tea.
Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)
Breakfast is viewed differently by Turks than by the rest of the world. In the culture of Turks, breakfast is a vital part of the day. It’s not a meal in the traditional sense, but rather a gathering of family members or friends to celebrate their unity. Every time there’s an opportunity, Turks enjoy many hours at the breakfast table and drink gallons of tea. The Turkish breakfast is so rich, with a generous selection of cheese, spreads, eggs, sausages, pastries, and of course bread.
Breakfast is a big part of Turkish culture, and it’s on display in many ways. While some cafes exist solely as breakfast eateries, certain avenues in some cities are dubbed “breakfast cafes streets,” as they contain a variety of breakfast cafes in one location.
Turkish Bath (Hammam)
The Turkish baths’ evolution as a cultural institution may be traced back to the Ottoman Empire’s golden era. Baths were built all around Istanbul following the conquest.
The Turkish way of life revolves around its long-standing bathing customs. Taking a Turkish bath includes more than just filling a tub with water; there have been a number of customs associated with the experience.
Turkish baths are known for being social gathering spots as well as locations for cleansing and relaxation. Instead of steam, the Turkish bath relies on hot and cold water. The body is rubbed briskly with foam, dead skin is removed, and massages are given upon request.
The baths hold a special role in Turkish culture as locations for celebrating special events, such as bridal bathing, birth bathing, baby’s fortieth-day bathing, soldier bathing, and religious holiday bathing customs.
Turkish Patriotism
Turks have a strong sense of patriotism. There is no better way to demonstrate their loyalty to their country than to fly the Turkish flag over their heads or hang it everywhere. The Turks’ affection for their flag is evident at all times, and you don’t need a special event or public holiday to witness it.
The Turkish flag, like the country’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, commands the utmost respect among its people. A patriotic Turk will never drop the flag on the floor, and as a foreigner, you should avoid any situation in which you damage the flag or a depiction of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
The modern Republic of Turkey was founded by Ataturk, and he is still honored as “the Father of the Turks”. Turkish pride and a new sense of accomplishment were restored to his people, as their nation was brought into the modern world by his leadership. Because of Ataturk, today’s 85 million Turks have a national flag and a reason to wave it.
Turkish Greetings & Gestures
When it comes to greetings in Turkey, men greet one other by shaking hands and maintaining eye contact. A firm handshake is appropriate. Hugs and gentle pats on the back are typical among close friends and family. Other males may kiss on both cheeks. Men may also touch their temples to greet one another, a political party greeting.
While women’s greetings could be gentle handshakes for first meetings, close friends frequently kiss each other’s cheeks while hugging lightly.
Regarding a man greeting a lady, the best advice is to follow the other’s lead. If they extend their hand, simply shake it. If they offer their cheek, kiss both. If a hand is not non-extended, simply nod or say “Merhaba” (hello) respectfully. A person’s faith may forbid them from touching a member of the other sex.
Many frequent terms apply to daily or special occasions. A unique Turkish phrase that has no equivalent in English is “Kolay gelsin” which means “May it be easy for you”. This is a great way to acknowledge another person’s labors, even a stranger on the street, who has a task at hand.
Entering a shop, cafe, or any establishment you may hear “Hos Geldiniz”, which means “welcome”. “Geçmiş Olsun” is a sincere “Get well soon” wish to an ill person.
The backward tilt of the head, frequently accompanied by raised eyebrows or even simply raising the eyebrows alone, indicates “no” in Turkey, even though in most countries, a nod denotes “yes”.
In Turkey, placing one’s hand on the heart or towards the chest region is a common gesture. This gesture, which is used to express a greeting, is also used to express gratitude.
To ask for the bill from a waiter in a Turkish restaurant, you’ll see customers combining their index finger and thumb and making a “writing on the air” gesture with their fingers.
Cat Culture
Everywhere you go, you’ll see water and dry cat food bowls along the pavements and sides of buildings. The cats aren’t formally adopted, they are cared for by a massive community network of cat lovers.
Don’t be surprised if one comes up and sits on your lap. They are so prevalent that you can see them cozied up at a café table, lying behind cars, slinking between graveyards, and sunbathing on benches.
Turkey’s fondness for cats has mysterious origins. However, one of the reasons cats are so well-treated may have something to do with Islam. Cats are allowed to enter houses and places of worship since they are believed to be clean creatures. A widely known hadith (sayings of Muhammad) speaks about a woman who was condemned to hell for neglecting to feed and water her cat. To learn more about Istanbul and its unique relationship with cats, watch “Kedi,” a wonderful film that follows seven street cats and the people who care for them.
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