Turkish Customs

Body Gestures:

You can avoid awkward situations by knowing these beforehand;
  • In Turkey people shake hands when meeting someone. If someone lends his/her hand, shake it… (But this may be considered inappropriate between different sexes in rural areas.)

  • Pointing your finger to someone is also considered rude.

    Keeping an eye contact during a conversation is very important. Turkish people consider that it indicates sincerity.
    Head gestures are a very common in Turkey.

  • Kissing, hugging is okay but overt displays of affection towards the opposite sex are inappropriate in public. You might get gazes towards you.

  • Picking teeth after a meal in public is also rude. You might see a lot of people doing it but with one hand covering the mouth. Even that is repulsive..











    • When entering a room, if you are not automatically met by someone greet the most elderly first.

    • Always greet the people when you enter somewhere. Greeting; “Selam” is very important here.









    Gift Giving:



      If you are invited to a Turkish house for a dinner, lunch or even breakfast, it is considered nice to bring a gift with you.
      Nobody will think that you are rude or something if you don’t. But bringing a gift to your host is one of the most applied Turkish customs. There are even a phrase for this; "Coming empty handed".
      What can you bring as a gift?

      * A desert like baklava
      * A box of chocolate
      * Flowers (Cut or in a pot)
      * A bottle of wine (Make sure the hosts consume alcohol. It is very unlikely that they don’t drink, but being sure never hurts.)












        Dining:

        In Turkey, most of the relationship buildings and business deals will take place in restaurants. Turkish people simply enjoy food and they are happily proud of their cuisine.


          You might be offered to drink “raki”, a traditional alcoholic drink of Turkey. It is a great part of Turkish customs.

          This is the most delicious of the Turkish customs: Deserts and tea or Turkish coffee is served at the end of a meal.
          Turkish coffee is a traditional drink, it has a big part in Turkish customs too. It is very delicious and strong. It can be sugar-free, with a little sugar or sweet, you choose.
          Turkish coffee is nothing like instant coffee, you should follow the ritual. The right way to drink it is; Smell it, sip it, allow your taste buds to realize the heavenly flavor, and finally swallow.









             






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