Society & Culture

Hospitality (Misafirperverlik) is not a cliché but deeply rooted in Turkish culture. A guest is "sent by God" (Tanrı Misafiri) — you will feel this everywhere:

• You will be offered Çay (tea) — in a shop, with a craftsman, with a taxi driver. Accept! It obliges you to nothing.
• If you ask for directions, you will often be personally taken there — not just described.
• In rural areas, you will be invited to eat. It is polite to initially decline (the invitation will be repeated) and then accept.
• A small gift (sweets, chocolate, something from Germany) is a nice gesture, but not expected.

The downside: In tourist areas (Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, Bodrum Bar Street), "hospitality" can also be a sales strategy. Learn to distinguish between genuine warmth and commercial friendliness — usually, the first Çay is genuine, the second may be sales-oriented.

Turkey is about 99% Muslim (predominantly Sunni), but at the same time a secular state since 1923 — religion and state are officially separated. The result is a spectrum ranging from strictly conservative families in Central Anatolia to exuberantly celebrating Istanbulites in Beyoğlu.

What does this mean for travelers?

• Five prayer times: The call to prayer (Ezan) resounds five times a day from the minarets — even at night (morning prayer, around 4:30–5:30 am). This is normal and part of the backdrop.
• Ramadan (Ramazan): During the fasting month, many Turks do not eat during the day. In tourist areas, restaurants are open, but it is respectful not to eat or smoke ostentatiously on the street. Breaking the fast (İftar) at sunset is a wonderful communal experience — many restaurants offer İftar menus.
• Mosque visit: Mosques are open to visitors (except during prayers). Remove shoes, women cover hair and shoulders, men no shorts. Photography without flash is allowed, but be discreet.
• Alcohol: Legal and widespread, but expensive (high tax). Less present in conservative neighborhoods and inland than on the coast. Rakı (aniseed spirit) is the national drink.

Turks are warm-hearted, but there are cultural codes you should know:

• Greeting: Handshakes are standard. Among closer acquaintances: cheek kiss (right-left). With older people: hand kiss (kiss the hand and bring it to the forehead) — shows respect.
• Shoes: Always take off shoes in private homes and mosques. Slippers are often provided.
• Nodding: Caution: throwing the head back + "tsk" sound = NO (not Yes!). Nodding as in Germany = Yes.
• Body language: The OK sign (thumb and forefinger forming a ring) can be interpreted as a vulgar gesture. Showing soles is considered rude.
• Clothing: Casual clothing is normal in coastal cities. In the interior and conservative districts, women dress more modestly (shoulders, knees). For mosques: long pants, covered shoulders, women wear a headscarf.
• Atatürk: Respect Atatürk and Turkish symbols (flag). Insulting is punishable.
• Blowing your nose: Blowing your nose at the table into a handkerchief is considered rude — briefly step away.