When visiting Turkey, it’s important for travelers to be aware of certain taboos and cultural sensitivities in order to show respect and avoid unintentionally offending locals. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Dress modestly
Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, particularly in more conservative areas. It is advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing or shorts. Women may consider covering their shoulders and wearing longer skirts or trousers.
Respect for religious customs
Turkey has a rich Islamic heritage. It is important to show respect for religious customs. When entering mosques, remove your shoes and dress modestly. Women should cover their heads with a scarf and avoid wearing revealing clothing. During Ramadan, the month of fasting, be mindful of eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Avoid public displays of affection
Turkey is a conservative society. Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are generally frowned upon. It is advisable to show restraint and avoid such behavior in public.
Respect cultural traditions
Turkish people highly value their cultural traditions. It is important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, but avoid physical contact with members of the opposite sex unless they initiate it.
Alcohol consumption
While Turkey is not a strictly dry country, excessive drinking or public intoxication are generally viewed unfavourably. It is best to consume alcohol in moderation and avoid excessive behavior, especially in more conservative areas.
Sensitive topics
It is advisable to avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion, politics, and the Kurdish issue unless you are familiar with the person you are talking to and the context of the conversation. These topics can be highly charged and may lead to disagreements or misunderstandings.
Thank you for visiting HandsOnTurkish. Our award winning interactive courses of Turkish have been developed for anyone with a genuine interest in the Turkish language and Turkish culture, whether for private, educational or professional reasons and are specially designed for self-study. Our website and our language courses are free from advertisements and we don't share any personal details of our visitors or registered members with third parties. Nor do we sell data for targeted advertising. We believe passionately that learning should be free from commercial distractions. For this reason we rely on subscriptions to fund the development of our products. Click here to find out more about our online Turkish courses.