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Etiquette |
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Meeting People
The Turks are renowned for their welcome and hospitality, which is perhaps not surprising considering their long history of trade with Europe, the Middle East and the Orient. Far from being isolated, the Turks have long been at the centre of world history.
Hospitality is at the heart of Turkish culture and therefore, in getting to know the Turks, it pays to take time and enjoy the process of getting acquainted. Often, shopkeepers will ply a customer with coffee or sweets and enter into conversation. This is not simply a sales ploy, but a necessary part of doing business. It is tradition, not simply a tactic.
Turkish speakers will also note the old-fashioned formality of Turkish speech, with quaint phrases that date from the days of the Ottoman Empire. There are often heard expressions of polite good humour used for all sorts of occasions, from meeting someone to sitting down to a meal. Such phrases are similar to those English phrases that have been passed down from a more formal era: 'Do please excuse me!' or 'May I be so bold?'
Greeting
In Turkey, as in many Eastern countries, it is important to be aware of the status of the hand when greeting someone. The right hand is for greeting and eating, the left hand is for life's more unsavoury tasks.
Body Language
Although Turks are very familiar with the world's cultures and happily adopt the 'language' of their guests, Turkish gestures and expressions are unique and quite different from those found in Europe. To emphasise 'no', Turks will nod their head up and back and raise their eyebrows. Such an expression might also be accompanied by uttering 'tsk'.
Visitors who shake their heads to mean 'no' are often misunderstood in Turkey, as this is interpreted as 'I don't understand.'
Blowing the nose in public is considered distasteful, especially when dining in a restaurant. Other social taboos include patting the person you are talking to on the shoulder or winking at someone, however innocent the intention.
Public displays of affection with a partner are frowned upon, as modesty lies at the heart of relationships in Turkey.
Visiting a Mosque
Foreigners of all beliefs are welcome at mosques unless worshippers are praying at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, dusk and evening. Before entering a mosque, it is courteous and considerate to remove shoes; this is as much to do with the practicalities of keeping the floor clean, as worshippers kneel and bend forward to touch the carpets with their foreheads.
The foot is considered to be the lowest part of the body, so be careful not to expose the sole or inadvertently point the foot at anyone. Any accidental contact with the foot should be followed by an apology.
Walk clockwise around the mosque and treat the place with reverence. If some worshippers are praying, try not to disturb them or walk in front of them. Flash photography is not permitted.
Dress Code
When visiting a mosque, conservative dress that is cool for the hot summer temperatures and also modest is preferred. Tatty, skimpy or revealing clothes, whether worn by men or women, are considered offensive as is nudity.
Women should wear a scarf over their head, cover their arms and shoulders, and wear a dress or skirt of conservative length. Attendants at some of the larger mosques will lend visitors appropriate clothing if they consider it necessary. |
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Istanbul Guide
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