Meeting and Greeting
Turkish people are warm and hospitable. Turks love to greet people with welcoming statements when they meet someone. Apart from the special occasions, they have their daily greeting words. When a customer visits a shop, the shopkeeper says "Hos Geldiniz" which implies welcome. When one is sick, one wishes him, or her "Gecmic Olsun” which means “Get well soon.”
Tourists better learn these phrases beforehand. Knowledge of these idioms helps you to communicate with Turks easily.
Gestures
In Turkey, close ones greet one another by kissing the cheeks. Only family members and bosom friends can hug each other. Turkish men are very chivalrous in their manner. Men wish women to greet first if both are known to each other.
Respecting Elderly People
In Turkish terms, 'tezye’ and ‘amca' mean aunt and uncle. 'Abi’ and ‘Abla' indicate to brothers and sisters respectively. You have to use these terms after their names to respect their position in your life.
Turkish Tea
Turkish tea is not just an energy drink to the Turks. The reddish brewing drink in Turkey is deeply associated with the custom of hospitality. Tea is the symbol of welcoming guests at home. Turkish people serve tea in a tulip-shaped glass. According to tradition, families serve guests and tourists a cup of Turkish tea. Turks offer tea as a welcoming drink not only at home but also at shops and saloons.
Turkish coffee
Coffee is the national drink of Turkey. Turkish people enjoy coffee after their meal. The coffee is supposed to be shipped slowly. Coffee is prepared on special occasions or during guest visits.
Courtship
In Turkish tradition, when a family decided to get their son married, they visit their prospective daughter-in-law's house and meet the family members. The boy's family inspects the issues and asks for the hand of the girl. When both the families agree to the marriage, the ritual of courtship takes place. According to Turkish tradition, the bride-to-be prepares coffee and serves it to her future parents-in-law in a traditional way.
Loud Horn
Loud car honking comes under Turkish tradition that happens on special occasions. On the occasions of weddings, people express their joys through loud car honking. You will also hear this when someone retires and returns from the military service ground. Besides, Turks are also very impatient with heavy traffic.
The Evil Eye
Turkish people believe in the cast of an evil eye. The blue glass eyes are the most popular souvenirs meant to eradicate the negative energy from the evil eye. These eyes are popular souvenirs in Turkey. According to Turkish Superstition, the blue color helps to eliminate the negative energy from the evil eye. Turks usually hang these blue-eyed souvenirs above the doors of their houses or pin them to the babies’ clothes for their protection. Business people use this to keep their prosperity untouched by any evil eye.
Henna Night
Henna Night is a joyful event celebrated by the bride with her female friends and relatives before the wedding day. The ritual centers around the beautiful and artistic application of henna on the bride's hands. According to ancient tradition, henna signifies blood. The way of the bride from maidenhood to womanhood is paved through this pre-wedding ritual. The ritual has profound religious importance too.
Circumcision
Circumcision is one of the most significant events in a boy's life in Turkey. The tradition drives a boy towards manhood. Turkish people consider this tradition to be one of the most significant ones. According to the Turkish ritual the circumcised boys wear new clothes and, families celebrate the day as a milestone life.
Devotional Sacrifice
In Islam, sacrifice is a prevalent custom. According to the tradition, at the end of Ramadan, Muslim people sacrifice an innocent animal and distribute the meat among the poor. This holy sacrifice has become a popular religious tradition in Turkey, and the ritual is not restricted to a specific occasion. One can offer a sacrifice any time of the year, asking for some fulfillment from Allah.
Oil Wrestling
Oil wrestling is one of Turkey's most traditional sports. The origin of sports dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. The wrestlers drench themselves in oil before the competition begins. The wrestling matches continue until one is declared the winner. The matches' duration might be up to 40 minutes. Spectators enjoy watching these matches because of the oiliness that makes the wrestlers vulnerable to the situation.
Breakfast: The Main Meal of the Day
Wholesome nourishment is one of the bases of Turkish society. Turkish people enjoy their food and thank Allah for the handful of grains. Turkish women cook meals with great care and devotion.
Breakfast is the center meal in Turkish cuisine and offers vital nutrients. Breakfast in Turkey is full of serials, veggies, fresh fruits, eggs, and different dessert items. Bread is an integral part of the meal. In Turkish cuisine, bread must accompany every meal.
Hospitality
Turkish families often invite their friends and acquaintances to dinner parties. The family offers slippers to the guests before entering the house. Removing shoes before entering one's home is a very prevalent custom in Turkey. The gesture acts both ways. On one side, it means you won't carry dirt into the house, and on the other, it is an honorary gesture. In Turkish custom, it is unmannerly to refuse food when you visit someone's home by invitation. Sometimes, guests bring wine bottles when they come to one's home. In this case, it is a must to know beforehand whether the host drinks or not.
Turkish Hamams
Turkish Hamams are public bathhouses that had been originated back in the Roman Empire. Currently, Hamams are of two types- one is for the tourists as tourists prefer to keep their swimming suits on. The other bathhouses offer comfort to the local Turks. Locals enter the bathhouses and enjoy some relaxing time. They can also take baths in public bathhouses. Body massages are offered at some of the touristic bathhouses.
Dining out
According to Turkish tradition, when one invites you to dinner it is their responsibility to pay the bill. In Turkey, the idea of sharing the bill is not a prevalent one. The invited party pays the expense at the next dinner.
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