#turkey guide

An Etiquette Guide to Turkey

When traveling in any foreign country, it is important to observe the local customs and practices and Turkey is no different. One of the most important points to bear in mind is that Turkey is a Muslim country. Many of its major attractions are linked to the Muslim faith, the significance of which should be respected by those wishing to visit them. Outside of tourist resorts, the respectful dress will be appreciated and women, in particular, may choose to cover their shoulders, arms, and legs. When visiting a mosque, a woman’s head should also be covered and the ankles and feet should not be on the show. Men should not wear shorts.

When considering body language, tradition dictates that certain gestures have different meanings in different places and offense may be inadvertently caused. An example of this is when sitting, the soles of the feet should be on the floor and should not point towards any other person. If the feet are pointing in the wrong direction, this may be considered a sign of disrespect. Also be aware that the ‘OK’ sign is a rude gesture in Turkey as is placing your thumb between your index and middle finger.

If you are invited into a Turkish home, the proper etiquette is to take a small gift, such as sweets or pastries. Also, bear in mind that not all Turkish people drink alcohol and so alcohol may not be an appropriate gift. During Ramadan in particular, many people do not drink at all and it can be seen as disrespectful to exhibit drunken or over-zealous behavior.