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Important Things About Turkish Culture
Present-day Turkey is the remnant of the Ottoman Empire. The culture of Turkey has undergone a sea of change in the last century. It’s the only country that boasts of a mixed culture of the Eastern and Western worlds.
During the early Ottoman rule, there were multiple ethnic tribes in the country. But they were not allowed to mingle with each other. So that they can keep their religious and ethnic ideas to their individual tribes.
However, with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Turkey ensured that all cultures of the country came under the same umbrella irrespective of their ethnicity. The aim was to produce a single unified cultural and national identity for the country and its people. Thereby preserving and uniting the Turkish culture.
Related Article: What Makes The Turkish People Different?
The Traditional Clothing Culture of Turkey
Women’s most common attire in Turkey is a pair of baggy trousers which are also known as the “Turkish Shalvar” along with a robe or a dress or even a long skirt. They also don headdresses or scarves along with shirts and jackets paired with a wide belt. Women who turn to Islam usually wear this type of outfit, it’s part of the Turkish culture, but modern Turkey is Westernized and women also prefer to wear a regular type of clothing.
The Language Culture of Turkey
The official language of Turkey is Turkish, and it’s also followed by Cyprus. Language is an important aspect of Turkish culture. Most of the ethnic people of Turkey speak in Turkish. The other languages that are also spoken in Turkey widely are; Arabic and Kurdish.
The Customs and Etiquette of Turkey
Generally speaking, Turks are extremely hospitable people. They are true gentlemen and known for their extremely polite and friendly nature. If you do plan to visit Turkey and happen to get invited to a family dinner, make sure to carry a small gift with you. Alcohol is a strict no-no as several Turks do not drink due to their Islamic faith. You can instead carry flowers and chocolates. The family will also appreciate it if you carry some souvenirs from your home country. Exchanging gifts is a very important aspect of Turkish culture.
Turkey is a wonderful place to be. There are beautiful locations to visit that will remain etched in your memory forever.
Related Article: What Should You Avoid in Turkey?
We have also listed other important things you should know about Turkish culture below.
Things You Should Know About Turkish Culture
Turkey attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe each year due to its ancient history, rich culture, and customs that mix in with its environment. Many individuals come to Turkey for work or to live, in addition to tourism. Here are ten things you should know about Turkish culture that you will undoubtedly experience throughout your trip to Turkey.
Breakfast Culture in Turkey
Breakfast is viewed as a regular need in most nations across the world, but in Turkey, it is supposed to convey a pleasant environment that brings friends and relatives together. There are; cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled olives, eggs, sausages, various cheeses, and fresh bread or bagel-like pastries at the morning table, but no breakfast is complete absent freshly made tea. In Turkey, some individuals love to drink Turkish coffee after breakfast too.
Tea Culture in Turkey
Breakfast, family visits, business meetings, carpet bargains at the Grand Bazaar, and ferry journeys are all difficult to conceive in Turkey without tea. Prepare to drink a few cups of tea every day if you visit a small village in Istanbul’s historical district or other Turkish cities. Tea is a favorite beverage among Turks that wakes them up in the morning and brings them together late in the evening.
When ordering tea, specify “rabbit blood” as the hue and whether it should be served with or without sugar. When you visit a Turkish home, the host will welcome you with a freshly made cup of tea. This is also done as a sign of friendliness and hospitality. A fine cup is typically utilized, and these cups are employed as a measurement unit in recipes. You can hear the small pieces of teaspoons in the teacups as you go through the streetside cafés.
Coffee Culture in Turkey
Turkish coffee, made from very finely ground Arabica beans, has garnered international acclaim for its robust flavor and unique preparation and serving ways. Turkish coffee, which is often drunk after breakfast, is also associated with wedding customs. Before the marriage visit, the bride-to-be was judged on her skill to prepare Turkish coffee while asking for her hand in marriage.
Even today, that tradition still hasn’t changed in Turkey, during the bride visit, the bride-to-be still serves Turkish coffee. Since the 16th century, the coffee houses where coffee was prepared and drank have also been sites where shadow plays such as; Karagoz and Hacivat were performed, spreading the Ottoman Empire’s oral culture. Coffee houses are now recognized as gathering places for men to socialize, discuss politics, drink tea or coffee, and play backgammon and other card games.
Evil Eye Talisman
It’s a glass bead with a blue eye form that’s been used in Turkey for centuries. It literally means “look,” and it is said to ward against evil and, if things are going well, to help avoid unpleasant repercussions. The evil eye belief dates back to ancient times and may be found in almost every culture on the planet. Wherever you go in Turkey, you’ll see an evil eye talisman in a house or even in the rearview mirror of a car to protect the owner from negative energy or jealous eyes.
Turkish Baths
In Turkish culture, baths going back to the ancient Romans stand out as locations where people interact as a means of cleansing and relaxation. Rather than steam, the Turkish bath focuses on hot and cold water. The human body is massaged with soap bubbles, dead skin is shed, and body massage is provided on request, particularly in tourist spas.
If you want to visit Turkey, and require a visa, be sure to contact our legal firm in Turkey.
