Customs in Turkey: Traditions & Etiquette for Travellers

Customs and traditions in Turkey – etiquette for travellers

Turks are exceptionally hospitable and forgive strangers almost any small mistake. But anyone who knows a few basic rules will quickly notice how doors open. We have been accompanying guests through Turkey since 1989 – these are the customs we are asked about most often.

Greeting and respect for age

When greeting, people shake hands; among friends this is followed by two light kisses on the cheek.
With older relatives, one kisses their hand and then raises it to one's forehead – a sign of deep respect, especially on public holidays (Bayram).
Older people are greeted first, served first and given the best seat.
Strangers are often addressed in familial terms: “Abla” (big sister), “Abi” (big brother), “Teyze” (aunt) or “Amca” (uncle). More on this in our article on kinship.

As a guest in a Turkish home

Shoes off: Shoes are taken off in front of the apartment door; slippers are usually ready for guests.
Host gift: Sweets from the patisserie, flowers or lokum are always right. You can read about what else goes down well in our article “What makes a good gift?”.
Tea and food: Guests are offered plenty. A polite “no” is often understood as modesty – expect a second and third offer.
Eau de Cologne: As a welcome, “kolonya” is often sprinkled onto your hands – a sign of hospitality.

Visiting mosques

Shoulders and knees covered; women wear a headscarf (available at the entrance of many mosques).
Shoes are taken off before entering and placed in the bags or on the shelves provided.
During prayer times, especially at midday on Fridays, visits by tourists are restricted.
Do not photograph people praying and do not walk in front of them.

In public

Clothing: In Istanbul a great deal is acceptable; in conservative neighbourhoods such as Fatih or Üsküdar, modest clothing is appreciated.
Displays of affection: Couples tend to be reserved in public.
Photography: Ask people, especially women, for permission first. Military installations must not be photographed.
State symbols: The flag and Atatürk are held in high esteem. Disparaging remarks are not only impolite but can be a criminal offence.
Soles of shoes: Pointing the sole of your shoe at someone is considered disrespectful.

Haggling, tipping and the bill

In the bazaar people haggle; in shops with fixed prices and in supermarkets they do not.
In restaurants a tip of 5 to 10 percent is customary.
Whoever invites, pays. A friendly argument over the bill is part of it – next time it is your turn.

Time and composure

Punctuality is expected in business life; in private life people are more relaxed. An “Inşallah” (God willing) when making arrangements is not a refusal but an expression of composure. And anyone who asks for directions will often be accompanied part of the way.

Many gestures have their own meaning in Turkey – the famous “thumbs up”, for example. More on this in our article Body language in Turkey.

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