Etiquette Secrets: how to behave in Turkey

Tastes and colors do not argue. Turkish proverb

Turkey, as a patchwork - colorful and multi-faceted. For thousands of years, the culture of this country has absorbed the customs of the plurality of peoples of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Modern Turkey - tolerant state, which welcomes guests. But, like any other nation, the Turks nice when visitors know their traditions. If they see that you follow local etiquette, you can be sure - the Turks will show you the top of piety and reverence.

In this article you will learn how to "read" the Turkish body language, go to visit and conduct business negotiations. So, welcome to Turkey!

Peace at home, peace in the world

Turkey - a Muslim country. 96% of the population is Muslim. But Turkey - the first Muslim country where religion is separated from the state.

Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that Islam has a huge impact on the culture and daily life of the locals. Many rules of etiquette dictated by the peculiarities of this religion.

If in large cities many progressive westernized youth (girls do not wear scarves, couples can go hands, etc.), the Turkish outback manners are much stricter.

The Turks think much of its history. A major figure in its current segment - Mustafa Ataturk.

He made Turkey the way it is now, and the Turks are grateful to him for that. If we say that Ataturk is revered - to say nothing. Speak negatively about this political leader - to show disrespect to the Turkish people.

Also, there are two topics that are better not touch in dealing with the Turks - Kurds and Cyprus. In addition, it is not necessary to call Istanbul Constantinople and confused state capital (main city in Turkey now - Ankara).

Taaagil!

Arriving at the Turkish resort, we rarely take care to learn the local phrases greeting and farewell. And in vain! Turks are very pleased when they hear from «Merhaba» foreigner.

"Merhaba" ( "Merhaba" (sometimes "x" is not pronounced)) - this is a common greeting translates as "Hello".

Also, you can often hear "Selam" ( "salaam"), which means "Hello!" And is used in an informal atmosphere.

As he left, saying «Iyi günler» ( «iyi Gunler"), which literally translates as "Good morning!", But at parting means - "Good day!". Also, you can say goodbye with the words:

• Güle güle ( «gyule gyule") - Goodbye (say remaining).
• Hoşça kal ( «hoshcha cal") - good luck (said outgoing).
• Goruüşürüz ( «geryuschuruz") - I'll see you.

With regard to non-verbal communication, the male (!), If they are close friends or relatives who can hug when meeting, kissing each other on the cheek. Foreign men greet each other with handshakes (always served right hand).

If the meeting takes the hand for a handshake a woman, it looks strange. Because of this, tourists often get trapped. For Turk, at times, this gesture means that a woman is ready to meet sooo close.

Turkish etiquette strictly regulates relations between persons of different generations. Turks revere the elderly. Turning to the older (if not relatives or close friends), decided to add the name of respectful suffix - "Bey" ( "master") or "Khanum" ( "Mrs.").

the older generation of relatives greeted, kissing the hand (back of his hand) and applying it to his forehead.

To the question "How are you?» ( «Nasılsiniz» - «Nasylsynyz") often respond positively - to complain about his worries are not accepted.

But be sure to use the "magic" words:

• Teşekkürler ( «teschekyuler") or teşekkür ederim ( «teschekyur Eder") - thank you.
• Lütfen ( «Lyutfen") - please (please).
• Bir şey değil ( «Bir schey deil") - please (thanks).

sign Language

Turks use unusual for Europeans body language. Coming to this country, be careful with gestures familiar to you - for the locals, they may have a different meaning.

For example, turning the head from side to side (our gesture of "no") does not mean denial. Most often, as the Turks show a lack of understanding - "I do not know what you're talking about."

A single nod of his head, like us, is "Yes", but the same gesture, accompanied by a click of a language - it is a firm "No". Generally, click the language in Turkish culture - the negation sign of disapproval of something.

Clicking fingers, on the other hand, demonstrates a positive attitude. In this case, replace the gesture familiar to us thumb up can not - in Turkey, this gesture is considered ugly.

To politely decline the offer or to thank you for the service of the body language, should be accompanied by a hand to his chest.

Outdoors

Rules of conduct on the streets of Turkish cities and villages are dictated primarily by Islam. More provincial area, the stricter morals and the careful should behave in public places.

As such, there is no dress code, but remember:

You can not approach mosques and other religious sites in shorts, short skirts, blouses and dresses with bare shoulders.

Many tourists believe that a beach fashion (bathing suits, pareos) can be transferred to the streets. This is not true. Promenade in a swimsuit or shorts only (without top) - looks at least strange.

As regards the conduct on the beach, here again it is worth remembering that most Turks - Muslims. On the territory of many hotels it is not forbidden to sunbathe topless. Yet, by local standards, it is vulgar.

When walking around the city, you suddenly want to take a picture of a man, a Turk, it is necessary to ask his permission; but the pictures of Turkish women (especially if they are wearing a scarf) is not recommended.

Islam imprint and habits. A foreigner can buy alcohol in the store (only in Ramadan shelves close to it), but to use it in a public place is not worth it. Turks also rarely eat on the go.

Incidentally, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the faithful abstain from food, water and smoking from sunrise to sunset, do not eat or smoke in their presence. This will be your sign of respect that does not go unnoticed.

In transport

The major Turkish cities (Istanbul, Ankara) for fare payment in the state public transport use special electronic cards.

If you run out of money on it, do not worry - local people are quite responsive. Often help visitors paying their fare with your card.

At the same time, thank them in return cash is unlikely to succeed - not take. If the Turks are helping, then from the heart.

For the European Turkish transport system may seem hell. (. It's about the big cities) drivers hardly use turn signals - be careful! But love to hoot their horns. It's a way of "communication." If we honk to warn of the danger in Turkey - for any reason (for a long time does not light green, drove the familiar, someone too slowly goes ahead, etc., etc.).

When planting in the subway or tram - a true crush. The fact is that the Turks do not wait until arriving come out of the car, they simply crawl forward, pushing all.

The bus or dolmushe (Turkish "bus"), if there is a selection of places, do not sit next to a strange woman, if you're a man. It is not accepted. And the girls, on the contrary, it is better to choose a place close to the girls.

visiting

Hospitality (misafirperverlik) - an important element of Turkish culture. Especially in the provinces. Guests are always offered the best of everything, regardless of family income.

An invitation to visit is difficult to give (and it is better not to do it) - it is always decorated with a number of fine pretexts. If you really can not accept it, it is best to refer to the time - the cause of the Turks understand.

As for gifts for the owners of the house, then there is a saying in Turkey: "We ate sweet - sweet talk." It is quite possible to perceive literally - to bring a gift of sweetness. An ideal present is also a souvenir from your country.

They are seen in the entrance or in front of the house a pile of shoes? Do not be surprised! This is a sure sign - Turks live here. In Turkey is not accepted take off one's shoes in the house (Turkish housewives monitor the cleanliness), shoes are left beyond the threshold.

Inside offers slippers. The Turkish families, as a rule, there are special - "guest". Do not like to walk in someone else's sneakers? Bring your own. In Turkey, this act will be absolutely normal.

Turkish houses are generally divided into the guest and private areas. Do not try to look behind closed doors and do not ask for a tour of the house - it is impolite.

Also, in some conservative families are not taken to start a meal without permission from the older and even smoking without his approval. By the way, many Turks smoke.

The visit to visit is unlikely to last less than two hours. You not only drink tea or coffee and tasty feed. But stay up late is not recommended.

At the table

It should distinguish between home meal and dinner in the restaurant.

In the first case, traditional Turkish meal usually takes place in the presence of all family members. At the same time eating at a low table, sitting "in Turkish" on the floor on cushions or mats. Stops hide under the table.

Meals (they are usually three or more), put on a large tray and serve. With this tray can be applied in the food itself plate (with hands or a spoon total). But it should be done only with your right hand, and in any case not choose the piece better. This is the height of disrespect to the owners of the house.

The celebrations on the table is often placed national anisette crayfish (aka Raki, aka brandy). A toast, clink glasses bottoms only, and placing a vessel on the table, you need to think about those who are unable to attend with you.

At the table is considered uncivilized to speak without the permission of a senior and widely open mouth (for example, to use a toothpick).

If you were offered to try some dish (branded dolma hostess), we should not give up, even if you are not hungry. Otherwise, you can offend the hosts, and the questions, "Do not tasty?", "Do not like it?" - can not be avoided. Not necessarily to eat up until the end, but we must try.

As for the dinner at the restaurant here, usually, you can find a European style - the usual tables, chairs, tableware.

Turks, like us, love tea. Drink it several times a day. Make it out of special glass pear-shaped cup without a handle. This form allows you to keep drinks hot for longer and enjoy its beautiful rich color.

More tea like the Turks, perhaps, only sweet. They eat sweets at any time: before lunch, after lunch, before tea, after tea. But never with tea. If you start there, for example, Turkish delight a bit of sugar with tea, look at you askance. Also, do not order tea at the same time with the main course (instead of soda to wash down the food).

In cafes and other establishments to tip.

Business Etiquette

Turkish business culture dualichna: on the one hand, the Turks are trying to do as Europeans (business suits, business cards, handshake), on the other - can not move away from its roots.

In dealing with business partners play an important role personal relationships. Strengthen them made in the negotiations, which are often informal.

Lunch or dinner is always paid by the host party. We should not ask the size of the account, as well as communicate it to his Turkish guests - a breach of etiquette.

Turkish businessmen are not always distinguished German punctuality and forthrightness. If possible, avoid the strict deadlines and not categorically say "no." In Turkey, a polite refusal - a soft failure.

At the beginning of a business meeting decided to make a compliment (eg, against the country, a culture or a company) and give gifts. In the course of the negotiations the Turkish partners can easily be distracted by the phone. Do not take it personally - it's just one of the features of the Turkish telephone etiquette.

In general, the Turks in business stressed polite, and wait for it to respond.

Bilmemek ayıp değil, sormamak öğrenmemek ayıp (nestydno not know - a shame not to learn. Turkish Proverb)

Now that you know how to behave in Turkey. Have something to add? Welcome to the comments.