Turkey has always been a fascinating country. Once the center of three ancient empires, 90% of its population practices Islam, yet their lifestyle is indistinguishable from Western countries, and the level of modernization is surprising. So, what customs and habits of this 'East-meets-West' nation should first-time arrivals be aware of?
1. Turks are famously hospitable
The hospitality of the Turkish people is renowned worldwide, and many who have visited Turkey describe their experience as feeling 'right at home.' For a simple example, if you get lost in Turkey, the enthusiastic locals might not just give you directions; they might even take you directly to your destination. In Turkey, friends often greet each other by kissing on the cheeks. If meeting for the first time, a handshake is the standard greeting. When saying goodbye to close friends, Turks generally perform a bow, crossing their hands over their chests and bowing 90 degrees to show respect and reluctance to part.
2. Turks are the world's number one tea lovers
For Turks, although tea was introduced via the Silk Road, their passion for it seems to far exceed that of the Chinese. Every day, before and after breakfast and dinner, Turks enjoy a cup of black tea. Even while waiting for a bus or waiting for someone, they will sit at a roadside stall for a cup of tea. Whether in cities or villages, wherever there is a place for people to rest, there are tea stalls or tea houses. Surveys show that Turkey's tea consumption is far higher than that of major tea-drinking nations like the UK, Japan, and China, with an annual per capita consumption of nearly 3.2 kilograms! Those planning to visit Turkey can truly experience the local tea culture.
3. Experience the slow pace of life in Turkey
In fact, Turkey is a country with a genuinely slow pace of life, and the domestic atmosphere is very free and tolerant. If you are coming from a major city in China, you might feel a bit unaccustomed at first. You will rarely see people rushing on the streets of Turkey. Eating a meal for two or three hours is the norm, and chatting while eating and drinking tea while chatting is part of the daily routine for Turks. Influenced by this pace of life, the Turkish concept of time is naturally not as strict as in countries like the UK, Germany, or Japan. They tend to view time as relatively flexible, and if you are late for an appointment, it is generally not considered a rude gesture.
4. Turks do not favor splitting the bill
Like the Chinese, when Turks go out to eat with friends, they generally follow the principle of 'whoever invites pays.' Splitting the bill at a gathering is almost unheard of; the 'AA' (split-the-bill) system does not seem to work in Turkey. In addition, unlike in China, Turkey has a tipping culture. The tip for a taxi is generally 10%. In hotels and restaurants, besides the 15% service charge already included in the bill, it is appropriate to tip the waiter an additional 10%.
5. Some taboos in Turkish life
Since the majority of people in Turkey practice Islam, using the left hand to pass food or items is considered a sign of impoliteness. A portion of the population in Turkey also practices Christianity, so the number 13 is considered unlucky, and they will try to avoid this number in conversation. Yellow and purple are not popular in Turkey, as these two colors represent death in Turkish culture. When decorating a room, people also avoid using floral patterns, as they are folk symbols of bad omens. Additionally, garlic is seen by Turks as a good thing that brings luck and happiness. If you see a string of garlic hanging at the door of a Turkish home, do not be surprised.