In Turkey, the official language is Turkish. Here are some basic, beginner phrases in Turkish :

• Hello – Merhaba
• Please – Lütfen
• Thank you – Teşekkür ederim
• Yes – Evet
• No – Hayır
• How are you? – Nasılsınız?
• My name is… – Adım…
• How much is this? – Bu ne kadar?
• Where is the bathroom? – Tuvalet nerede?
• Let’s go – Hadi gidelim

Greetings

The most common way to greet people in the Turkish language is by saying “Merhaba.” This greeting can be used with both men and women, and it is generally suitable for all situations. However, in more formal or respectful contexts, you may use “Hoş geldiniz” to greet someone, especially if they require more respect or if you are entering someone’s home.

Addressing Others

In Turkish society, it is not common to address people with honorifics like “sir” or “ma’am.” Instead, using someone’s first name followed by “abi” (brother) or “abla” (sister) is a friendly and respectful way to address someone who is older or holds a higher position.

Turkey is home to several Indigenous populations and ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and sites. Some of the major Indigenous populations in Turkey include:

• Alevi: The Alevi community has distinct religious beliefs and practices, and important sites for Alevi culture can be found in various regions of Turkey.
• Yazidi: The Yazidi people have a rich cultural heritage and their own unique religious beliefs. The Lalish Temple in Şırnak is an important religious site for the Yazidi community.
• Roma: The Roma population in Turkey has vibrant culture and traditions, including music and dance forms like Roman Havası.

As in many Middle Eastern countries, the major religion in Turkey is Islam, with the vast majority of the Turkish population identifying as Muslim. Visitors can explore various religious sites, such as mosques, historic madrasahs (religious schools), and dervish lodges.

While Turkey is known for its Islamic heritage, it also has a diverse religious landscape that includes Christian and Jewish communities. Visitors can discover and connect with religious cultures by visiting places like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Visiting Turkey during important festivals provides a wonderful opportunity to mingle with Turkish citizens and experience the local culture. Here are some of the biggest and best-known festivals and holidays celebrated in Turkey:

• Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Bayramı): Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, this holiday marks the breaking of the fast and is a time of feasting and family gatherings.
• Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı): Celebrated on October 29th, this holiday commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
• International Antalya Film Festival: Held in Antalya, this film festival attracts renowned filmmakers and actors from around the world.
• Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival: Held in Konya, this festival celebrates the teachings and philosophy of the Sufi poet Rumi, featuring mesmerizing Sufi dance performances.

Haggling is a common practice in Turkish culture, particularly in markets and bazaars. It is expected that you negotiate the price when shopping for goods. However, in more established stores and restaurants, fixed prices are generally followed. It’s important to be polite and respectful during the bargaining process and know when haggling is appropriate.

Here are some tips for bargaining and haggling in Turkey:

• Scope out the market: Get a feel for the going rates before negotiations start.
• Say yes to the tea: Vendors may invite you in and offer refreshments while they tell you about their wares. Don’t worry, this doesn’t obligate you to buy.
• Act detached: Don’t let on if you’re interested in a specific item—that’s a surefire way to drive up the cost.
• Know when to walk away: Pretending to walk away can be effective for getting a vendor to lower their asking price. The only time you should refrain is when you’ve already thrown out an offer of your own—if you’ve negotiated a price and the seller has agreed, you’re expected to pay.

To be considered respectful and polite in Turkish culture, it’s important to observe certain protocols:

• Temple and Religious Sites Etiquette: When visiting mosques or religious sites, it is important to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Shoes are typically removed before entering mosques, and it is important to be quiet and respectful inside.
• Dining Etiquette: Turkish cuisine is diverse and delicious, with signature dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea. It’s common to share meals and enjoy a variety of dishes. Tipping is expected in restaurants, typically around 10% of the bill. It’s also advisable to respect any cultural or religious dietary restrictions and avoid consuming pork products when possible.

In Turkey, the dress code is generally modest, especially in more conservative areas. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Modesty: It is advisable to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Women should cover their shoulders and avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men should also avoid wearing sleeveless shirts in certain contexts.
• Head Coverings: While headscarves are not mandatory for women in most parts of Turkey, it is respectful to cover your head when entering mosques or religious sites. Some mosques provide headscarves for visitors.
• Footwear: Comfortable footwear is recommended, especially for exploring historical sites and walking on uneven surfaces. In mosques, you will be required to remove your shoes before entering.

Turkey has a rich sports culture, with several major spectator sports enjoyed across the country, like soccer and basketball. Some of the most pertinent sports to Indigenous cultures include:

• Oil Wrestling (Yağlı Güreş): A traditional Turkish sport, oil wrestling involves wrestlers wearing leather pants and covering themselves in olive oil. It is a centuries-old tradition celebrated in festivals throughout the country.
• Camel Wrestling (Deve Güreşleri): Camel wrestling is a unique and traditional sport popular in western Turkey, particularly in the Aegean region. The sport involves two male camels competing against each other, and it is a fascinating event to witness.

• Personal Space: Turkish people value personal space and tend to stand at an arm’s length from others during conversations. It is important to respect this personal space and avoid invading it.
• Elder Respect: In Turkish culture, showing respect to elders is highly valued. It is customary to address older individuals with honorifics such as “abi” (brother) or “abla” (sister) as a sign of respect.
• Punctuality: While being on time is generally appreciated, it is common for social gatherings or meetings to have a more relaxed sense of punctuality. Arriving a few minutes late is generally acceptable.
• Gift-Giving: When invited to someone’s home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets. In more formal settings, a bottle of wine or a traditional gift from your home country can also be appreciated.

Remember, these tips are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific context and the region you’re in—cultural norms can differ widely between major cities and rural areas. (One extreme example: Urban areas such as Istanbul are cosmopolitan and largely peaceful, while southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border is a no-go zone due to terrorism—and the potential for arbitrary detentions by the Turkish government, according to the US Department of State.)