45 Things About Life In Turkey That Foreigners Would Find Hard To Adjust To
Turkey is unlike any other place. Turkey is home to a remarkably diversified population, in addition to its intriguing history and dynamic political environment. Additionally, the inhabitants of this Mediterranean nation have a wide variety of odd traditions. The following characteristics of Turkish daily life could strike an observer as both strange and delightful, from their bizarre foods to their numerous strange behaviors.
Health & Safety? Forget About It!
If you’re a visitor from a country where health and safety standards are strong, get ready to be surprised when you arrive in Turkey. There are many circumstances where you could witness people taking absurd risks. Take these youngsters, for instance, who dared to climb upon the tram’s back. Speaking about trams, Istanbul has two old-fashioned tramways in addition to this one.
This Is the “Bouquet”
There are many bizarre traditions used during family gatherings in Turkey, but weddings may involve the craziest of all of them. The bride will frequently throw a bouquet over her shoulder, and the first woman to catch it will allegedly become the next to get married.
This Is The “Bouquet”
In Turkey, though, the bride will mark the soles of her wedding shoes with the names of each of her single friends. The next bride will be the one whose name disappears first!
You Must Kiss the Hand
It is well known that depending on the individual, kissing is a common form of greeting across the Middle East and the Mediterranean. In Turkey, people prefer to kiss hands, especially those of the elderly.
You Must Kiss The Hand
It is a form of etiquette that serves as a sign of respect for the community’s senior citizens. However, one should avoid doing anything similar to persons their own age or younger because it could be seen as demeaning.
Prepare to Get Cheated
At best, we are merely paraphrasing someone based on their own experience of living in Turkey, which is more of a stereotype than anything else. They shared a picture of a box of Turkish delight they had just purchased. You know, the gummy, sugary confection for which the nation is renowned.
Prepare To Get Cheated
They discovered that only a portion of the box had been filled when they opened it. They continued by saying that people in Turkey are often defrauded in this manner.
Why Are Black Headbands So Popular?
You might notice the large number of males wearing black headbands who also happen to be bald if you were to visit Turkey. Although it may initially appear to be an unusual fashion trend, there is a useful justification for this.
Why Are Black Headbands So Popular?
It turns out that many Turkish men experience baldness relatively early in life and travel to Istanbul in droves to get their hair restored. You can also notice bandaged wounds at the back of their heads hidden beneath the headband.
Flowers Aren’t Gifts Here
Purchasing a bouquet of flowers for your loved ones, friends, and significant other is pretty much a universal expression of affection. However, there are certain differences in how flowers are handled in Turkey. In actuality, they are hardly ever purchased as gifts for specific people.
Flowers Aren’t Gifts Here
One visitor was astonished to learn that wreaths are the most common form in which flowers are purchased. Additionally, they are typically purchased to be used as decorations during family gatherings and events.
They Like to Take Their Time
The world is full of people who are rushing to go from point A to point B. We seldom ever have the chance to relax, enjoy a nice beverage, and chat with our friends. One must adhere to this as much as possible in Turkey.
They Like To Take Their Time
There are so many people in our nation who carry themselves casually. They merely exist in the present and, like this man, are content to take their time getting their hair done.
Press for a “Taksi”
Nowadays, people all over the world are accustomed to the convenience of using their phones to dial a taxi or even an app to order a ride. The manual approach is still widely used in Turkey, nevertheless.
Press For A “Taksi”
There are little yellow boxes all across the country with green buttons on them. The moment you press this button, a cab will arrive. The only drawback is that until they arrive, you can’t see who is picking you up.
The Wonderful Whirling Dervishes
The manner in that Turkey incorporates spirituality and religion into the arts is what distinguishes it as a unique nation. In addition to the abundance of stunning mosques in the nation, there is a particular, spiritual fraternity that performs the Sufi whirling, a unique dance that attempts to inspire audiences.
The Wonderful Whirling Dervishes
The Whirling Dervishes often referred to as Semazen, have emerged as symbols of Turkish culture. In an effort to put aside their egos and material desires and concentrate on God, performers may spin meditatively while listening to music.
Home of the Wet Burger
If you ever find yourself wandering around Istanbul’s Taksim neighborhood, you’ll probably notice a large queue of people wanting to try the Taksim Islak Hamburger, also known as the Wet Burger.
Home Of The Wet Burger
Because it spends most of its time in a sauna with its pals, this beef burger gets its soggy moniker. By the time you bite into it, the garlicky, buttery tomato sauced patty will just melt in your mouth. Here, a wet burger costs only 5 Turkish Lira.
People Are Scared of Dogs
Having a dog in the modern era is a fairly simple endeavor. However, it’s a little more challenging in Turkey. This is due to the fact that a sizable portion of Turkish culture does not value man’s closest buddy.
People Are Scared Of Dogs
In fact, out of pure dread, many residents would cross the street if they see a dog. Furthermore, as most buses and taxis do not take dogs, you will probably have to walk the dog to the veterinarian if you don’t have a car.
Toilets Look Kind of Different
There are other aspects of Turkish culture that differ from the rest of the globe as well. Both the old and contemporary toilets in this place are quite distinctive.
Toilets Look Kind Of Different
The classic old-school Turkish toilet is a hole in the floor with a faucet and a jug nearby to wash after using it.“On his first visit to Kazan, my Turkish husband couldn’t explain what he was searching for in my toilet,” one blogger wrote.
Tea Is a Big Deal Here
Every nation seems to have a national beverage, and tea is unquestionably the case in Turkey. People are really serious about their “cay,” as they refer to it. Locals in Turkey who are sipping tea alone are uncommon.
Tea Is A Big Deal Here
People gather together to sit down and pour the cay into those recognizable cups, and it always seems to be a communal activity. Also, tea seems to be a part of every area of Turkish civilization. In meetings at a corporate position, you may anticipate receiving a lot of tea.
Take Off Your Shoes Before You Enter
People gather together to sit down and pour the cay into those recognizable cups, and it always seems to be a communal activity. Also, tea seems to be a part of every area of Turkish civilization. In meetings at a corporate position, you may anticipate receiving a lot of tea.
Take Off Your Shoes Before You Enter
To change into, one can carry an extra pair of slippers. This custom might have its roots in the Islamic custom of removing one’s shoes before entering a mosque.
Couples Don’t Call Each Other By Their Names
Turkish couples are as bit as passionate as couples anywhere else on the globe. But after a couple gets married, you can say that things get a little less intimate. Many Turkish couples object to being addressed by their first names.
Couples Don’t Call Each Other By Their Names
Instead, they will refer to you as “my sun,” “my love,” “my angel,” or “my soul,” among other phrases of endearment. Regular names should only be used for friends and acquaintances, according to Turks.
Does anyone Want a Lady’s Navel?
Turkish Delight was regarded to be the most popular sweet treat in this country until another sugary treat with an odd name was created by the Turkish people. This sweet, which resembles a donut somewhat, is known as “a lady’s navel.”
Anyone Want A Lady’s Navel
Crazy, huh? But things don’t stop there. Turkey is home to several delicious foods with unusual names. Some examples of this are “the lips of beauty,” “your aunt,” “bulletproof cutlets,” “a boat of pleasure,” and “a woman’s hip.”
The Turkish Shave
Without a doubt, it isn’t called the Turkish shave for no reason at all. It is a well-known style that involves more than just shaving; it is a full-on experience. It will just cost you a handful of lira to get a Turkish shave in Turkey.
The Turkish Shave
While the barber is shaving your face, you can sip on a cup of the cay. Before giving you a relaxing facial massage, they will take your head and submerge it in a sink full of water.
Turks Are Very Superstitious
When it comes to their superstitions, Turks have some fascinating traditions. The old belief was that one’s life got a bit shorter every time they sneezed, thus one should expect a passing to say to them, “cok yasa,” which means “enjoy a long life,” if they sneeze. When drinking, Turks say “cheers” with the word “serefe.”
Turks Are Very Superstitious
Some Turks even attempt to predict the future by analyzing the patterns left by the coffee grounds. However, some would say “en koto gunumuz boyle olsun,” which translates to “may this day be our worst day ever.” A heart form could indicate that love is on the way, while a bird shape could indicate that a journey is about to begin.
Obsessed With Cleanliness
While maintaining a tidy home is a goal shared by people everywhere, Turkish folks appear to go things even further. This nation’s residents are renowned for maintaining spotless dwellings.
Obsessed With Cleanliness
The following Russian woman, who wed a Turk, had the following to say about their union: “I had been considering myself neat until the moment I started being shown the traces of water drops on a bathroom faucet.”To allow their fruit to breathe, some housewives place macramé lace in their refrigerators.
Chicken Dessert
There are several Turkish foods that may seem strange to non-Turks. The oddest of them all, though, may be Tavuk Gogsu, especially in light of what is contained inside. On the surface, this milk pudding might look like a tasty treat, but it actually contains shredded chicken breast.
Chicken Dessert
It appears that the Ottoman sultans frequently ate this dish. Today, however, it is one of the nation’s iconic foods. Outsiders, however, frequently pick something else.
Cats Work for the Police?
In some nations, cats are not as well-known as their canine counterparts; this is not the case in Turkey. Members of the feline species are held in near-divine esteem in this part of the world.
Cats Work For The Police
Around the grounds of well-known mosques like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, there are a lot of cats. One blogger claimed that in some regions of the nation, cats “serve” as police officers. You can see a home for a police cat in the picture on the right.
Turkey’s Unique Hand Sanitizer
This is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive characteristics of living in Turkey. One can anticipate being asked if they would like their hands sprayed with perfume as they leave several restaurants. But the purpose of this isn’t only to make someone’s hands smell nice.
Turkey’s Unique Hand Sanitizer
Additionally, it cleans the hands, getting rid of strong odors like those of fish and garlic in the process. However, not every customer is given this option, indicating that employees might only offer to spray loyal customers.
They Have This Yogurt Drink With Everything
Yogurt is frequently seen as a type of dessert or even something you eat for breakfast because it helps line the stomach all over the world. Although it resembles the texture and flavor of yogurt, a common drink in Turkey is simply consumed after a full meal.
They Have This Yogurt Drink With Everything
It is known as ayran and is suitable for any meal of the day. Digestion is claimed to be aided by it. After all, yogurt is credited to have been created by the Turks more than a thousand years ago.
Drinking Fountains Are Dedicated to Lost Loved Ones
Drinking fountains like the one in this picture can be found if you walk through Turkey’s streets for long enough. You might be surprised to learn that many of these fountains are devoted to departed family members.
Drinking Fountains Are Dedicated To Lost Loved Ones
Typically, a plate with the person’s Turkish name and last name can be found above the sink. One is asked to pray for the relative’s soul before drinking from the fountain.
People Are So Helpful
In actuality, there are differences in people’s levels of hospitality between nations. However, it appears like everyone is more than willing to stop what they are doing in Turkey in order to assist someone who is in need. One blogger mentioned how they received their transit card from a total stranger.
People Are So Helpful
Another blogger wrote the following: “Once, I told my friend’s mother that I was amazed by how much she cared about me…Her answer amazed me even more, ‘My second son is also abroad now, so I care about you and some other mother will care about him.’”
People Have “Evening Breakfast”
In some nations, having a croissant and a cup of coffee could be considered breakfast, but not in Turkey. Here, you may anticipate receiving numerous plates filled with items like olives, cheese, honey, meat, jams, bread, and a variety of eggs. Because there is so much breakfast, hardly one ever finishes it.
People Have “Evening Breakfast”
What’s even crazier, though? Evidently, breakfast isn’t just for the mornings here; there are many people in Turkey who will also have something termed an “evening breakfast.”
People Use Math Differently Here
We have no idea how widespread this is or how many Turks it affects, but it does seem to be a problem. One blogger claims that many Turks are intimidated by math. People in the neighborhood where we reside “subtract by adding,” the blogger observed. “Say you want to purchase a pound of tomatoes. You pay a 10 lyre bill and it costs 3 lyres.
People Use Math Differently Here
“First, you’ll be given 2 lyres because “it’s 5 now.” and then you’re given the rest of the 5 lyres. So, subtracting 10 — 3 is hard. And if you add 2 + 3, it’s 5, which is easier to subtract from 10.”
Road Rules? There Are None
One of the most nerve-wracking driving experiences you will ever have is in Turkey. In this nation, traffic regulations are frequently viewed more as recommendations. Horns are constantly blowing, but many drivers choose not to use their turn signals.
Road Rules? There Are None
And it’s pretty much first come, first served when it comes to who gives way. On a busy road, some Turkish motorists have even been seen driving in reverse, and some may even attempt an overtake in heavy traffic.
They Put Meat on Pizza Instead of Cheese
Okay, so you can purchase an authentic pizza in Turkey. But it turns out that they also have a specialty dish that, although it resembles pizza somewhat, is altogether distinct. Turkish people generally adore lachmacun.
They Put Meat On Pizza Instead Of Cheese
Lachmacun is essentially like eating a pizza that is stuffed full of minced meat but has no cheese at all. This hearty dish is practically ubiquitous across the nation, and many diners like to eat it wrapped.
You Can Cross Continents Underground
The fact that Turkey is one of the few nations in the world that technically belongs to two continents is not widely known. A sizable portion of Istanbul, which is in Europe, is effectively divided from the rest of Turkey, which is in Asia, by the Bosphorus Strait.
You Can Cross Continents Underground
Both continents are separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Although there is a bridge that crosses the lake to connect the two sides, residents can also use the metro, which runs below it.
Babies Are Rocked by Their Legs
You’ll quickly discover that Turkish folks treat their infants in a unique way. For instance, parents frequently rock their children by the legs rather than the arms like most parents do worldwide.
Babies Are Rocked By Their Legs
In Turkey, it is not unusual to see a parent put their child on a cushion, which they will then position on their legs and rock the child with. The baby will consequently nod off soon.
The Best Street Food Is Sea Food
In Turkey, there are many fantastic instances of street food. But many residents and visitors alike will probably attest to the quality of the mussels in this region of the world. First off, it is undeniable that these “fruit of the sea” are significantly healthier than the typical hot dog.
The Best Street Food Is Sea Food
And it’s really simple to locate them. The likelihood is that you will notice a seller selling a number of mussels near the shoreline at some point. These mussels are frequently seasoned with a little heat and lemon juice.
Best Fruit and Veg in the World?
Many nations assert that they have the best produce in the world, but Turkey may be able to lay claim to the title. To begin with, this nation produces some of the finest and juiciest tomatoes in the world.
Best Fruit And Veg In The World?
Additionally, the honey is exceptionally smooth here, and the green vegetables are exceptionally crisp and fresh. That’s not all, either. Turkey is known for exporting nuts and dried fruit, so one may anticipate finding an abundance of these items there.
Turks Are Very Emotional People
If you visit Turkey for even a short time—say, a day or two—you will quickly discover that the people are quite expressive when it comes to communicating their emotions. It is typical to observe two people shouting at one another when, in fact, they are only discussing the weather.
Turks Are Very Emotional People
At football games, when sizable throngs of fans can be heard fervently singing songs about their team, Turkish people’s emotions are also on full display.
Every Other Street Has a Simit Man
There are many nations around the globe that claim to have their own specific, distinctive bread. It goes by the name simit in Turkey. In this region of the world, this round loaf of bread covered in sesame seeds is extremely popular.
Every Other Street Has A Simit Man
In fact, it’s very uncommon to see a man wandering about in the morning on several corners while toting a box of simit! It’s a lovely tradition that he will frequently shout the word “simit” at the top of his lungs.
Salt Bae Is a National Hero?
If you were on social media in 2017, it’s likely that you at some point encountered the well-known Salt Bae meme. You know, the one with the handsome man carving his steak with great care and then lightly salting it.
Salt Bae Is A National Hero?
It turns out that Nusret Gokce, a Turkish chef, is who Salt Bae really is. Gokce has given his countrymen a great sense of national pride since becoming well-known on social media, and he has built restaurants in Istanbul, Dubai, and even the United States.
The Coffee Brand Everyone Lines Up For
Most of Turkish society will concur that Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi is the best and most significant coffee brand in the nation. This business, which has been roasting coffee since 1871, is now a significant institution.
The Coffee Brand Everyone Lines Up For
Many thousands of bags of ground coffee are being packed in a line of employees at one of its main stores, and an even larger queue of consumers will be waiting outside to pick up their packs.
So Many 1+1 Apartments
Many people all around the world would be more than content to live alone in a studio apartment. It is, after all, among the least expensive choices. But there aren’t many studios in Turkey.
So Many 1+1 Apartments
The smallest type of rental property in Turkey is referred to as a 1+1 apartment. This is essentially a two-room flat, as you could have imagined. In most cases, this consists of a bedroom and a living room with a kitchenette.
No Birthdays?
It appears that youngsters are the only ones that participate in this tradition in Turkey when it comes to birthday celebrations. When you become an adult, the days of getting presents from your loved ones and attending parties are long gone.
No Birthdays?
The most people will do for you on your birthday in Turkey, if you really want to commemorate it, is to invite you over for tea and cake. Otherwise, you can only expect a text or a letter from friends and coworkers.
Obtrusive? Friendly? Same Thing in Turkey
Few countries do hospitality from friends and family quite as well as Turkey. Outsiders may perceive the amount of friendliness here as being on the verge of becoming intrusive.
Obtrusive? Friendly? Same Thing In Turkey
The Turkish people are quite the contrary to other people, who prefer to have as much personal space as possible. It seems OK to drop by someone’s house uninvited first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Turks Get “Cold in the Stomach”
While medical care in Turkey is typically on par with that in many other nations, there is one phrase that many locals believe in. Outsiders are definitely surprised by the sound of it, especially since “Cold in the Stomach” sounds like it shouldn’t be a thing.
Turks Get “Cold In The Stomach”
It appears that in Turkey, medical professionals frequently make this diagnosis and think it to be the root of many ailments. When a patient has a fever, they also urge them to take a cold shower, and it seems to work here!
You’re Never Too Far from a Bath
Regular trips to one of Turkey’s many Turkish baths are another aspect of daily life there. Although the number of complexes has decreased over time, the nation still boasts a sizable number of bath locations, such as this one in Istanbul.
You’re Never Too Far From A Bath
From the outside, it doesn’t appear to be much, but if you go inside, you’ll find a ton of steam rooms, real bathtubs, and saunas that have largely not changed over the years.
A Lot of C-Sections in Turkey
Even though it’s not the funniest example on this list, it’s nonetheless significant. It appears that more than half of Turkish women undergo unnecessary C-sections. In Turkey, a large portion of the female society, pain is something that many soon-to-be mothers want to avoid during labor.
A Lot Of C Sections In Turkey
Recent reports, however, indicate that Turkish doctors are advocating natural deliveries more frequently. Turkish males, on the other hand, have no trouble attending births and occasionally even planning photo shoots!
Window to Window Is Totally Legal
The following is one aspect of Turkish life that is sure to astonish visitors. It seems that a lot of individuals are content to reside in “window to window” structures. One blogger claims that this is how many apartments are set up in Turkey, and it appears to be completely legal.
Window To Window Is Totally Legal
“I don’t understand how people live this way: the neighbors can literally see everything in your apartment,” the blogger wrote. We all concur that we are not used to this style of accommodation.
Everyone Pays for Apartment Service
Although this is not unique to Turkey, the majority of the population is willing to contribute to it. The majority of residents in these flats do more than just pay their regular fees. “Apartment service” is frequently purchased for an additional $25 per month.
Everyone Pays For Apartment Service
In essence, this fund pays for the cleaning of public spaces like swimming pools, gyms, and saunas in addition to trash removal. It also includes fixing lightbulbs in the halls and upkeep of the front yard.