What should I know about the local culture in Turkey?

Enthralling adventures await you in the land that bridges Europe and Asia – be enraptured by the fascinating blend of customs, traditions, and cultural features distinctive to Turkey.

Turkish Hospitality

A standout in Turkish culture is the warm and endearing hospitality of its people. One Turkish phrase summarises Turkish hospitality: "Hoş geldiniz", which translates to "You've arrived happily". The phrase represents not just a greeting, but a philosophy of welcoming visitors. Turkish people take great pleasure in sharing their homes, food, and culture with their guests.

Traditional Turkish Cuisine

A key facet of Turkish culture is their vibrant cuisine. Turkish cuisine looks to make the most of the country's abundant natural resources and adopts flavours from various cultures due to its rich history. Dishes are widely diverse, ranging from the world-famous Doner Kebab to Baklava, a beloved Turkish sweet.

Another national tradition pertains to coffee. Turkish coffee is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Turkey and is a smaller and much thicker version served in short cups. It's unique for the way it's brewed, and serving it to guests is a staple of Turkish hospitality.

Also not to forget, Turkey is renowned for its tea, or çay, consumed all day, every day, with Turks having one of the world's highest per capitum tea consumption rates.

Art and Literature

Turkey is home to an expansive range of traditional and modern art. For centuries, Turkish art has been influenced by the country's rich history, including elements from Ottoman, Armenian, Greek, and Persian cultures. Traditional art forms such as Ebru (marbling), Calligraphy, Carpets and Kilims are still very much alive.

Turkish literature is similarly rich, dating back to the Ottoman era with beautiful poetry and prose. Works by renowned authors such as Orhan Pamuk, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006, have been translated into numerous languages, shedding light on Turkish culture and its nuances.

Faith and Religion

Turkey, predominantly Islamic, maintains a secular governmental system, and the country considers freedom of faith as paramount. The cultural landscape of Turkey is scattered with magnificent mosques, Byzantine churches, and synagogues, highlighting its religious diversity. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is a key tourist attraction, famous for its six minarets and blue interiors.

Festivals and Celebrations

Traditional Turkish celebrations are closely tied to the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkish), the holy month of fasting, is deeply respected, and its end is celebrated with a three-day festival called Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı). Another key event is Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha), the Feast of Sacrifice.

Secular Turkish celebrations generally include Victory Day on August 30, and Republic Day on October 29. The world-renowned Tulip Festival in Istanbul held each April showcases millions of tulips in bloom throughout parks around the city.

Nazar Boncugu: The Blue Eye of Protection

One unique aspect of Turkish culture is the Nazar Boncugu, or Evil Eye Bead. This blue eye-shaped amulet is believed to protect against bad luck and is commonly displayed in homes, businesses, and even used in jewellery.

Turkish Baths (Hamams)

The centuries-old Turkish bath or Hamam tradition is a key cultural experience. These communal baths, derived from the Roman tradition, include a process of relaxation, steam bathing, and massage. The Cemberlitas Hamam in Istanbul, dating back to 1584, is one of the most famous examples.

Traditional Turkish Music and Dance

Music and dance form an integral part of Turkish culture, dating back to the ancient Middle Eastern and Ottoman times. Their traditional folk dances vary from region to region. Horon is a native dance to the Black Sea region, while Halay is popular in Central Anatolia. Music varies too, ranging from traditional Ottoman classical music to modern pop and rock.

In essence, Turkey’s culture is multifaceted and stands out even among its neighbours. With a blend of Eastern and Western influences that are reflected in its day-to-day life, historic sites, culinary delights and traditions, any traveller visiting for the first time will find the experience nothing short of intriguing.