Turks are a very friendly, polite and hospitable people, sometimes even to a fault !
Turkish pharmacies are great. They go out of their way to help travelers. Also (may you guys never need it) the quality of medical care in Turkey is high. Not only is the Turkish medical care excellent it is also very cheap. In some resort areas there are clinics were basic assessment and investigations wil be provided free of charge on production of a valid travel insurance certificate. The private hospitals are excellent. Usually you will be provided with an English speaker to accompany on your appointment. The wait is generally minimal and then medicines purchased on prescription from the pharmacy. A consultation, investigation costing around 50 USD.
Dentists are also much less expensive than in the US and European countries. It’s often best to find a recommendation but most are very accommodating and no long waits for treatment. A replacement filling cost around 50 USD.
There have been some posts where women traveling in coastal regions have been hassled. This might have something to do with attire. Try to avoid beachwear while visiting places other than the beach. In cities remember that while Turkey is a secular culture it is wise to dress like you’re in a big city. For visiting religious sites women should wear a long sleeved tops, long skirt or pants and cover their heads with a scarf or hat. This type of respect for the religion and culture in Turkey is ALWAYS greatly appreciated. Going about alone in Turkey is fine (in East Turkey, it is wise to travel with a group), people have walked about alone all over Turkey day or night and have never had a problem but common sense should prevail in any foreign place.
Be careful of anyone who offers to take you to a great place with drinks, ladies, disco, etc. If you find yourself there and feel uncomfortable, LEAVE, don’t be embarassed, if you find you have been victimized report it to the Tourist Police and local police, again don’t be embarassed. If you feel uncomfortble in any situation not just the one mentioned above, just leave. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is also a good idea. You’re on holiday but use your good sense. Avoid places where there is no menu or where prices are not clearly posted. If in doubt about meal or drink price, simply ask! And also bear in mind that the legislation in touristic areas forbids sales persons to “touch” or “hassle” tourists. If you are asked to buy stuff and you will be asked for sure, just say “no thank you” and keep moving. Just be polite and you won’t have a problem. “Hasslers” are also not supposed to hassle you in the street. They should remain on their own premises – can be worth pointing this out!
When you leave your hotel during your stay always tell the staff where you are going. Take along the number of the consular office for your country just in case you encounter a problem and need some help. Keep your money in a safe place, not in your suitcase or backpack. Use the convenient ATMs and be careful when using them just like you would do in your home country. You need a 4 digit pin number to use ATMs in Turkey. The Turkish people are friendly and helpful, they will help you get where you are going. Don’t confine yourself to tourist sites, you’ll be surprised at what’s off the beaten path, some of the best experiences in Turkey have come from just walking around the various districts and talking to people. Go to the local stores, you’d be surprised what you find. Migros, a big shopping center, they are in lots of Turkish cities.
In the summer, it is wise to bring along a hat and drink plenty of bottled water. Water is sold everywhere. Perhaps the most important: open yourself to the friendliness and culture of Turkey, talk to people, learn a few phrases, hello, please, thank you. Also take the time to talk to people. Their outlook on life is fascinating and you’ll learn so much more about the country, its culture and customs. In most of the tourist areas the waiters, barmen etc are a long way from their homes as well as they’ve travelled to work for the season. They appreciate some time out and enjoy a chat. They love to improve their English and take every opportunity.
Social custom and etiquette breaches:
- Don’t try to shake hands with a devout Muslim (that is veiled) woman unless she offers her hand first, and with a devout Muslim (often recognizable with a cap and beard) man unless he offers his hand first.
- Don’t blow your nose during meals, even discreetly. This is considered extremely rude.
- Don’t pick your teeth during meals, even discreetly. This is considered extremely rude.
- Do not put your feet up while sitting and try not to show the bottom of your feet to someone. This is considered rude.
- Don’t point with your finger at someone, even discreetly. This is considered rude.
- Don’t chew gum while having a conversation and during public occasions. This is considered extremely rude.
- Don’t touch someone without permission. This is considered extremely rude.
- Don’t bear hug or back slap someone, especially in formal situations and occasions and with someone you just met and/or you do not know well enough. This is considered very rude.
- Don’t use swear words during conversation or while talking to oneself in public and also among friends. This is considered extremely rude.
- Public drunkenness (especially the loud and obnoxious variety) is definitely not appreciated and is frowned upon, especially in more conservative areas of the country. Drunken tourists may also attract the attention of pickpockets. However what is absolutely not tolerated with drunkenness especially by the police, if it is accompanied with physical aggressiveness towards other people, this may result with a fine and if this is repeated a heavier fine and/or a visit to the police station may result (if you are tourist, deportation from the country can result).
- Certain gestures, common in the western world, are considered rude expressions in this culture. People tend to be tolerant if they can see you are a foreigner. They know you are probably doing it subconsciously, but if you take the time to keep these in mind, you won’t have any misunderstandings. Making an ‘O’ with your thumb and forefinger (as if to say “OK!”) is rude because you are making the gesture for a hole – which has connotations referring to homosexuality in the Turkish psyche. Avoid clicking your tongue. Some people do this subconsciously at the beginning of a sentence. It is a gesture of dismissal. Also the “got your nose” gesture which is made by making a fist and putting your thumb between your forefinger and the middle finger is considered the equivalent of the middle finger in Turkey.
- Public displays of affection in larger cities and tourist resorts is tolerated but might invite unnecessary stares from the public. In more rural areas it is frowned upon and is to be avoided. Gay and lesbian travellers should avoid any outward signs of affection, as this will definitely invite unnecessary stares from the public. However overt displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation is regarded as inappropriate.
- Avoid shouting or talking loudly in public. Talking loudly is generally considered rude, especially on public transportation. Talking on a mobile phone on public transportation is not considered rude but normal, unless the conversation is too “private”.
- Turks smile much less than Westerners, especially Anglo-Saxons. Avoid smiling at a stranger, because if you do they most likely will not respond in kind and they will regard you either as odd or think that you are mentally handicapped. Smiling in Turkey towards strangers in public is not done and will be considered inappropriate. Smiling is traditionally reserved for family and friends; smiling at a stranger will be considered offensive, as they will either think that you are making fun of them and there is something wrong with their clothes or hair. Furthermore, an automatic “Western smile” is widely regarded as insincere, as in “You don’t really mean it”.
- When you are invited into a Turkish home, make sure to bring them a gift. Anything is fine from flowers to chocolate and indeed something representative from your country (but not wine and other alcoholic beverages if you are about to meet the host or if you do not know them well enough, as many Turks, for religious reasons or not, do not drink alcoholic beverages, and that is why it would be considered inappropriate as a gift). When you arrive at the house take off your shoes just outside or immediately inside the door, unless the owner explicitly allows you to keep them on. Even then, it might be more polite to remove your shoes. And if you really want their respect, thank your host for the invitation and compliment them. When inside the house, don’t ask for anything for they will surely offer it. The host will make sure to make you feel at home, so don’t take advantage of their kindness.
- People in Turkey respect elderly people, so in a bus, tram, subway and in other forms public transportation, young(er) people will always offer you a place to sit if you are an old(er) person as well as a handicapped person or a pregnant woman or have children with you.
- It is respectful to bend slightly (not a complete bow) when greeting someone older or in a position of authority.
- Try to use some Turkish phrases. They will be complimentary if you try, and there is no reason to be embarrassed. They realize that Turkish is very difficult for foreigners and won’t scoff at all at your mistakes; on the contrary, they will be delighted for trying it, even if they may not always be able to understand your pronunciation!
A mesmerizing mix of the exotic and the familiar, Turkey is much more than its clichéd image of a “bridge between East and West”. Invaded and settled from every direction since the start of recorded history, it combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Central Asia. Mosques coexist with churches, Roman theatres and temples crumble near ancient Hittite cities, and dervish ceremonies and gypsy festivals are as much a part of the social landscape as classical music concerts or football matches.
The friendliness of the Turkish people makes visiting a pleasure; indeed you risk causing offence by declining invitations, and find yourself making friends through the simplest of transactions. At the big resorts and tourist spots, of course, this can merely be an excuse to sell you something, but elsewhere, despite a history in which outsiders have so often brought trouble, the warmth and generosity are genuine.
Politically, modern Turkey was a grand experiment, largely the creation of one man – Kemal Atatürk. With superhuman energy, he salvaged the Turkish state from the wreckage of the Ottoman Empire and defined it as a modern, secular nation. Following 2011’s record-breaking third successive election victory by the AKP (Justice and Development Party), largely supported by conservative Muslims, some secular Turks fear an Iranian-style Islamic theocracy. This seems most unlikely, however, in a country that has been a multi-party democracy for over sixty years, and successfully blended secularism, parliamentary democracy and global capitalism with Islam.
Despite official efforts to enforce a uniform Turkish identity, the population is remarkably heterogeneous. When the Ottoman Empire imploded, refugees streamed into Anatolia, including Muslim Slavs, Greeks, Albanians, Crimean Tatars, Daghestanlis, Abkhazians and Circassians. There they joined an already mixed population that included a very sizeable minority of Kurds. Thanks to recent arrivals from former Soviet or Eastern Bloc territories, that diversity endures. Another surprise may be Turkey’s sheer youthfulness: more than half the population is under thirty, with legions of young people working in coastal resorts, and shoals of schoolkids surging through the city streets.
A huge part of Turkey’s appeal lies in its archeological sites, a legacy of the bewildering succession of states – Hittite, Urartian, Phrygian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Armeno-Georgian – that held sway here before the twelfth century. From grand Classical cities to hilltop fortresses and remote churches, some still produce exciting new finds today. In addition, Turkey holds a vast number of graceful Islamic monuments, as well as intriguing city bazaars, still hanging on amid the chain stores and shopping malls. Sadly, ugly modern architecture spoils most coastal resorts, where it’s often hard to find a beach that matches the tourist-board hype. Inland Turkey, with its Asiatic expanses of mountain, steppe, lake, and even cloud-forest, may leave a more vivid memory, especially when accented by some crumbling kervansaray, mosque or castle.
1- Visa requirements vary from country to country.
Check if you need a visa by calling your local Turkish Consulate.
2- Learn some Turkish before you arrive.
1 – Merhaba (Mer-ha-ba) – Hello
2 – Evet (Eh-vet) – Yes , Hayır (H-eye-uhr) – No
3 – Lütfen (Lewt-fen) – Please
4 – Tamam (Ta-mam) – OK
5 – Bira lütfen, (Bee-ra Lewt-fen) Beer please
6 – Su (Soo) – Water
7 – Çok ucuz (Chok oo-juz) – Very cheap
8 – Çok pahalı (Chok pa-ha-luh) – Very expensive
9 – Teşekkür ederim (Teh-shek-kewr-eh-deh-reem)
Thank you !
10 – Anlamıyorum (An-la-muh-yo-room)
I don’t understand
11 – Bu kaç Lira ? (Boo-kach-lee-ra) – How much is it ?
3- Change money at exchange offices as they usually offer a better rate, longer hours and faster service than banks.
4- Bargaining is only practiced in touristic places.
When bargaining, check the average price of the item in several places. Try and negotiate the price down by 15-20% of the average price.
5- If you are happy with the service in your restaurant, taxi, hotel or any other service, a tip of 10-15% is an appropriate way to show your appreciation.
6- Taxis, as in all countries, ask a rough estimate of the fare before you travel. Ask the driver to use the taxi meter and check your change carefully.
7- Most people including the Turks drink bottled water.
8- On the subject of drinks, Raki is the national drink in Turkey. It looks like water but is 45% alcohol. Don’t drink Raki like beer.
9- Public telephones have three different systems; phone cards, tokens and credit cards. Phone cards and tokens are sold at Turkish Telecom offices. Tokens are called “jeton” in Turkish.
10- When visiting a mosque, dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering. Women may be asked to wear a scarf on their heads.
Turkish pharmacies are great. They go out of their way to help travelers. Many medicines usually only available on prescription in the UK are available over the counter, the pharmacist often being in a role more akin to that of the UK General Practitioner. Also (may you never need it) the quality of medical care in Turkey is high. Not only is the Turkish medical care excellent it is also very cheap. In some resort areas there are clinics where basic assessment and investigations wil be provided free of charge on production of a valid travel insurance certificate. The private hospitals are excellent. Usually you will be provided with an English speaker to accompany on your appointment. The wait is generally minimal and then medicines purchased on prescription from the pharmacy. A consultation, investigation costs around 30GBP.
Dentists are also much less expensive than in the UK. It’s often best to find a recommendation but most are very accommodating and no long waits for treatment. A replacement filling cost around 20GBP.
There have been some posts where women traveling in coastal regions have been hassled. This might have something to do with attire. Try to avoid beachwear while visiting places other than the beach. In cities remember that while Turkey is a secular culture it is wise to dress like you’re in a big city. For visiting religious sites women should wear a long sleeved tops, long skirt or pants and cover their heads with a scarf or hat. This type of respect for the religion and culture in Turkey is ALWAYS greatly appreciated. Going about alone in Turkey is fine (in East Turkey, it is wise to travel with a group), people have walked about alone all over Turkey day or night and have never had a problem but common sense should prevail in any foreign place.
Be careful of anyone who offers to take you to a great place with drinks, ladies, disco, etc. If you find yourself there and feel uncomfortable, LEAVE, don’t be embarassed, if you find you have been victimised report it to the Tourist Police and local police, again don’t be embarassed. If you feel uncomfortble in any situation not just the one mentioned above, just leave. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is also a good idea. You’re on holiday but use your good sense. Avoid places where there is no menu or where prices are not clearly posted. If in doubt about meal or drink price, simply ask! And also bear in mind that the legislation in touristic areas forbids sales persons to “touch” or “hassle” tourists. If you are asked to buy stuff and you will be asked for sure, just say “no thank you” and keep moving. Just be polite and you won’t have a problem. “Hasslers” are also not supposed to hassle you in the street. They should remain on their own premises – can be worth pointing this out!
When you leave your hotel during your stay always tell the staff where you are going. Take along the number of the consular office for your country just in case you encounter a problem and need some help. Keep your money in a safe place, not in your suitcase or backpack. Use the convenient ATMs and be careful when using them just like you would do in your home country. You need a 4 digit PIN to use ATMs in Turkey. The Turkish people are friendly and helpful, they will help you get where you are going. Don’t confine yourself to tourist sites, you’ll be surprised at what’s off the beaten path, some of the best experiences in Turkey have come from just walking around the various districts and talking to people. Go to the local stores, you’d be surprised what you find. Migros, a big shopping center, they are in lots of Turkish cities.
In the summer, it is wise to bring along a hat and drink plenty of bottled water, which is sold everywhere. Perhaps the most important: open yourself to the friendliness and culture of Turkey, talk to people, learn a few phrases, hello, please, thank you. Also take the time to talk to people. Their outlook on life is fascinating and you’ll learn so much more about the country, its culture and customs. In most of the tourist areas the waiters, barmen etc are a long way from their homes as well as they’ve travelled to work for the season. They appreciate some time out and enjoy a chat. They love to improve their English and take every opportunity to do so.
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey seems like a continent unto itself with its diverse landscapes and varied population. Istanbul is an enchanting city boasting a thrilling pace and European cosmopolitanism. The gateway to the country, it is traversed by the Bosphorus which carries along with it the entire history of this land. Successively Roman, Byzantine, Christian and secular, the former Constantinople has preserved many testaments of its past splendour.
The country is also famous for its coasts, harbours, beaches, ancient relics and archaeological sites. Antalya, nicknamed the Turkish Riviera, is a huge seaside resort whose beautiful beaches are extremely popular. Party-goers from around the world also flock to Bodrum, the antique Halicarnassus, which has become the Turkish Saint-Tropez due to its unbeatable cocktail of beaches, yachts and discotheques. Small towns on the Aegean Coast like Ayvalik, Foça and Çeşme have retained much of their authenticity.
With its tufa fairy chimneys and churches carved out of rock and decorated with Byzantine paintings, Cappadocia is both a top cultural destination and a wonderful natural environment to explore on its many hiking trails. For those with lots of time, it’s worth a trip to Pamukkale, a geological curiosity that was also once a Roman spa. The site is very popular but has luckily managed to preserve its beauty intact.
In Turkey, Antiquity is more accessible than almost anywhere else. Pergama, Ephesus and Aphrodisias, on the Aegean Coast, are some of its superb and breathtakingly authentic archaeological sites.
Top Attractions in Turkey
Edirne
Edirne is home to the undisputed masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the Selimiye Mosque, built by the architect Sinan in 1574. A former Ottoman capital, the Sultans gave Edirne a rich collection of architecture, which can be enjoyed in the relaxed atmosphere of this leafy provincial center. Edirne is also home to Turkey’s annual Grease Wrestling tournament.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was, for nearly a thousand years, the greatest church in Christendom. Built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century, it’s one the few buildings of this age, size, and grandeur to survive today. Its giant dome shelters numerous historic artworks, from Byzantine mosaics to Islamic calligraphy.
Basilica Cistern
Dark basements with serious damp problems aren’t normally tourist attractions, unless they happen to be evocative Byzantine cisterns, held up by ancient columns that are reflected in water teaming with fish. Built 1,500 years ago to preserve the city’s water supply through siege and drought, it’s a peaceful, surreal escape from the heat of an Istanbul summer.
The Blue Mosque
Elegant, cascading curves and a central location make the Blue Mosque (aka Sultan Ahmet Camii), the most famous mosque in Istanbul. Inside is a spectacular coating of blue İznik tiles, which give it its nickname.
Ephesus
Ephesus was the metropolis of Asia and archaeologists have revealed a treasure trove of ancient streets once walked by Alexander the Great and St. Paul. There are houses, theaters, temples, toilets, even a brothel, and the columned facade of the Library of Celsus.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman Sultans and the heart of the empire. Its grassy courtyards once buzzed with the comings and goings of soldiers, ambassadors, eunuchs, and Pashas, while in the private chambers of the Harem, dripping with lovely blue tiles, the Sultan’s women schemed to bring a son to the throne. Former storerooms overflow with gold thrones, gigantic diamonds, and the holiest relics of Islam.
Goreme Open-air Museum
The unique lunar landscape of Cappadocia is honeycombed with Byzantine churches cut from the rock in the Middle Ages, many decorated with beautiful frescoes. The most famous and easily accessible place to visit is the collection of churches and dwellings known as the Göreme Open-air Museum.
Pamukkale
Stunning white travertine pools of water cascade down a hillside in the hinterland of the Aegean coast: this unique rock formation was created over eons by mineral-rich water and has attracted tourists for millenia.
Mt. Nemrut
Atop a lonely mountain overlooking the Euphrates, this ancient shrine to the megalomania of one man is an extraordinary archaeological site. The oversize heads of King Antiochos and his fellow gods litter the ground beside a great burial mound.
Olympos
These jungle-entangled ruins in a valley by one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches are overlooked by the natural eternal flame of the Chimaera. Few places combine Turkey’s many attractions as does Olympos.