Things Not To Do In Turkey: 14 Blunders Travelers Shouldn’t Commit
Cover Image Credit: Pxhere
Located between the western part of Asia and the eastern part of Europe, Turkey is a Middle Eastern country rich in culture, influenced by the Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine and Persian empires. This is because these empires ruled it in the past. It should come as no surprise that Turkey has had a checkered journey when it comes to its long and illustrious history. While the majority of Turkey’s population identifies itself as Turkish, people of Kurdish origin are counted among the minorities in the country. Be careful when you’re exploring this enchanting Middle-Eastern country Don’ts in Türkiye So that your entire experience is pleasant!
14 things not to do in Türkiye
Turkish civilization began in the 11th century when the Sejun Turks settled in the region. Thus Turkey boasts of a diverse range of culture, art, architecture etc. However, there are some things you should avoid doing in Turkey. If you are wondering about what not to do in Istanbul, Turkey then here are some things that you should include in your list of dos and don’ts for your Turkey vacation.
- Do not wear shoes at the place of worship
- Don’t forget table etiquette
- Avoid obscuring the view of the person praying
- Do not disrespect the customs of Ramadan
- Do not board a cab without a taxi logo
- don’t wear flashy clothes
- Do not abuse Turkish language
- Avoid leaving food on your plate
- Avoid consuming too much alcohol
- Avoid directly addressing a Turkish woman in public
- Ignore people smoking at the dinner table
- Don’t buy stones or fossils
- Do not buy goods without bargaining
- don’t let down kemal ataturk
1. Do not wear shoes while entering the place of worship
Turkey is known for its extremely grand and exquisitely designed mosques like the Blue Mosque. If you are visiting Turkey for the first time, you need to know about this custom that Turks follow – taking off their shoes while entering the mosque.
You must have noticed that they do not even wear shoes in their homes. Thus, when you are in Turkey, make sure you take off your shoes when entering a mosque otherwise you will definitely offend the locals as they will take it as a mockery or insult to their customs and beliefs and will punish you. You may also be asked to leave from there. Go out and enter only after taking off your shoes. This is one of the important Don’ts in Türkiye,
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2. Don’t forget to maintain table etiquette
Food can be seen as one of the most authentic ways to gain information about the culture of a place. Turkish cuisine is some of the most delicious cuisine in the entire world. However, when it comes to dining, tourists should never forget to follow basic table etiquette, as Turks are especially quite particular about it.
For example, when using a toothpick, it is suggested that you be a little judicious. This is because brushing teeth without covering the mouth with hands would seem rude. The Turkish word for toothpick is ‘kurdan’.
3. Avoid obscuring the view of a person when he or she is praying
Turkey is a country whose majority of the population follows the Muslim religion. Ideally they are expected to pray five times a day. Don’t even accidentally obscure someone’s view or pass by the person praying from the front, otherwise you will definitely offend him.
This is because Muslim customs dictate that when this happens, the person’s prayer becomes invalid and must start over. So, consider this tip as a very important tip to avoid confrontation by angry locals.
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4. Do not disrespect customs during Ramadan
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The month of Ramadan holds cultural and religious significance for Muslims around the world. When it comes to the majority Turkish population, strictly following the rules is a way of expressing their devotion. During Ramadan, they fast for an entire month and it is considered one of the five pillars of Islam.
Ramadan is celebrated according to the Islamic calendar and not the Georgian calendar, so make sure you know if it matches the month you plan to visit the country. If this happens, you need to ensure that you do not drink or eat anything in public nor give anything or gifts to any Turkish citizen observing this annual ritual during the day. These are some essentials Don’ts in Türkiye By passengers.
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5. Do not board a cab that does not have the taxi logo on it
Foreigners are often given rides by Turkish drivers (symbolically speaking), who see them as an opportunity to earn extra money. They usually take advantage of their ignorance about the rates charged and the routes passing through the city.
They modify the functioning of the meters installed in their vehicles and make their customers take longer routes to reach their destinations. Install BiTaksi app to take advantage. You can find a reliable cab that will provide impeccable service. To avoid any confusion or potential trouble, check for the taxi logo at the top!
6. Don’t wear showy clothes
Even if you don’t agree, it is better to maintain harmony with the customs and traditions of a country to avoid any serious consequences that can ruin your entire trip. Turkey is much more liberal than other Muslim conservative countries when it comes to these customs, but there are still some things you should keep in mind such as avoiding revealing clothing.
In Turkey both women and men should forget to wear shorts and especially women should cover their heads, as Muslim women do when visiting a mosque.
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7. Do not abuse Turkish language
Whenever you travel to a foreign country, it is not only the destination that is evaluated but it is also in your hands to develop or remove a good or bad impression about your country. Improper use of the national language can hurt people’s sentiments and also create unpleasant situations.
Therefore, it is important that you learn some of their etiquette and learn the Turkish translation of words like ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’, ‘please’ etc. These gestures will also help you establish cordial relations with the local people.
8. Avoid being the person with leftover food on your plate
It is considered an insult if you are a guest for a meal in a Turkish home and do not eat everything on your plate. Because if you leave something on your plate, your host will think you didn’t like what they offered. Leaving nothing leftover is a sign of utmost reverence and proper behavior.
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9. Avoid consuming too much alcohol
As mentioned earlier, Turkey is a Muslim country, which is comparatively not as strict as other countries. Although Turkish citizens enjoy a drink or two on happy occasions, excessive or regular drinking is frowned upon and meeting someone drunk in public is not something they are very fond of. We do.
Therefore, avoid getting too drunk and causing a loud or unpleasant commotion in public. On the other hand, smoking is allowed almost anywhere, even while eating dinner; It’s almost like it’s a favorite pastime there.
10. Avoid directly addressing a young or single Turkish woman in public
Female travelers won’t mind that men in Turkey prefer to address you by the male equivalent. Don’t be offended or feel left out as this is just a tradition that is followed, especially in rural areas of Turkey. They are just trying to protect your virtue. And similarly, as a male traveller, one should avoid approaching a local woman to initiate a conversation in public. This is considered a threatening act.
11. Ignore people smoking at the dinner table
Sometimes, just by looking around and observing people you will know What not to do while in Türkiye?, Turkey is a Muslim country and most of the people here consider alcohol as ‘haram’ or forbidden. You will meet people who drink alcohol or drink alcohol occasionally. But on the contrary, you will see many people smoking around you. Smoking at the dinner table is also considered normal.
12. Don’t buy stones or fossils
Don’t indulge in buying any stones or fossils while you are vacationing in Turkey as these are considered cultural artifacts, and it is illegal to export them, consider this what not to do in Turkey. Many shopkeepers will try to sell it to you, but try to avoid them as most of them are also fake.
13. Do not buy goods without bargaining
A little haggling or haggling won’t hurt you when shopping, make sure you get the best price for whatever you buy in Turkey.
14. Don’t dislike Kemal Ataturk
This is correct. Turkish people greatly respect Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. It’s important not to make jokes about it or make rude comments if it comes up during conversation.
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Turkey is a country rich in culture and has a lot to offer its curious travelers. However, it is extremely important that you respect the customs and traditions while you are there. If you follow the list of things not to do in Turkey that we have provided, you will be able to enjoy your trip to Turkey without any hassles!
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