Every country has its own customs. Turkey is no different. So before visiting Turkey we would like to give you some insight into Turkish culture and customs.

Turkey is at its heart a Muslim country. Although it has a very distinct international and even cosmopolitan flavour - especially in the big cities and holiday resort areas - the customs in Turkey are strongly influenced by tradition.

During Ottoman times customs in Turkey were highly developed and formal. Ottoman customs placed great emphasis on politeness. Although people today are more informal in their dealings, some traditional Turkish customs still survive. It is Turkish custom to use the dozens of set phrases of politeness in many situations and the more one uses these better.

Several customs in Turkey are related to body gestures and it is important to know these to avoid embarrassment:

1) In Turkey for people shake hands when meeting although this may be inappropriate between sexes in rural areas because of Islamic customs.

2) When sitting with Turkish people it is considered rude to expose the sole of your foot so that it points in the direction of others. It is a traditional Turkish custom to sit on the floor cross legged which can be uncomfortable to westerners who are not used to this. If a person gets a cramp and needs to straighten their leg then according to Turkish custom you shouldn't straighten it facing anyone else of into the middle of the room.

3) Pointing ones finger at others is considered rude according to custom in Turkey.

4)Yes and No can be confusing: It is custom in Turkey to nod ones head to indicate yes - however shaking it will give people the impression you don't understand as this is what it means in Turkey.
The way to indicate no in Turkish customs is to nod ones head back once while raising the eyebrows.

5) Overt displays of affection towards the opposite sex are inappropriate according to the customs of Turkey.

6) It is rude to blow ones nose or pick ones teeth in public. The custom in Turkey is to do this quietly covering ones mouth or even go to another room.