Culture & Traditions

Today, Istanbul is the cultural centre of Türkiye and stands as a fashionable, stunning, historical city. With a distinct ambience and abundance of architectural wonders, you’ll find art galleries, museums, boulevards for strolling or shopping, and many options for great restaurants, cafes, and bars.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilization in Ankara stuns with exhibits from the Paleolithic Age (before 8,000 BC), displaying stone and bone tools used by cave-dwelling hunter and gatherer communities. The Neolithic Age is also represented (8,000-5,500 BC) with artifacts from the beginning of agricultural practices. Objects include sculptures of mother goddesses, stamps, earthenware and bone tools.

Istanbul was once the imperial city of Constantinople, which was, for almost a thousand years, the last outpost of the Roman Empire. It was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453 and became the military centre from which campaigns were born, expanding the Ottoman Empire across Europe, Asia, and Africa. By the middle of the 16th century, the population of Istanbul had grown to nearly half a million people, becoming a major cultural, political, and commercial centre. It remained under Ottoman rule until World War I, and gained its independence in 1922.

With its long history, many ancient monuments date back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Historic parts of Istanbul became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and include landmarks such as the Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, which houses important holy relics from the Muslim world including a cloak, sword, and staff of the Prophet Muhammad. The Key to the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, is also held here.

Türkiye is a hotbed of biodiversity with an incredible flora and fauna. The country still has some large mammals such as the striped hyena, brown bear, grey wolf, and a mid-sized wildcat called a caracal. One of the most incredible flight migrations occurs over the city of Istanbul in February and March when flocks of storks fly down the Bosphorus toward warmer temperatures in Africa and the Middle East.

What is the visiting etiquette in Türkiye?

If meeting someone for the first time, a hand shake is most appropriate, along with a greeting of merhaba (hello). People who know one another well greet each other with a kiss on each cheek, and a half hug. Less frequently you may see two men greet one another touching each side of their head together, as a symbol of respect.

Upon arriving at someone’s home, leave your shoes outside the door, slippers may be offered to wear inside. You might be offered tea, coffee, sweets, or even cologne upon arrival. The traditional Limon Kolonyasi is a Turkish citrus cologne made with a high content of alcohol and offered as a welcoming gesture, or after meals for hand cleaning. There is great respect and priority given to elderly people, be sure to offer up your seat while socializing to anyone older. If you’ve been invited to join a meal at a city home, you’ll likely eat at a table with utensils. However, if it's in the southeast of Türkiye, such as the Izmir area, you may be seated at a low table with cushions on the floor. If seated on the floor, it's expected that you hide your feet under the table or use the cloth provided to cover them, as they are considered dirty.

What is Türkiye best known for?

The famous Blue Mosque, and the majestic Hagia Sofia sit next to each other in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built in the early 17th century. The enormous and magnificent mosque is recognizable for its six minarets and intricate tiles in shades of blue. It features a large central dome, with several smaller and half-domes, calligraphy, and stained glass. The structure remains an active Mosque and place of worship for Muslims.

Hagia Sofia is an older structure first built as a cathedral by the Roman Emperor Constantius II in 360 AD. This structure also features a massive dome and has been both a Catholic cathedral and a mosque over its existence. During the time of the Ottomans it was a mosque for 500 years but was turned into a museum in 1935 to promote secularization. In July 2020 the Turkish government turned it back into a mosque, sparking debate.

The opulent Topkapi Palace was once the primary main residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. As sultans passed through its walls over several centuries, each built onto and expanded the property. The result is a palace that truly reflects the cultural and artistic achievements of the Empire over its time in power. Today, visitors are welcomed to explore the vast and historically significant property. The Harem were the private quarters where the sultan’s family, concubines, and eunuchs lived and vied for influence and power. The Ottomans did not skip out on decor. The palace is filled with lavish pavilions and a treasury filled with jewels, marble hallways, lavish Ottoman sofas and fireplaces, and intricately tiled rooms.

What are some Türkiye traditions?

Hammam, otherwise known as a Turkish bath, is an ancient Turkish tradition that serves rejuvenation, hygienic, and social purposes. Historically, the bathhouses were more than a place for bathing, but for gathering and conducting important conversations. Dating back thousands of years, traditional bathhouses were built with meticulous architectural details, including Inznik tiles in intricate patterns and motifs. They were traditionally built with three sections, the cold room (soğukluk) where people enter, the transition warm room (ılıklık), and the hot room (sıcaklık) where heat and humidity cleanse. The bathhouses are typically divided by gender, rooted in cultural and religious practices. Today a visit to a hammam is a must try during your visit to Türkiye. Embrace the rituals including baths, steam baths, masseuse services, and body scrubs.

Nazar, or the evil eye, is a traditional Turkish belief that jealousy or envy can bring on dark negative energy. The belief is this dark power can cause harm and misfortune to one or their possessions. To deflect or stop the evil eye, it is common to see various symbolic items throughout Türkiye. One is the nazar boncuğu, a bright blue, white and black glass eye hanging on walls, or inside cars, thought to counteract negativity. You may also see red ribbons, often tied to valuable possessions, thought to attract the evil eye away from the precious item.

What are Türkiye people like socially?

For the Turkish people, hospitality is second nature, and travellers often remark about how kind and welcoming the Turkish people are. If you don’t know someone well yet, give space, refrain from hugs or touching the opposite sex. That said, as soon as you are close, the Turkish half-hug is acceptable. Friendships among Turkish people are important, with noticeable attachment between same-sex friends. Among females, they might sit close beside one another, or you may see male friends walking arm in arm, both a sign of close friendships. The southeastern part of Türkiye is more conservative. Just know that modesty is important, as is respect for religious practices.

If you've made plans to meet up with a Turk, don’t fret if left waiting, as punctuality can be a little less precise. Socializing over a cup of tea or coffee is a ritual for Turkish people. Prioritizing relationships and enjoying the company of others is paramount. The Turkish people can be passionate in their conversation style, and their hospitality can potentially feel overwhelming for travellers. Long evening tavern hang outs into the wee hours are also commonplace, as are large celebrations that include dancing and singing. Don’t ever hesitate to join in, you’ll be viewed favourably!

What language do Türkish people speak?

Turkish is the official language of Türkiye, with over 90% of the population speaking it. English is not widely used, though travellers to tourist areas in Ankara and Istanbul will find some English spoken. Walking past a restaurant or bazaar entrance you may hear buyurun efendem, which is used as an invitation to look, to come in. You could also learn Turkish words, such as merhaba (hello) and teşekkürler (thank you).