Different countries, different customs

My husband and I will be visiting Turkey for 10 days and will travel in Istanbul and Izmir. Would you give me a few tips to help us culturally adapt faster and also things to be aware of so our trip will be more memorable? Thank you!

Here are a few tips to be aware of and help you deal with various traditions:

Atatürk

You will recognize the face of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, from pictures on the walls of shops, workplaces, government buildings and from his statue in every public square. He was the military leader who won a great victory in the Gallipoli campaign and the politician who made Turkey into a secular democratic republic. You’ll never see cartoons of him or hear a joke about him. Defamation of his person or character by any means is against the law.

Islam

“To be a Turk is to be a Muslim,” is a statement that defines nationality and culture. The call to prayer is made five times a day in Arabic. If you visit a mosque, women should cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes need to be sure to take their shoes off before going in. Watch out that your socks do not have any holes!

Turks are inquisitive

Turks are friendly and helpful. They won’t be shy to ask you very direct questions that you would not expect to be asked by someone you just met. Westerners, especially North Americans, tend to think they need to answer. If you don’t want to tell them things, it is best to learn the art of being vague -- or answer the question by asking another question.

Shopping

Turkey is a place where you can shop till you drop. Tourists can visit the high-tech shopping malls or the crowded bazaars and street markets. When trying out your bargaining skills in the bazaar or market, it is best to get a rough feel for the real value of the goods before you start; you can typically get things for about half the original asking price. Remember: don’t haggle over price unless you intend to buy. It is rude to strike a deal and then not buy. Bargaining is not the rule when it comes to shops in malls and supermarkets.

Eating out

Turks love eating out, so you can easily find something to satisfy your taste buds. Options range from regional fish to kebabs to pastry shops and even sushi and Western fast-food chains. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples to be brought to the table if the menu is not in English or doesn’t have pictures. You may even be invited into the kitchen to point and choose. It is normal to leave a 10 percent tip in cash if you eat in at a restaurant.

Dinner

If you are invited to dinner, the protocol of Turkish hospitality dictates that the host always pays for the meal. The concept of sharing a bill is completely alien. You may try and offer to pay, which may be seen as polite, but your Turkish host will never allow you to do so.

Folklore and superstition

Depending on their economic and religious status, people can be quite superstitious. The evil eye is considered to be the main cause of many misfortunes and you will see everywhere the blue and white bead used to protect against it. Blue eyes are believed to be a natural protection against the evil eye. If you have blue eyes don’t be surprised if people stare at you -- they are not so common here.

The role of the military

Turks in general love and revere their army. The military’s involvement in national affairs is often viewed with suspicion by the West, but it is probably one of the main reasons Turkey is a democratic Islamic nation. There are signs in Turkish warning not to photograph any military establishment; if you ignore these you may lose your camera.

Betty, after you visit Turkey drop me a note and let me know how your trip went and what advice you would give to someone. In Turkish we say: İyi yolculuklar (Have a good trip).