10 ways to be local in Turkey

  1. Shake Hands and spend a few minutes making small talk before getting down to business
  2. Learn a few words of Turkish; your effort will be greatly appreciated
  3. Take off your shoes when entering a mosque or private house
  4. Accept a second glass of tea if offerred; too refuse implies that the first was below standard
  5. Women should cover their heads, and both sexes should cover shoulders and knees when entering a mosque
  6. Lift your head backwards to say no, nod down for yes, shake it from side to side if you don’t understand
  7. Do not point your finger, kiss or hug anyine of the opposite sex or blow your nose in public
  8. Never lose your temper or shout at anyone; to lose control is to lose respect
  9. Turks are immensely patriotic; don’t mock Turkey, Islam or Ataturk
  10. Staring, standing close and touching you when talking is acceptable and normal behaviour

Leave a Reply