Hospitality
Guests are treated with special care. It’s common to offer food or tea more than once.
A short, warm, practical guide
Discover Turkish culture
From hospitality and tea culture to neighborhood life and holiday traditions—this page offers a clear introduction to how people in Türkiye often live, celebrate, and connect.
Hospitality
Family & Community
Tea & Coffee
Cuisine
Arts
Quick facts
- Greetings: Handshake, friendly “Merhaba”
- Offering: Tea, sweets, fruit—often repeatedly
- Time: Relationship-focused conversations
- Hosting: Home visits are common and meaningful
- Diversity: Regional customs vary across Türkiye
Note: Türkiye is very diverse—this is a general starting point, not a rulebook.
Cultural values
Core ideas that shape everyday life.
Family & community
Family ties are strong, and neighbors often help each other in practical ways.
Respect
Respect for elders and polite language matter—especially in formal or first-time meetings.
Warm conversation
Small talk is a bridge to trust. Asking about well-being, family, and daily life is normal.
Sharing
From “buyurun” (please) to “afiyet olsun” (enjoy), everyday phrases reinforce generosity.
Tradition + modern life
You’ll see old customs living alongside modern city culture—often in the same household.
Food & drink
A gateway into Turkish culture.
Tea & Turkish coffee
Tea is a daily ritual—at home, at work, and with guests. Turkish coffee is often served after meals and during special visits.
- Accepting tea is a friendly signal (you can decline politely).
- “Afiyet olsun” means “Enjoy your meal.”
- Sweets are common when hosting.
Regional variety
Cuisine changes by region: Aegean olive oil dishes, Southeast kebabs and spices, Black Sea corn and anchovy, Central Anatolian pastries, and more.
meze
kebab
börek
baklava
dolma
Traditions & etiquette
Simple tips for first-time visitors.
Home visits
Bring a small gift (dessert, flowers, or something for kids). Shoes may be removed at the door.
Greetings
A handshake is common. Close friends or family may exchange cheek kisses (varies by region).
Polite phrases
“Teşekkürler” (thank you), “Lütfen” (please), “Kolay gelsin” (may it be easy) are widely used.
Holidays
Religious and national holidays are important moments for family visits, respect, and generosity.
Bargaining
In bazaars, negotiation can be friendly. In modern stores, prices are fixed.
Personal space
Conversation can feel closer than in some cultures—usually as a sign of warmth, not intrusion.
Arts, music & heritage
A blend shaped by many centuries and regions.
Handcrafts
Carpets, ceramics, calligraphy, marbling (ebru), copperwork, and woodcraft are long-standing traditions.
Music & dance
From folk dances to classical and modern pop—music is central to celebrations and community events.
Architecture
Seljuk, Ottoman, and modern styles appear across cities—mosques, bazaars, caravanserais, and bridges.
Places to experience culture
Ideas for cultural immersion (from cities to small towns).
City experiences
- Historic districts, museums, and local markets
- Neighborhood restaurants and tea gardens
- Music venues and seasonal festivals
Local experiences
- Village breakfasts and regional cooking
- Traditional workshops (ceramics, carpets)
- Coastal towns and mountain communities
FAQ
Common questions visitors ask.
Is Turkish culture the same everywhere?
No. Customs vary by region, city vs. countryside, and family background. This site highlights common patterns.
Do I have to accept tea when offered?
Not at all. A polite decline is fine. People may offer again—just smile and repeat your preference.
What’s a safe “small gift” for a home visit?
Dessert (baklava), fruit, flowers, or something small for children are common and appreciated.
How can I be respectful?
Use polite phrases, greet people warmly, and show interest. When unsure, follow the host’s lead.