Everything about Turkish Culture
Turkish Culture
Not only geographically but culturally, socially, and politically, Turkey is a bridge between Asia and Europe. With a territory that spans Anatolia (Asia) and Thrace (Europe), many great civilizations have risen throughout history, and these civilizations have been home to cultural and ethnic wealth.
Turkey has a lot of things that are a mix of old and new, traditional and modern. It doesn’t matter how small a city is in Turkey; you’ll find that different cultures, traditions, religions, languages, and dialects live there.
Several religious, ethnic, and cultural origins exist on Turkish territory, home to many communities and empires that left traces and are located along migration and trade routes. This diversity might explain why Turkish people are friendly, hospitable, and helpful.
Charity
- People in Turkey are helpful and friendly, according to most international students. It’s easy to communicate in Turkey even if you don’t speak the language. You can ask for help if you’re in a tough spot. It’s still possible to get a helping hand on the street.
- Universities in Turkey have teams of local students who help new international students adapt. You’ll learn a lot about life in your new city and university from these volunteers, who will be your friends during the semester.
Hospitality
- Families, friends, and neighbours visit a lot in Turkish society. You can stay as a boarding guest at a close friend’s or relative’s place. A Turkish guest is almost sacred, and everyone does their best to make them feel comfortable. Traditional Turkish families will feed you endless meals and snacks, insist you stay longer, and even give you their room/bed if you visit with them.
- It is also common in Turkish society to sympathize with students. A neighbour might knock on your door one evening if you’re living away from your family as a student or employee. Ask your dorm roommate or next-door neighbour when you’re done with salt in the kitchen.
- In the wake of the war, Turkey opened its doors to millions of refugees.
Giving gifts
- Gifts are a big deal among Turks. It’s common to give and receive gifts to celebrate innovations. If you’re a first-time guest in someone’s home, when a new baby is born, or you’re moving into a new house, a gift is given. People will want to give you gifts when you’re a student from another country. People might feel hurt if you don’t accept a gift or treat at a house you’re visiting.
Treating (İkram) Tradition
- Translating treat (ikram) into other languages is challenging. Treating is a short-term meeting or meeting place presentation that welcomes the guest. Treats are also offered free of charge as a gift, but they don’t require an affinity in the established relationship and are smaller. Treats are usually offered in restaurants or in places you visit as a guest. It doesn’t take long for you to see that tea is one of the most common treats. The Turks love tea and offer it a lot.
Cosy People
- There’s a common interest and curiosity about foreigners in Turkey. It won’t take long for people to get intimate with new people. People will want to meet and talk to you if you’re new to the city, university, or home.
- Verbal communication in Turkey is quite noisy compared to other communities. It would help if you didn’t bother someone who starts commenting or laughing suddenly. It’s not an argument or conflict but an indication that someone’s excited in a conversation. Physical contact is often part of the interaction when people chat or joke with each other.
Relationships between family and friends that are strong
- It is common for Turkish society to share dishes, clothes, feelings, and secrets for reasons of solidarity or courtesy. Family and friendship relationships are essential because people don’t like to be alone. Any Turkish person, regardless of age, gender, or social position, will tell you they have a close friend from school or the neighbourhood.
Regarding familiarity and depth of sharing, friends sometimes get ahead of family members. Instead of “arkadaş” (friend), “dost” (very close friend) refers to this. You don’t just get a diploma if you study in Turkey; you also get lifelong friendships and tranquillity.
Although Turkey is a secular state, people care about religious holidays and family gatherings. The following is a list of national and religious holidays and public holidays.
Public holidays and religious holidays
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: April 23rd
- Labour and Solidarity Day: May 1st
- Atatürk Commemoration, Youth and Sports Day: May 19th
- Democracy Day: July 15th
- Victory Day: August 30th
- Republic Day: October 29th
- Ramadan Feast: Changes Every Year