Geography - Climate - History - the Republic - People - Society - Religion - Food

Society

The first impression of Turkish society is a westernized one, especially in the cities, but rural areas are in general more conservative and religious. The modern people see the western culture as their ideal, but the Turkish culture is different from the European one. Traditional attitudes and behaviour will always be glimpsed through, as modern as they might look on the outside.

The Turks are well known for their hospitality. People invite you for tea up till complete meals and overnight stays in their houses. Unfortunately growing wealth brought by capitalism and commercialism has a shadow side. Sometimes in crowded tourist areas hospitality is taken over by commercialism and opportunism. But don't let yourself be put down by these people. It's really a joy to experience Turkish hospitality and you still can find it in abundance. And as great as the Turkish hospitality is, it would be nice to show your respect back towards the Turkish culture and habits too.

Handcrafts are still often seen. Pottery, carpeting, embroidering and lace making are still common works of art. Walking through villages you still see women chatting (not on a computer, but with their mouths) and their skillful hands rapidly working on some piece of lace or other handcraft.

Another still widespread cultural element is folklore dancing. There are lots of folklore festivals all over the country. The women and men dressed up in original clothing. Every area of Turkey has its own typical dances. But not only in these groups you will see people dancing. At wedding parties, on television, or occasionally at the beach or on the street, people will dance; dance in traditional clothing with a salvar (traditional Turkish pants) or scarf; dance in jeans and a T-shirt. Everybody joins in for some folk dancing.

Beside the more traditional music, there is a vast growing market of Turkish pop music and international music.

Another little piece of art is a "boncuk" (the evil eye). This you will find everywhere in Turkey and will protect you from evil. You can buy them big or small, from glass or plastic, as earrings or as a bracelet. You just find them everywhere.