While Turkey is a far more tolerant than other Muslim nations, there are still some things visitors should know when they’re in the country. We’ve created a guide that highlights some key dos and don’ts that you should definitely know before you go.
Do: Have Some Hookah
One of the most popular pastimes of locals is smoking Hookah, a water pipe filled with tobacco and your choice of fruit or herbal flavours. Known as “nargiles” in Turkish, Hookah lounges are a dime a dozen in Tophane, Istanbul, with cafes offering a variety of flavours, along with authentic food and drink.
Don’t: Smoke in Public
When visiting Turkey, avoid lighting up in public. There’s a fine of 69 Lira for anyone caught smoking in an undesignated area, such as public transport, cafes, and restaurants. It goes without saying that tourists should avoid buying cigarettes from Turkey due to the loose restrictions around illicit tobacco trafficking into the country.
Do: Haggle at the Bazaars
Haggling is a tradition in Turkey, and most shopkeepers at bazaars expect to fight over prices with their customers. Always let the shopkeeper quote their desired price first before whittling it down, and don’t be afraid to shop around at different stalls for the best price.
Don’t: Visit Mosques on Fridays
Friday is the day of the Salat-al Jumu’ah, or congregational prayer for Muslims. Muslim men are expected to attend their local mosque for this prayer, hence all mosques will be closed to tourists for longer than usual. Be sure to plan your trips in between prayer times on non-Fridays in order to have as much time as possible to explore the mosques.
Do: Visit a Turkish Bath
Formerly used as communal baths during the Ottoman empire, Turkish Baths today are an important part of the social lives of locals. The heat and humidity of a Turkish bath is reminiscent of a sauna, and is meant to relax the muscles and revive the senses. You can’t help but feel refreshed after a traditional Turkish bath. Visitors can even request head massages and clay masks from the attendants at the baths for a fee.
Don’t: Nod Upwards
Contrary to Western pragmatics, in Turkey, nodding upwards while clicking the tongue actually means you’re saying no. Be sure to avoid this gesture so you don’t confuse the locals you’re speaking to. For the record, forming a circle with the forefinger and thumb is also considered a slur, so be sure to avoid that as well.
