Cultural Etiquette for Erasmus+ and ESC Volunteers in Türkiye
Greetings and Social Interaction
Greetings: A warm handshake is common, and it's polite to greet the oldest or most senior person first. Among close friends and family, it's customary to kiss both cheeks.
Titles and Formality: Use titles such as "Mr." (Bey) and "Mrs." (Hanım) along with the person's first name. For example, "Ahmet Bey" or "Fatma Hanım."
Hospitality: Turks are known for their hospitality. If you're invited to someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift, such as sweets or flowers.
Dining Etiquette
Meals: Breakfast (kahvaltı) is an important meal and can be quite elaborate. Lunch and dinner are also significant, often involving multiple courses.
Dining Etiquette: Wait for the host to invite you to start eating. It's common to be served tea or coffee after the meal.
Sharing Food: It's polite to offer food to others before serving yourself, and guests should taste everything that is offered.
Dress Code
Dress Modestly: Especially in rural areas and places of worship. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts.
Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to provide guests with slippers.
Communication Style
Directness: Turks can be very direct in their communication but always remain polite and respectful.
Body Language: Maintain eye contact, but avoid prolonged staring. Gestures such as crossing your legs in front of someone or pointing the soles of your feet towards people can be considered disrespectful.
Religion and Traditions
Respect for Religion: Islam is the predominant religion. Show respect for religious practices, such as prayer times and fasting during Ramadan.
Public Displays of Affection: These should be minimal, especially in conservative areas.
Business Etiquette
Punctuality: It's important to be on time for business meetings, although you might find that your Turkish counterparts are a bit more flexible with time.
Gift Giving: Business gifts are not necessary but appreciated. If you do give a gift, avoid overly expensive items to prevent any sense of obligation.
By being mindful of these cultural nuances and making an effort to adapt, Erasmus+ and ESC volunteers can have a fulfilling and impactful experience in Türkiye.
Greetings and Social Interaction
Greetings: A warm handshake is common, and it's polite to greet the oldest or most senior person first. Among close friends and family, it's customary to kiss both cheeks.
Titles and Formality: Use titles such as "Mr." (Bey) and "Mrs." (Hanım) along with the person's first name. For example, "Ahmet Bey" or "Fatma Hanım."
Hospitality: Turks are known for their hospitality. If you're invited to someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift, such as sweets or flowers.
Dining Etiquette
Meals: Breakfast (kahvaltı) is an important meal and can be quite elaborate. Lunch and dinner are also significant, often involving multiple courses.
Dining Etiquette: Wait for the host to invite you to start eating. It's common to be served tea or coffee after the meal.
Sharing Food: It's polite to offer food to others before serving yourself, and guests should taste everything that is offered.
Dress Code
Dress Modestly: Especially in rural areas and places of worship. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts.
Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to provide guests with slippers.
Communication Style
Directness: Turks can be very direct in their communication but always remain polite and respectful.
Body Language: Maintain eye contact, but avoid prolonged staring. Gestures such as crossing your legs in front of someone or pointing the soles of your feet towards people can be considered disrespectful.
Religion and Traditions
Respect for Religion: Islam is the predominant religion. Show respect for religious practices, such as prayer times and fasting during Ramadan.
Public Displays of Affection: These should be minimal, especially in conservative areas.
Business Etiquette
Punctuality: It's important to be on time for business meetings, although you might find that your Turkish counterparts are a bit more flexible with time.
Gift Giving: Business gifts are not necessary but appreciated. If you do give a gift, avoid overly expensive items to prevent any sense of obligation.
By being mindful of these cultural nuances and making an effort to adapt, Erasmus+ and ESC volunteers can have a fulfilling and impactful experience in Türkiye.