Local Customs & Etiquette in Mamak, Ankara, Turkey
1. Hospitality at Tea Houses (Çay Evleri)
Savor traditional Turkish tea and delicacies in a warm, welcoming atmosphere; it's customary to share stories and enjoy each other's company.
- Shared Stories: Storytelling is an integral part of the tea house experience
- Tea Time Flexibility: Tea houses often serve meals all day, making them a great anytime destination
- Local Interaction: Engaging with locals is common and encouraged in tea houses
2. Greeting with Handshakes or Kisses
Turkish greetings vary based on gender and age; men typically shake hands, women often kiss on the cheeks, while children may bow.
- Age and Gender Consideration: The type of greeting depends on the recipient's gender and age
- Right Cheek First: In a cheek kiss, the right cheek is kissed first before switching to the left
- Friendly and Respectful Tone: The tone of voice during greeting should be warm and respectful
3. Remove Shoes at Homes (Açık Havuzlu Evler)
In many homes, shoes are removed to maintain cleanliness and show respect for the host's home.
- Cleanliness: Shoes carry outside dirt and removing them helps keep the house clean
- Respect for the Host: Removing shoes demonstrates respect for the host's home and culture
- Provided Slippers: Slippers are usually provided to wear indoors
4. Dining Etiquette (Yemek Yemeği)
Wait for the host or elder to begin eating; use right hand to eat and don't leave food on your plate.
- Respectful Timing: Start eating only after the host begins
- Proper Use of Hands: Use your right hand to eat, and avoid touching other people with it
- Modest Portions: It's impolite to leave food on your plate; take only modest portions
5. Gifts Giving (Taraf Etmek)
Bring small gifts for hosts or as a token of appreciation. Flowers are commonly given but avoid red tulips and chrysanthemums.
- Appreciation Gifts: Gifts show gratitude for hospitality received
- Avoiding Certain Flowers: Red tulips and chrysanthemums are associated with mourning and should be avoided
- Gift Wrapping Etiquette: Gifts should be nicely wrapped and presented with care
6. Public Bathing (Hamam)
Experience the ancient tradition of Turkish bathhouses, known as hamams. Men and women typically bathe separately.
- Relaxation and Cleanliness: Hamams offer relaxation and cleanliness through various heated rooms and massages
- Separate Bathing Gender Spaces: Men and women bathe separately to maintain modesty and privacy
- Scrubbing with Kese Gloves: Exfoliating your skin with a kese glove is an essential part of the hamam experience
7. Calling by Full Name (Ad Soyad)
In Turkey, people are addressed using their full name, which includes both given and family names.
- Respectful Addressing: Addressing someone by their full name shows respect
- Formal Titles: Adding formal titles like 'Hoca' (teacher) or 'Doç. Dr.' (professor) can be appropriate depending on the relationship
- Family Name First: Family name comes first when addressing someone, followed by given name
8. Dining with Fingers (Yemek Yederek)
In some casual settings, it's acceptable to eat with your fingers. Wash your hands before and after dining.
- Casual Dining Scenarios: This practice is common in certain informal situations
- Hand Washing Etiquette: Always wash your hands before and after dining with fingers
- Appropriate Foods: This practice is more common for certain foods, like corn on the cob or flatbread
9. Dress Code (Kıyafet)
Modest clothing is expected in public places; women should avoid bare shoulders and shorts. Men should wear long pants.
- Respectful Dressing: Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture
- Temperature Consideration: Turkey's climate can be warm, so dress appropriately while still adhering to the dress code
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of local customs and sensitivities when choosing your attire
10. Tipping (Servis Bırakma)
A service charge is often included in restaurant bills; tipping isn't mandatory but appreciated for good service.
- Included Service Charge: A service charge may already be added to your bill
- Appreciation of Good Service: If you receive excellent service, it's customary to leave a small tip
- Rounding up the Amount: Rounding up your bill can be seen as a way of showing appreciation for good service
11. Driving Etiquette (Araba Yöntemleri)
Turkish drivers often use horns to signal thanks or to warn other drivers. Expect heavy traffic in urban areas.
- Horn Usage: Use the horn to thank other drivers or give a warning
- Heavy Urban Traffic: Be prepared for heavy traffic in cities and allow extra travel time
- Respectful Driving: Drive safely and respectfully, following local traffic laws
12. Bargaining in Markets (Pazar Tarafımıza
It's common to bargain for prices in markets; be friendly and persistent but reasonable in your offers.
- Friendly Negotiation: Negotiate prices in a friendly and respectful manner
- Persistence and Reasonableness: Be persistent but reasonable with your offers
- Understanding Market Prices: Research typical market prices before bargaining to have a reference point
13. Smoking Etiquette (Nüfuz Yöntemleri)
Smoking is permitted in designated areas; offer a cigarette to someone if you have one.
- Designated Smoking Areas: Smoke only in designated areas
- Offering a Cigarette: If you have a cigarette, it's customary to offer one to others
- Respect for Non-Smokers: Be mindful of those who do not smoke and choose appropriate smoking locations
14. Alcohol Consumption (SİP RAKİ)
Alcohol is available in many establishments, but it's not as common in daily life or among families. Rakı, a popular anise-flavored spirit, is often enjoyed during meals.
- Moderation and Respect: Drink alcohol responsibly and respect local norms regarding its consumption
- Food Pairing with Rakı: Rakı is often enjoyed with meals to enhance flavors
- Age and Religion Considerations: Alcohol consumption may vary based on age and religious beliefs
15. Toilet Etiquette (Vatandaşlık)
Public toilets are often not well-stocked; it's helpful to carry tissues and hand sanitizer. Always flush the toilet paper.
- Self-Sufficiency: Carry tissues, hand sanitizer, and a reusable water bottle for hygiene needs
- Toilet Paper Disposal: Always flush toilet paper, or dispose of it in the wastebasket if needed
- Respect for Public Spaces: Treat public restrooms with respect and keep them clean