Local Customs & Etiquette in Balıkesir, Turkey

1. Cevahir Bazaar Etiquette

Understanding the haggling culture at Cevahir Bazaar will save you money and ensure a fair deal.

Haggling is Expected: Prices at bazaars are usually higher than the final agreed price.
Politeness Matters: Being polite and friendly can lead to better negotiations.
Patience is Key: Don't rush the process, take your time to find the right price.

Invitations for a cup of tea or coffee are common gestures of friendship and hospitality along the Irmak River.

Reciprocation is Appreciated: If invited, it's customary to return the invitation.
Patience with Pace: Turkish tea or coffee is often served slowly and enjoyed leisurely.
Accepting Refusals Gracefully: If declined, accept the refusal with grace and move on.

Sharing food with friends and family is a deeply ingrained custom in Balıkesir. Refusing someone's offer can be considered rude.

Offers are Often Repeated: If you refuse the first time, it's common for the host to keep offering.
Eating with Hands: Some dishes, like lahmacun, are meant to be eaten with hands.
Dining Together Enhances Bonding: Sharing a meal strengthens the bond between people and is an essential part of Turkish culture.

A firm handshake while maintaining eye contact is the standard greeting in Balıkesir.

Dinner invitations are an integral part of Balıkesir social life. Accepting such an invitation shows respect and openness.

Expect Long Dinners: Turkish dinners can last several hours.
Bringing a Gift is Appreciated: Flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine can be a thoughtful gesture.
Respect for the Host's House Rules: Follow your host's house rules and ask permission before helping yourself.

Road courtesy is an essential part of life in Balıkesir. Be prepared to let other drivers pass, especially in rural areas.

Giving Way to Others: Yielding to oncoming traffic is a common practice.
Flash Headlights for Courtesy: Flashing headlights can be a friendly gesture, indicating that the driver behind you is letting you know they are there.
Respect for Pedestrians: Be aware of pedestrians, especially in busy town areas.

During Ramadan, respect local customs by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Avoid Eating During Daytime: Respect Muslims fasting by not eating, drinking, or smoking publicly during daylight hours.
Be Respectful of Prayer Times: Avoid making loud noises or causing disturbances during prayer times.
Offering Iftar is Appreciated: If invited, attending an Iftar meal can be a wonderful experience.

Gifts are often given for various occasions. Flowers, chocolates, or small gifts are common.

Wrapping is Not Common: Gifts are usually not wrapped in Balıkesir.
Avoid Giving White Flowers: White flowers are associated with funerals and should be avoided as gifts.
Gifts for Hosts: Bringing a gift is customary when invited to someone's home.

Modest and conservative clothing is appreciated in Balıkesir. It's important to cover shoulders and knees.

Cover Shoulders and Knees: Dress modestly to respect local customs.
Modest Attire for Women: Avoid wearing revealing or tight clothing.
Dress Appropriately for the Occasion: Formal events may require more formal attire.

Toasting is an essential part of Turkish hospitality. Raise your glass and make eye contact with those you are toasting.

Make Eye Contact: Making eye contact shows respect during a toast.
Toast the Host: Toasting the host is customary and signifies appreciation for their hospitality.
Respond with 'Tesekkür ederim' or 'Sağolsun': Responding to a toast with 'Tesekkür ederim' (thank you) or 'Sağolsun' (to your health) is polite.

Visiting a local's house is an honor. Remove shoes upon entering and accept any refreshments offered.

Remove Shoes: Removing your shoes shows respect for the host's home.
Accept Refreshments: Accepting refreshments offered is a sign of appreciation and politeness.
Ask Permission Before Helping Yourself: Always ask permission before using anything in the host's home.

Public baths, or hamams, are a relaxing and rejuvenating part of Turkish culture. Respect local customs by following the dress code.

Bring Your Own Towels: Hamams usually provide towels for washing but not drying off.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact with Opposite Gender: Maintain eye contact only with people of the same gender in hamams.
Respect Hamam Staff: Treat hamam staff with respect and follow their instructions.

Business meetings in Balıkesir often start with formalities and small talk. Be punctual and dress conservatively.

Punctuality is Important: Arriving on time for a business meeting shows respect.
Formalities and Small Talk: Business meetings usually start with formalities and small talk.
Dress Conservatively: Dressing conservatively shows respect for your business partners.

Tipping in Balıkesir is customary but not mandatory. A service charge may already be included.

Service Charge May Be Included: Check the bill to see if a service charge has been added.
Round Up the Bill: If no service charge is included, rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Tipping at Hamams: Tips for hamam staff are not expected but appreciated.

Public transportation in Balıkesir can be crowded. Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.

Offer Your Seat: Offering your seat shows kindness and respect.
Respect Personal Space: Respect personal space and avoid invading others' privacy.
Buy Tickets Before Boarding: Buy your ticket before boarding the bus or train to avoid fines.