Local Customs & Etiquette in Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
1. Ankara Market Etiquette
Navigating bustling markets with friendly haggling and polite refusals is the norm in Ankara. Mind your manners to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
- Polite Haggling: Price negotiations are expected but should be friendly and respectful
- Refusing Politely: Declining a seller's offer should be done gracefully to maintain goodwill
- Bargaining Boundaries: Know the market price range before bargaining to avoid overspending or offending vendors
2. Dining Etiquette at Local Restaurants
Savor traditional Turkish cuisine in a relaxed setting. Remember to respect cultural norms such as eating with your right hand and offering food to others.
- Right Hand Rule: Use your right hand when eating or passing food, as the left hand is considered unclean
- Food Sharing: Offering and accepting food is a sign of hospitality; be prepared to share your meal with others
- Alcohol Awareness: Alcohol consumption may vary based on personal beliefs and religious observances, so it's best to ask before ordering
3. Greeting Etiquette
Greet people with a firm handshake or an affectionate cheek kiss, followed by a friendly conversation. Respect personal space and wait for your host to initiate physical contact.
- Firm Handshake: A firm yet gentle handshake is appropriate for men and women
- Cheek Kiss: Women may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, but wait for the other person to initiate
- Respect Personal Space: Avoid standing too close to people until you are invited to do so
4. Dress Code in Mosques
Visit historical mosques wearing modest clothing that covers your arms, legs, and hair (for women). Shoes are usually removed before entering.
- Modest Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants or skirts, and a headscarf for women is appropriate
- Shoe Removal: Remove your shoes before entering the mosque and place them in designated areas
- Respectful Behavior: Speak quietly, avoid loud noises, and behave respectfully during your visit
5. Tipping in Restaurants
A service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants. If you are pleased with the service, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
- Included Service Charge: Check your bill for a service charge; tipping is optional but always welcome
- Rounding Up: Leaving the change from a round number is a common practice in Turkey
- Appreciation: Tipping shows your appreciation for good service and encourages the staff to maintain high standards
6. Public Transport Etiquette
Navigate the city's public transport system with ease. Be patient, respect personal space, and offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women.
- Patience: Lines and delays are common; be patient and understanding
- Respect Personal Space: Stand with a comfortable distance from others to maintain personal space
- Seat Etiquette: Offer your seat to those in need, such as the elderly or pregnant women
7. Coffee Shop Culture
Relax and enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish tea or coffee while observing locals engaging in lively conversations. Smoking is common, so ask for a non-smoking area if needed.
- Lively Conversations: Coffee shops are social hubs where people gather to talk and share stories
- Traditional Drinks: Try the strong, aromatic Turkish coffee or the refreshing apple tea
- Smoking Customs: Smoking is a common practice in coffee shops; ask for a non-smoking area if you prefer not to smoke
8. Bathroom Etiquette
Public bathrooms may require a small fee or offer paper towels instead of hand dryers. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer for convenience.
- Small Fee: Some public bathrooms may charge a minimal fee for entry
- Paper Towels: Hand dryers may not be available, so bring tissues or use hand sanitizer
- Convenience Items: Carry your own tissue packets and hand sanitizer for added convenience
9. Invitation Etiquette
Accept invitations graciously and reciprocate with one of your own to strengthen relationships. Gifts are optional but should be thoughtful and wrapped.
- Gracious Acceptance: Accept invitations with gratitude and enthusiasm
- Reciprocation: Return the invitation to show your appreciation for their hospitality
- Thoughtful Gifts: Gifts should be thoughtful, appropriate, and wrapped elegantly
10. Business Meeting Etiquette
Prepare for formal business meetings with respect and punctuality. Dress professionally, greet with a firm handshake, and be open to negotiation.
- Formality: Business etiquette is formal and professional in Turkey
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for meetings as punctuality is valued
- Negotiation Style: Expect lengthy discussions and flexible negotiation styles during business meetings
11. Elder Respect
Show respect to the elderly by offering your seat on public transport or in social situations. Offering help and kindness is appreciated.
- Offering Seat: Give up your seat to the elderly on public transportation
- Helpfulness: Offer help when needed, such as carrying heavy items or opening doors
- Kindness: Kind words and gestures are always appreciated by the elderly
12. Hospitality
Turkish hospitality is warm and generous. Be prepared to be treated with kindness and offered food and drinks.
- Warm Welcome: Expect a friendly and welcoming attitude from locals
- Generosity: Locals may offer food, drinks, or invitations as a sign of hospitality
- Reciprocation: Return the hospitality by treating guests with kindness and generosity
13. Tolerance for Differences
Ankara is a diverse city that embraces different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. Be respectful of others and open to new experiences.
- Cultural Embrace: Ankara welcomes people from various backgrounds and cultures
- Open-Mindedness: Be open to new experiences and perspectives during your travels
- Respect for Differences: Treat others with respect, regardless of their background or beliefs
14. Punctuality in Social Gatherings
Arrive on time for social gatherings to show respect for your host. Delays may occur due to traffic or other factors, so be patient.
- Respectful Arrival: Arriving on time demonstrates respect for your host
- Patience: Be patient if delays occur due to traffic or other factors
- Reciprocation: Return the invitation promptly and on time when it's your turn to host
15. Festivals and Celebrations Etiquette
Participate in local festivals and celebrations with enthusiasm. Dress appropriately, respect traditions, and be open to unique customs.
- Enthusiasm: Participate actively in local festivities
- Appropriate Attire: Dress modestly and appropriately for religious celebrations
- Respect for Traditions: Respect local customs and traditions during festivals and celebrations