Culture and People in Turkey

Daily Life

Turkey serves as a bridge between Asia and Europe, not only in terms of its geographical location but also culturally, socially, and politically. Due to its unique position, the country's lands are spread across Anatolia (Asia) and Thrace (Europe), and throughout history, many great civilizations have thrived here, making it a hub of cultural and ethnic diversity. In Turkey, you'll find a blend of Eastern and Western influences, traditional and modern elements, and a mix of the old and the new, even in its smallest towns, regardless of their population size.

The lands of Turkey have hosted numerous communities and empires that left their mark on history, and today, people of various religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds continue to reside here, thanks to its location on migration and trade routes. Perhaps as a result of this diversity, people in Turkey are known for being accommodating, warm, hospitable, and helpful.

Friendly Human Relationships

In Turkey, there is a widespread interest and curiosity towards foreigners. Initiating conversations with new people is not frowned upon, and you can quickly establish a sense of intimacy with others. If you are a newcomer to a city, university, or dormitory, there will be people who want to get to know you and strike up conversations.

You will notice that verbal communication in Turkey can be quite "loud" compared to many other societies. Don't be surprised when you see someone suddenly making loud comments or laughing out loud. This is not an indication of an argument or conflict but rather a sign of enthusiasm in dialogues. Additionally, don't be surprised when you see people chatting or joking while also engaging in physical contact – physical touch is often a part of interaction.

Strong Family and Friendship Bonds

Sharing meals, clothing, emotions, and secrets is common in Turkish society, whether out of solidarity or courtesy. People in Turkey prefer not to be alone in many aspects of life, and thus, family and friendship relationships are of vital importance. Regardless of their age, gender, or social status, if you ask anyone in Turkey, especially someone from their neighborhood, school, or university, you'll hear that they have a close friend.

Sometimes, friends even surpass family members in terms of the depth of closeness and sharing. The existence of the concept of "dost" (friend) in Turkish, distinct from "arkadaş" (acquaintance), points to this phenomenon. If you decide to study in Turkey, you can gain not only a good education but also lifelong friendships that provide trust and comfort.

Helpfulness

Among the first impressions many international students have about Turkey is the kindness and warmth of the people. In Turkey, especially when you're in a situation where you need help, it's not difficult to communicate even with someone who doesn't speak your language. If you encounter a challenging situation, you can ask for help from those around you. In fact, a helping hand on the street may be extended to you before you even ask for it.

Many universities in Turkey create teams of local students who volunteer to assist new international students during their adaptation process. These volunteers, who will be your friends throughout the semester, will provide invaluable tips about your new university and city, rest assured.

Hospitality

Visiting family, friends, and neighbors is common in Turkish society. You can even stay overnight as a guest at a close friend's or relative's place. For Turkish people, a guest is almost sacred, and people will go out of their way to make guests feel comfortable and well cared for. When you visit a traditional Turkish family, they will first feed you with an endless stream of meals or snacks, insist on your staying longer, and even offer their own rooms/beds for your comfort if you plan to stay.

In Turkish society, there is also a widespread sympathy for students. If you are a young student or professional living away from your family, a neighbor might knock on your door one evening and offer you a meal. Don't hesitate to ask your roommate or neighbor for salt when you run out of it in the kitchen.

Turkey, which opened its doors to millions of refugees due to war, showcases Turkish hospitality at its best.

Gift Giving

Turkish people love sharing and giving gifts. Celebrations often involve exchanging gifts. For example, when a friend moves to a new home or when you visit a home for the first time, it's customary to bring a gift. As an international student, people you know may also want to give you gifts. Refusing a gift or the hospitality offered in a host's home may hurt people's feelings.

Hospitality Tradition

Hospitality is a concept that can be challenging to translate into other languages. Hospitality is a way of welcoming guests and involves brief presentations made during short encounters or gatherings. Similar to a gift, hospitality is offered without expecting anything in return, but it does not require a close relationship and is on a smaller scale. For example, it is common to offer hospitality in restaurants or when visiting an institution as a guest. You will quickly observe that one of the most common forms of hospitality in Turkey is tea. Turks love to drink and serve tea.

In Turkish society, daily life revolves around meals and long dinners. The center of home life is the kitchen. Even in major cities, families often prefer to have dinner together at home. Especially after hosting meals for guests, the table is not cleared immediately; instead, people engage in lengthy conversations, listen to music, and have fun.

With rich ingredients and dishes crafted with great effort, Turkish cuisine is renowned worldwide. You can taste these unique flavors in restaurants or when you visit someone's home. Cooking at home is also very common, and you can find fresh ingredients at grocery stores or local markets held on specific days.

Dining Culture

Eating Out

While eating at home is prevalent in Turkey, you also have a wide range of options for dining out, from traditional dishes to simple sandwiches to satisfy your appetite. Restaurants and cafes that offer red/white meat and seafood dishes, as well as vegetarian alternatives, can be easily found in all major cities.

Before your ordered meal arrives at a restaurant, you will be served with a variety of appetizers and mezes (appetizers). Take these into account when deciding on your order. Remember: appetizers and the water served in a pitcher are complimentary; bottled water is charged separately!

Turkish Breakfast

Unlike many cultures, Turkish breakfast is a substantial meal and is not to be skipped, as mothers advise! Pastries like simit (sesame-coated bread), gözleme (thin pastry with various fillings), and poğaça (savory pastries) are staples of a quick breakfast. However, when you see the following items on the table during a leisurely weekend breakfast, don't be surprised: cheese, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, sausage, pastries, gözleme, jam, honey, and, of course, tea.

Student-Friendly Meals

Here are some quick and budget-friendly options for eating out:

Döner: You will see vertical spits of rotating meat in the display of many kebab restaurants in the city. This is the Turkish specialty known as döner. What's great for students is that döner can also be eaten as a sandwich.

Mantı: Similar dishes can be found in different countries, but mantı consists of small dough pieces filled with minced meat. It is usually served with yogurt and tomato sauce.

Soup: In Turkey, you'll find that soups are made from almost everything. Often vegetarian and brothy, soups use various vegetables and legumes. Soups with meat are also available and are ideal for a light lunch or dinner for students.

Kuru Fasulye & Pilav: These are staples on the menus of university cafeterias and restaurants that serve home-cooked meals. Pilav is made from bulgur or rice and is often served alongside dishes with sauce. It is said that when you eat kuru fasulye (bean stew) with pilav, its nutritional value increases manyfold!

Börek, Gözleme, Poğaça: Pastries are essential foods that will save you during breakfast and snack times. You can find a wide variety of them in university cafeterias, bakeries, and some restaurants: with vegetables, meat, or cheese.

University Cafeterias & Canteens

Many universities have cafeterias that offer students 2 or 3 meals a day. You can choose between set meals or à la carte, and the prices are quite reasonable because they are subsidized by the government. In addition to the central cafeteria, you can also find canteens, restaurants, and cafes on many university campuses.