Local culture in Turkey

As a country straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey has a deep, complex character shaped by centuries of trade and empire. This setting makes it a fascinating place to live. Even with its multicultural influences, expats may still face a learning curve when adjusting to the local culture in Turkey.

Turkish people are famously welcoming to foreigners, a concept known as misafirperverlik (hospitality). Expats should arrive with an open mind, ready to engage with their new life. You’ll find that even a stumbling attempt to speak Turkish will be warmly received and can make a real difference in your daily interactions.

Move to Turkey

Language barrier in Turkey

You should not underestimate the language barrier in Turkey. While English is common in the main tourist centres of Istanbul (like Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu) and coastal resorts, it is not widely spoken in daily life, even in other parts of the big cities. For professional networking, you’ll find English is the standard in many international firms. In government offices, however, or at the bank and when dealing with your landlord, you will need Turkish.

This is where new arrivals can get into a jam. All official documents and rental agreements will be in Turkish. You will need to budget for certified translators (tercüman) for any critical paperwork, such as your residence permit (ikamet) application.

Learning a few key phrases is both polite and practical for showing respect. Simple words like merhaba (hello) and teşekkür ederim (thank you) will go a long way. Locals are famously patient and appreciative of any attempt you make to speak their language.

Time in Turkey

The concept of ‘Turkish time’ is something new arrivals will quickly encounter. Punctuality in Turkey is highly situational. For business meetings, especially with international partners or in major corporations, you should be on time. Punctuality is seen as a sign of professionalism and respect, just as it would be in London or New York.

Social time is a different matter entirely. Life moves at a more fluid pace. If you are invited to a friend’s home for dinner at 8pm, arriving at 8:15pm or 8:30pm is perfectly normal. Arriving exactly on time might even catch your host off guard. This relaxed approach extends to bureaucratic matters, where a ‘five-minute’ wait can easily become an hour. A good deal of patience and the phrase ‘yavaş, yavaş’ (slowly, slowly) will do wonders for your peace of mind.

Cultural differences in Turkey

Beyond gestures and greetings, you will find that cultural differences in Turkey often hinge on communication styles. Many North Americans and Europeans are used to very direct, ‘say what you mean’ interactions. In Turkey, there is a much greater emphasis on ‘saving face’ and maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. This is why you may get a long explanation instead of a simple ‘no’. For new arrivals, this can feel like an evasion, but it is a polite social formula.

This indirectness is linked to the high value placed on personal relationships. In many Western cultures, rules and procedures are paramount. In Turkey, who you know (tanıdık) can often be the key to getting things done. Building genuine, personal connections with colleagues or local shopkeepers – often over endless glasses of tea (çay) – is a core part of how the society functions. A little personal warmth can solve problems that rigid adherence to the rules cannot.

Direct communication is not always the default in Turkey. Many Turks consider it impolite to give a flat ‘no’ (hayır) if something isn’t possible, favouring a more indirect or roundabout explanation. This can be confusing for new arrivals. You will quickly learn the common, nonverbal way of saying ‘no’: a simple upward flick of the chin. This is often paired with a raised eyebrow and a soft ‘tut’ (or cık) sound from the tongue. This is not a shake of the head; it’s a distinct gesture you’ll see daily.

Meeting and greeting in Turkey

Greetings are a way to build the personal relationships that matter in Turkey. In a professional setting, a firm handshake is the standard for both men and women. In a mixed gender setting, it is polite to wait for the woman to extend her hand first. Socially, things are warmer. Friends, and even new acquaintances, will often greet each other with two kisses on the cheek (one on each side). This is common between two women and between a man and a woman. Two men who are close friends may also embrace or pat each other on the back.

If you are invited to a Turkish home, you have truly been welcomed. Always remove your shoes at the door – your host will almost certainly provide you with a pair of slippers (terlik). It is a firm custom to bring a gift. A box of pastries (like baklava) or good-quality chocolates is always welcome. If you bring wine, be certain your host partakes in alcohol, as many do not.

In Turkey, daily etiquette includes the use of honorifics. Rather than using Mr or Mrs with a surname, it is polite to attach hanim (pronounced ‘ha num’, meaning ‘lady’) to a woman’s first name, and bey (pronounced ‘bay’, meaning ‘sir’) to a man’s. For example, Jane Smith will be addressed as ‘Jane Hanım’, and John Smith as ‘John Bey’. This is not seen as overly familiar; on the contrary, it is the standard, respectful way to address professional and new acquaintances. Using first names alone is often reserved for close friends and family.

Religion in Turkey

While the vast majority of Turkey’s population is Muslim, the country’s identity as a secular state is enshrined in its constitution. This creates a complex social environment. You will encounter ongoing public debate between secularists and traditionalists, particularly over issues like the role of religion in public life and the evolving conversation on women’s rights.

For all practical purposes, particularly in major cities like Istanbul or Izmir, you can safely practise your religion. Western dress is also common in these areas. This freedom, however, goes hand in hand with respecting local religious customs. This is especially important during the Muslim holy month of Ramazan (Ramadan). During this time, many Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking between sunrise and sunset. While life in expat and tourist hubs continues, it is considered poor form to eat or drink openly on the street in more conservative neighbourhoods.

Bureaucracy in Turkey

Dealing with Turkish bureaucracy, or ‘red tape’, is a rite of passage for almost every new arrival. Processes for essentials like your residence permit (ikamet), opening a bank account, or getting utilities connected can feel opaque and slow, and they rely heavily on physical paperwork. You may find that rules change with little notice; what worked for one person last month may not work for you today.

Patience is your greatest strength in these situations. Arrive at any government office (devlet dairesi) with excessive politeness, all your documents in a folder (plus copies of everything), and expect to wait. For complex issues, especially related to work permits or business registration, hiring a local consultant or ‘fixer’ (danışman) is standard practice. Their fee is often well worth the time and frustration saved.

Women in Turkey

Turkish people are known for their warmth, but this can sometimes be misconstrued, particularly in how some men interact with women. While most encounters are respectful, sexual harassment of foreign women in Turkey is a frequently discussed reality. This can range from persistent, unwanted stares and verbal comments (catcalling) to, in some cases, being followed or touched. It is most commonly reported on crowded public transport or on the busy streets of major cities like Istanbul.

Some expat women report a persistent, uncomfortable feeling that they are perceived by some men as more ‘sexually available’ than local women, which is then used as an excuse for this unwelcome attention.

The advice to ‘avoid going out alone at night’ is common, but expat women living in Turkey often find this impractical. A more sustainable approach is to exercise the same, if not heightened, level of street smarts you would in any major global city. Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas late at night. Consider using a ride-hailing app (like BiTaksi or Uber) or a trusted taxi stand rather than hailing a cab on the street. Many women find that dressing more conservatively can help reduce (although not eliminate) unwanted attention.

LGBTQ+ in Turkey

LGBTQ+ expats will find a complex social and legal environment in Turkey. While homosexuality is not a crime and has been legal for over a century, this legal status does not translate into social acceptance or legal protection. There are no laws recognising same-sex marriage or partnerships, and anti-discrimination protections are not extended to sexual orientation or gender identity.

Social attitudes remain broadly conservative. While you will find open and welcoming communities within liberal ‘bubbles’ – particularly in Istanbul neighbourhoods like Cihangir and Beşiktaş – discretion is paramount. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for all couples in Turkey; this is especially true for same-sex couples, who should avoid them.

In recent years, the political climate has become increasingly hostile. Public events like the Istanbul Pride parade are consistently banned, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from government officials has become more common. While private life in more progressive districts is still thriving, expats are advised to exercise caution and avoid political activism related to LGBTQ+ rights, as this can lead to deportation.