Culture

Turkish culture is a beautiful and varied one. A cultural highlight is the extreme importance of hospitality and entertaining strangers. Although modernization and materialism has influenced Turkish society as it has the West, heartfelt hospitality is still considered the most important identifiable aspect of the culture. It is not uncommon for even rural Turks to invite foreigners into their homes and offer food and tea. Even the shopkeeper genuinely offers all potential customers a comfortable chair and a glass of good Turkish tea without expecting a sale to be made. This makes travel to Turkey an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

During a typical visit to a Turkish home, the guests are met at the door by smiling faces and welcoming handshakes and kisses on both cheeks. Once shoes are removed and slippers are offered, the guest is seated in the sitting room. Turkish perfume, usually of lemon scent, is generously poured into cupped palms as refreshment to the weary traveler. Chocolate is offered to each guest, and the host asks questions such as "How are you? How is your family?" several times before regular conversation begins. Turkish tea is served with a variety of both sweet and savory pastries. Mixed nuts and fruit are usually served near the end of the visit. In the West, the guest is honored. But in Turkey, it is the host that feels honored with the coming of guests. You can see why hospitality is carried out in such a grand fashion!