Etiquette & Cultural Tips for Visiting Turkey (2025): What Every Traveler Should Know

Traveling to Türkiye means more than just seeing the sights — it’s also about respecting the local customs and blending in with the culture. From greetings and dress codes to dining manners and mosque etiquette, knowing a few cultural basics can go a long way in creating positive interactions with locals. In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover the most important etiquette tips and unspoken rules that every traveler should know before visiting Türkiye.

🇹🇷 Quick Overview: What Makes Turkish Culture Unique?

• A blend of East and West: Türkiye straddles Europe and Asia.
• Deeply rooted in hospitality and tradition.
• Influenced by Islamic culture, but also secular and modern in many areas.
• Family-oriented, respectful, and community-focused society.

🙋‍♂️ Greetings and Social Etiquette

👋 How to Say Hello

• The most common greeting is: “Merhaba” (Hello).
• For informal encounters, “Selam” is also used.

🤝 Handshakes & Kissing

• A firm handshake is common in professional or first-time meetings.
• Among friends or relatives, two-cheek kisses (left then right) are standard.
• Men may place a hand on the chest after shaking hands—a sign of sincerity.

🧓 Show Respect to Elders

• Always greet older people first in a group.
• Use respectful titles:
  • “Teyze” (aunt) and “Amca” (uncle) for older strangers.
  • “Abi” (older brother) or “Abla” (older sister) for peers.

👁️ Eye Contact

• Maintain moderate eye contact—shows honesty and interest.
• Avoid intense staring, especially toward the opposite gender.

🕌 Mosque Etiquette and Religious Sensitivity

⛪ Visiting a Mosque

• Mosques are open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times.
• Remove your shoes before entering.
• Dress modestly:
  • Men: No shorts or sleeveless shirts.
  • Women: Cover head, shoulders, and legs (scarves often provided at large mosques).

📿 During Prayer Time

• Avoid walking in front of people praying.
• Stay quiet and avoid phone use.
• Don’t take close-up photos during prayer; be discreet.

📆 Religious Holidays

• During Ramadan, some locals fast from sunrise to sunset.
• Out of respect, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in more conservative areas.

👗 Dress Code: What to Wear in Türkiye

🏙️ Cities (Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara)

• Western-style clothing is normal.
• Women can wear skirts, shorts, tank tops—but avoid overly revealing outfits in certain areas.
• Men: T-shirts and jeans are fine.

🕌 Religious Sites or Villages

• Dress modestly:
  • Women: Long skirt/pants and a scarf in your bag just in case.
  • Men: Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

🏖️ Beach Resorts (Bodrum, Antalya)

• Swimwear is accepted at the beach or pool—but cover up in town.
• Topless sunbathing is rare and discouraged.

🥘 Dining Etiquette in Türkiye

🍽️ Table Manners

• Say “Afiyet olsun” (Bon appétit) before eating.
• Wait for the eldest person to start eating.
• Don’t start with drinks—tea or water comes first.

🙏 After the Meal

• Say “Elinize sağlık” (Bless your hands) to the cook.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants.

☕ The Turkish Tea & Coffee Culture

• Accepting tea is a sign of friendliness.
• Locals may offer it in shops—you’re not obligated to buy anything.
• Turkish coffee is strong and often served with water and something sweet.

🏠 Visiting a Turkish Home

🎁 Bring a Small Gift

• Sweets, flowers, or something from your country are great options.
• Avoid alcohol unless you know they drink.

👟 Remove Your Shoes

• Always take off your shoes at the entrance.
• Slippers are usually offered.

🪑 Seating Etiquette

• Wait to be shown where to sit.
• Avoid stretching your legs toward others or showing the soles of your feet—considered impolite.

💬 Key Phrases to Show Respect

Learning even a few of these will win you smiles and better service.

💡 Gender Interactions in Turkish Culture

• Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) are frowned upon in conservative areas.
• Be cautious about initiating physical contact with the opposite gender.
• In liberal cities, norms are more relaxed—but it’s always better to observe first.

🚕 Transportation Etiquette

• Let elders and women board first.
• Offer your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers.
• In taxis, it’s polite to sit in the back seat unless invited to the front.

📸 Photography Etiquette

• Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially:
  • Elderly
  • Women wearing headscarves
  • Children
• Avoid photographing military sites or police stations—strictly prohibited.

🤝 Business Etiquette

• Punctuality is appreciated but flexible in practice.
• Start meetings with small talk—don’t rush into business.
• Business cards are exchanged with a smile and both hands.

🎉 Celebrations and Customs

🎈 Common Holidays

• Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr): Family gatherings, candy sharing.
• Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha): Traditional animal sacrifice and family meals.
• Republic Day (Oct 29): Parades and national pride.

🧿 Evil Eye Symbol

• Called “Nazar Boncuğu”, it’s believed to protect against bad energy.
• Common gift, especially for babies or new businesses.

🧳 Traveler’s Mistakes to Avoid

🌍 Regional Differences in Etiquette

• Istanbul & coastal cities: Liberal, relaxed, tourist-friendly.
• Central Anatolia & Eastern Türkiye: More conservative—dress and behave modestly.
• Southeast Türkiye: Strong emphasis on hospitality and traditional values.

📲 Apps to Help You Navigate Culture

• Google Translate: Real-time translations.
• Piri Guide: Cultural walking tours in major Turkish cities.
• BiTaksi: Uber-style app for Turkish taxis—avoids communication issues.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Respect and curiosity go a long way in Türkiye. The country’s hospitality is legendary, and by learning just a few key customs, you’ll not only avoid faux pas but also experience deeper connections and warm welcomes.