What will surprise you in Turkey: Turkish traditions
Turkish people have been carrying their traditions through centuries and generations. Turks have customs for every life situation. Puzzle Trip tells you what you can get to know if you go to this vibrant country.
Traditional greeting
When meeting, men usually hug and kiss each other on the cheek in a friendly or family way, strangers use the handshake familiar to Europeans.
Turks greet a woman from afar, do not touch her. If the girl is the first to extend her hand, it may mean that she is ready to get to know each other better.
Turkish hospitality
In Turkey, a guest is considered a sacred person, therefore he is welcomed in the house with special honor and joy. The refusal of an invitation to visit can be perceived by the inhabitants of Turkey as disrespect for culture. A respectful reason not to go can only be the serious employment of the invitee.
The shortest visit lasts at least two hours. According to Turkish custom, food is served at a low table, all participants in the meal sit not on chairs, but on pillows. It is customary to put food on plates with your hands or a common spoon,always with your right hand. The hosts will be happy if you eat everything on your plate to the end and enjoy the taste, and not swallow the food quickly.
Traditional tea drinking
Another important tradition of Turkey is the tea drinking culture. Tea in Turkey is drunk at any time of the day, it is an important ritual, a symbol of communication and friendship. Tea ceremonies are held both at home and on the street.
In cafes and offices, brewing is done by specially trained people - chaydzhi. To brew tea, a two-tier teapot is used, so that not just pour boiling water over the leaves, but let them steam.
In Turkey, tea is drunk without sugar, milk or honey and do not wait for it to cool down. During tea drinking, you may be offered traditional desserts: baklava, almond cookies, apple pastille and nougat.
Turkish crafts
Traditional crafts in Turkey are highly valued and passed down from generation to generation. Local craftsmen create unique products from various materials: carpets, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and much more. The skill of Turkish craftsmen is valued all over the world and attracts tourists from different countries.
Wedding ceremony
Weddings in Turkey are often long and colorful events, where guests are offered exquisite treats, dances, music. The holiday is celebrated for several days, relatives and friends are invited to it.
Two days before the wedding, the "Night of Henna" takes place - the bride's farewell to her home. Only women gather in the bride's house, they dance in front of the bride while she cries. At the end of the ceremony, henna is applied to the girl's palms, after which the joyful part of the holiday begins.
Turkish traditions reflect the deep historical roots and national spirit of the people. They make Turkey a memorable and unique place for travel.