Turkey

Turkey
Information
• Turkey is a large peninsula

that bridges the continents
of Europe and Asia. Turkey
is surrounded on three sides
by the Black Sea, the
Mediterranean Sea, and the
Aegean Sea. Istanbul, the
largest city in Turkey, is built
on land in the Bosporus
seaway. The city is partly in
Europe and partly in Asia.
The capital of Turkey
• Ankara, formerly
known as Angora,
city, capital of
Turkey, situated in
the northwestern
part of the country.
Pay Your Respects at the Anitkabir
(Atatürk Mausoleum)
• Ankara's most visited attraction is

also Turkey's most important
modern pilgrimage site. Sitting on
a hilltop, just to the west of the
city center, is the
mausoleum of Atatürk (Mustafa
Kemal), the founder of the state of
Turkey.
• As well as the actual mausoleum,
with its lavish use of marble, the
site, centered round a vast plaza,
contains a large museum complex.
• It contains both exhibits on the
War of Independence, led by
Atatürk, which resulted in the
birth of Turkey as a modern
nation, and displays focused on
Atatürk's life.
Day Trip to Gordion
• Ankara is the best base for a day trip to the

Iron Age Phrygian capital of Gordion. This
was the site once home to the legendary
King Midas and the location where
Alexander the Great cut the Gordion knot.
• Today, the remnants of this Phrygian city sit
amid the fields of the sleepy farming
hamlet of Yassihöyük (96 kilometers
southwest of Ankara).
• There are two main sites in the village. The
most famous is the Midas Tumulus – an
artificial earthen mound over 50 meters
high that contains the tomb of a Phrygian
king.
• Culture
• Language
• Most people in Turkey speak Turkish. It is written in Latin script and it
belongs to the Turkic language group, which also includes many other
languages spoken across Asia, such as Azerbaijani and Tatar.
• Traditions
• The circumcision of boys in Turkey is very common, with over 98% of
men being circumcised. This is due to religious and cultural traditions
and the circumcisions are celebrated with ceremonies known as
Sünnet Düğünü or at a Mevlüd ceremony.
Turkish Culture and
Traditions – 3 Interesting
Tips To Remember
• Turkish Culture and Traditions #1: Traditional
Greeting
When meeting someone new, a handshake is
often given. However, friends and family often
greet each other with a kiss or two on the cheek.
Elders are highly respected in Turkish culture and
will often be greeted first. Head shakes, and
other gestures are common as well when
greeting people.
Shop assistants will often welcome customers
with “Nasilsiniz” (How are you?) or “Merhaba”
(Hello).
Turkish Culture and Traditions #2:
Turkish Food and Eating
Much of Turkish culture is built around food

and meals.
Breakfast is deemed the most important
meal of the day, and common foods include
eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and
bread.
Bread is vital to Turks and usually appears at
every mealtime. Food wastage is frowned
upon in Turkey, as it is believed to be a gift.
So eat up!
Never blow your nose or pick your tooth at
the table when eating. If you need to do so,
head to the toilet.
Turkish Culture and
Traditions #3: Hospitality
Turks are very hospitable and often host get-

togethers in their homes. Upon entering the
home, guests remove their shoes and are given
slippers to wear around the house. You will most
likely have a pair of slippers in your hotel room.
In Turkish culture, a guest gift is never expected.
However, as it is common in western culture, it
is understood that one may be received. A bottle
of wine or rakı or a bag of Turkish tea would be
a good gift to give at a dinner party.
Also, Baklava and other desserts are common
food items to take with you on your way to a
Turkish dinner party.
What is the traditional clothing of Turkey?
Traditional clothing of Turkey featured distinct elements representative of different regions, with shared characteristics
among the Ottoman Empire. Traditional Turkish clothing often included layers, patterns, and quality fabrics of bright
colors.
What types of fabrics are popular in Turkey today?
Cotton, silk, and wool have a long history in Turkey and are still popular exports. Today, Turkish fabrics are sought after for
their luxury feel and quality. Some of the popular Turkish fabrics today include Şile Bezi, Yazma, Ikat, and Suzani.
What are three men's clothing items in traditional Turkish customs?
In traditional Turkish customs, the three major kinds of men's clothing are a kaftan, şalvar, and yelek. The kaftan is a long
robe or gown worn over an outfit. The şalvar is a loose-fitting, tapered trouser. And, the yelek was a waistcoat jacket. A
headdress helped complete the look.
What might a woman wear in Turkey?
In Turkey, women traditionally wore şalvars, gömlek, and entari. Şalvar is a type of loose-fitting pant. The gömlek was a
type of chemise or shift dress. And, the entari was a robe for over top. Women also wore highly decorative headdresses
symbolic of specific events.
What is a şalvar in traditional Turkish clothing?
The şalvar, also called the dimiye, is a type of trouser in traditional Turkish clothing. These pants are loose-fitting and tight
around the ankle, usually tucked into hand-knitted socks. Both men and women traditionally wear a style of the şalvar.
Which were the textiles and fabrics of the Ottoman Turks?
The Ottoman Empire was known for its cotton, wool, and silk. These fabrics had to follow the ihtisab kanunnameleri
guidelines and were regulated by the muhtesip. This ensured their quality and helped make the Turkish Empire
economically prosperous.
• 1. Baklava
• Dating back to the Ottoman Empire,
baklava is one of the most iconic
Turkish dishes and a must for anyone
with a sweet tooth. This layered pastry
is filled with nuts and covered in syrup
and ground pistachios for an
unforgettable Mediterranean dessert.
You can find baklava in most bakeries
and supermarkets, but it's best when
freshly baked.
2. Şiş kebap
'Kebab' is an umbrella term that
encompasses a variety of street eats, but
the most famous is the skewered şiş kebap.
Traditionally made of beef or lamb, today
diners can choose from a wider selection
of meat, fish, poultry and vegetarian
options, grilled over charcoal and served
on metal or wooden skewers.
• 3. Döner 5. Pide
• The other famous kebab, the döner Commonly known as 'Turkish pizza,'
offers the same diversity in the like its Italian cousin, pide is a flat
choice of meat, which is seasoned pastry base topped with cheese and
assorted meat and vegetables, heated
with herbs and spices and cooked on in a stone oven. The choice of
a vertical, rotating spit. Fresh cuts are toppings is practically limitless,
served in a bread wrap along with making pide and its leaner
salad and garlic or spicy sauces. counterpart lahmacun ideal for
vegetarians and diners with other
dietary requirements.
4. Köfte
Turkish 'meatballs' come in all
shapes and sizes, and can be
eaten solo as street snacks,
dipped in plain yoghurt or served
with rice and salad. Different
regions of Turkey have
christened their own distinctive
varieties, including Izgara Köfte,
served with grilled peppers, rice
and bread, and Çiğ Köfte, eaten
raw.
1. Istanbul is on two continents 4. The story of Santa Claus originated in Turkey
Let's start with a classic: Istanbul lives on Born to wealthy parents, Nicholas was a Christian saint and Greek
two continents. The city is separated by bishop of Myra, who was born in Patara. Once his parents died, he
the Bosporus, a strait, and thus consists of received a large amount of wealth, which he would give away to the
a European and an Asian part. Overall, 95% poor and needy. Legend has it that he would drop bags of gold coins
of Turkey is in Asia, and 5% is in Europe. down the chimneys of houses, and provide fruits to children. His
2. Ankara, not Istanbul, is the capital of good deeds spread through Europe, and locals began integrating it
Turkey with their myths and legends.
Many people assume that it is Istanbul 5. The Turks love tea
that is the capital of Turkey, but actually, it Although you may know Turkey for their coffee, 96% of the population
is the city of Ankara that is the capital. drinks at least one cup of tea per day. Turkish tea is robust, and they
Istanbul just happens to be Turkey’s serve it in small tulip-shaped glasses. Make sure to try all their
largest city. Ankara has been an important extraordinary tea flavours during your travels.
trade centre throughout Turkey’s history
and has grown to become a significant
trading, art and cultural hub.
3. The original name of Istanbul is
"Byzantium"
The name "Byzantium" has Greek origins
and refers to Byzas, the founder of the city.
In 324, it was renamed to “Constantinople”,
and in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul.

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Turkey

• Turkey is a large peninsula

• Ankara's most visited attraction is

• Ankara is the best base for a day trip to the

Much of Turkish culture is built around food

Turks are very hospitable and often host get-

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