21 Turkish Habits You Might Adopt After Moving to Turkey
Moving to Turkey is an adventure filled with rich culture, warm people, and new experiences. You might notice that over time, certain Turkish customs and habits sneak into your daily life. Here’s a fun look at 21 Turkish habits you’re likely to adopt after living in this unique country.
1. Removing Shoes Indoors
You instinctively remove your shoes when entering a home—no questions asked. Many homes will even offer you slippers to wear inside.
2. Knowing All the Shopkeepers
You’ll quickly know the names of every local shopkeeper, and they’ll know all about you, from your preferences to your family details. It’s all part of the Turkish community charm.
3. Ignoring Horn Honks
In Turkey, honking horns are just background noise. Traffic may seem chaotic at first, but after a while, the sound fades into the city’s rhythm.
4. Forgetting About Time
Turkish culture has a relaxed attitude toward punctuality. Once you realize no one shows up on time, you’ll relax and stop watching the clock.
5. Expecting Ataturk Portraits Everywhere
Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, is highly respected. His portrait is everywhere, and it’ll only feel strange when you don’t see one.
6. Preferring Tripe Soup Over a Fry-Up
For a hangover cure, forget bacon and eggs. You’ll reach for iskembe corbasi, a traditional tripe soup said to work wonders.
7. Haggling Like a Pro
Haggling over prices is a normal part of shopping in Turkey, whether you’re buying groceries or electronics. You’ll soon find yourself negotiating for just about everything.
8. Displaying an Evil Eye Amulet
The nazar boncugu (evil eye) is believed to ward off bad luck. Even if you don’t believe in its protective powers, you’ll likely have one in your home.
9. Drinking Endless Cups of Tea
You’ll get hooked on cay (Turkish tea). It’s not unusual to drink multiple cups a day—whether it’s 30 degrees outside or not.
10. Crossing the Street Like a Local
Forget waiting for pedestrian lights. Eventually, you’ll confidently navigate across roads filled with chaotic traffic like it’s no big deal.
11. Mastering the Art of Queue-Jumping
Queue-jumping is more common than waiting your turn. You’ll soon learn how to do it without a second thought.
12. Tuning Out the Call to Prayer
The ezan (call to prayer) is part of the daily routine, and while it may stand out at first, you’ll soon stop noticing it.
13. Greeting Everyone With a Kiss
In Turkey, it’s common to greet people with a kiss on both cheeks, whether they’re men, women, friends, or family.
14. Adapting to Turkish Food Rules
Soup for breakfast? Check. Yogurt with everything? Definitely. Once you start eating the Turkish way, there’s no going back.
15. Considering a Mustache
Facial hair is a big deal in Turkey, especially mustaches. You might even consider growing one yourself—just for fun.
16. Referring to Strangers as “Aunt” and “Uncle”
Turkish elders are affectionately called “teyze” (aunt) or “amca” (uncle). You’ll soon find yourself using these terms without hesitation.
17. Grabbing a Wet Hamburger After a Night Out
Islak hamburger (wet burger) is the ultimate late-night snack. The garlicky, saucy goodness will become your go-to after a night out.
18. Turning a Blind Eye to Traffic Violations
Motorcyclists without helmets or drivers with kids on their laps? After a while, you’ll hardly bat an eye.
19. Saying “Allah, Allah”
You’ll pick up local phrases like “Allah, Allah”, often said in surprise or exasperation, as well as many other colorful Turkish expressions.
20. Becoming Addicted to Turkish TV
Turkish soap operas and historical dramas are world-famous for their intense plots. Once you start watching, it’s hard to stop.
21. Finding Comfort in Turkish Customs
Whether it’s embracing hospitality, respecting elders, or mastering the art of tea-drinking, you’ll find that Turkish customs will sneak into your daily life and become a part of who you are.
Looking for a home in Turkey? Aegean Locations can help you find the perfect property to start your new adventure. Contact us today!