To summarize Turkish culture and traditions in one article is impossible because the diversity of heritage across the country varies and other cultures such as Greek, Armenian, Georgian, and Arabic practises have been woven in throughout history.

The northeast coast near the border is a tight combination of Turkish and Georgian culture as seen in the Laz and Hemsin communities and the southeast typically reflects Kurdish and Arabic culture, while the western coast in the last 80 years has been widely influenced by European traditions. However, quite a few traditions are strong fast across Turkey and any first time visitor will spot them immediately if they know what to look for.

DAILY GREETINGS AND COMMON EXPRESSIONS

Turks love to celebrate or empathise and common expressions apply to many daily or special events and occasions. Should a friend fall ill, the response should be “Gecmis Olsun” meaning get well soon. Enter into a shop and you may hear the saying of “Hos Geldiniz” which means welcome. The list goes on and on but the good news for foreigners is that Turks are quite relaxed if you are visiting the country. Learning a few sayings earns you great respect, but do not sweat the small stuff, because to the Turks, you are a welcome guest in their country.

OTTOMAN ARCHITECTS

Mimar Sinan – A Genius Architect for the Ottoman Empire

Mimar Sinan created at least 374 structures in his lifetime. Most of his projects were produced during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent

Sinan was the architect of 92 large mosques and 52 small mosques called mescit. Apart from this, he created 7 seminaries, 22 mausoleums, 3 asylums, 35 palaces and mansions, 17 care facilities, 57 colleges, 46 inns, 48 baths, 17 public kitchens, 8 bridges, and many other structures. His sense of beauty was so sophisticated that Sinan was sometimes compared with Michelangelo.

When Mimar was a little boy he often helped his father, who worked as a builder. According to legend, when Mimar was young, he heard about Leonardo da Vinci visiting the capital city between 1502 and 1505. With time, he became fascinated by the Italian master.

Historical Development of Turkish Cuisine

The historical development of Turkish cuisine is directly related to the vast geography the Turks have lived on and the ingredients that these geographies have offered, enabled Turks to form a very rich and varied food culture.

The Turks of Central Asia earned their living via animal husbandry. When living conditions became unsuitable, they migrated and settled in Anatolia to start a new life. The most significant state that was formed in Anatolia were The Anatolian Seljuks. Encountering many new and different ingredients, Seljuks incorporated them into their own cuisine. The once simple cuisine, became more complex with the addition of new ingredients and new cooking methods.

HOSPITALITY: DINING AND GIFTS

Turks are hospitable and often invite newfound friends around to their house for a dinner party.Food will be offered of which it is rude to refuse. During this time, a gift is not expected but if you intend to adhere to the popular western culture of bringing a bottle of wine, be sure to check whether the hosts drink. A lot are teetotal or only drink outside of the house.

CultureLandmarks in Life

Military Service and Leaving Home
Military service is deeply rooted in the Turkish culture, and is regarded as a sacred duty. Joining to the army is equated with being an honourable and virtuous person. In rural areas in particular, men who have not performed their military obligations are not well regarded, and what they say is not taken seriously.

One of the most widespread practices all over Turkey is for young men who have received their call-up papers to be invited to dine by all their friends and relatives in turn. The young soldier-to-be mat also be entertained with his family. It is also customary for entertainment to be laid on during and after such celebratory meals.

Kına Gecesi:

A traditional version and perhaps precursor of the bachelorette party, the night before the wedding is set aside for the bride to spent her last night at her family’s home in the company of women of all ages who are close to the couple’s family. This ceremony get its name “Kına Gecesi” – Henna Night – from the fact that the usually the hands of the bride is adorned with Henna. The bridegroom’s female relatives too attend this event and are hosted in the bride’s home.

Usually dry henna brought by the bridegroom’s family is broken to pieces in a silver or cupper vessel by a woman whose father and mother is still alive, and not experienced otherwise separation. After preparing the bride, a veil ornamented with red flake is placed over her head, and she is brought amidst the guests accompanied by songs and hymns about henna.