Do’s And Don’ts In Turkey

Chellmann

导读：土耳其对中国的免签政策吸引了大量中国游客。大家去土耳其旅行时一定要记住它是个穆斯林国家，有很多禁忌与礼仪。

If youre only travelling to major tourist centres such as Istanbul， many of these rules might seem not true to you， but it is always wiser to show more respect for customs than too little. Most Turkish people will very much appreciate your effort and polite manners， so dont worry if you still feel like you cant behave perfectly. Turkish people are very kind.

When visiting a mosque

Do remove your shoes before going inside a mosque. Women must cover hair and dress. Men should not wear shorts.

Dont talk loudly because its a place of worship. Try to avoid visiting a mosque on a Friday since it is a day of prayer.

Dont walk directly in front of someone whos praying.

When travelling during Ramadan

Do be careful that it might be difficult to find food during the day in far away places.

Dont offer people food， drink or even a smoke during the day. The month of Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. Show some politeness while eating in public during the day.

When interacting with Turks

Do learn gestures of the head for “yes” and “no”， which can be very confusing. “Yes” is a downward nod of the head and “no”is an upward nod of the head while raising eyebrows and clicking the tongue. Shaking your head might not be understood as “no”. Try to learn the Turkish words evet （yes） and hayir （no）.

Do be polite. Turkish customs place great emphasis on manners and politeness. It might come in handy to memorize some phrases or at least the words tesekkür ederim （thank you）， lütfen （please） and pardon （excuse me）.

Dont make the “OK” sign with your thumb and forefinger. Its considered rude in Turkey.

When eating in a restaurant

Do be aware that smoking while eating is common and you shouldnt ask others to stop.

Dont blow your nose or pick your teeth while sitting in a restaurant， cafe or bar. Turkish people find this very impolite.

When invited to someones home

Do take off your shoes before entering a home. And its wise to bring a gift.

Do finish your plate. If you leave food on your plate， it is seen as a sign that you didnt like the dish.

Dont show the bottom of your feet to anyone when sitting down.

Vocabulary

mosque n. 清真寺

Ramadan n. 斋月

fast v. 斋戒

（What other dos and donts do you know about Turkey？）