What should I avoid in Turkey — 10 things not to do in Turkey & do and don’ts in Turkey

Turkey is a historic country and one of the few transcontinental countries on the planet in Southeast Europe part and Western Asia part. Turkey is a culturally rich Middle Eastern country, deeply influenced by the Roman, Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Persian empires, which have dominated this land. So, what you should not do in Turkey, what should I avoid in Turkey? let’s check out our Turkey travel tips with 10 things not to do in Turkey and do and don’ts in Turkey as follows!

This long history has shaped Turkey into a country with a historic and illustrious past. Being the largest landmass in the entire region, the meld of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures is a huge attraction for any curious traveler. Therefore, traveling in Turkey would be no easy or rapid feat, here’s a guide to what don’ts in Turkey for your perfect journey.

Respect for the Places of Worship (# do and don’ts in Turkey)

Turkey is known for its extremely gorgeous and exquisitely designed mosques like The Blue Mosque. If you are visiting Turkey for the first time, then you need to know about this very custom that Turks follow–taking their shoes off outside when entering a mosque.

Failure is done, you may unintentionally offend the locals as they will interpret it as a mockery or an affront to their customs and beliefs. Be sure to embrace this cultural nuance for a seamless experience with respect.

Dining Etiquette (# what you should not do in turkey)

Immersing yourself in local cuisine is one of the most authentic ways to experience a culture. Turkish cuisine is celebrated all over the world, but do not forget to adhere to basic table manners. For instance, you should use toothpicks discreetly as if you cover your mouth while doing so. In Turkey, they are called “Kurdan” and using them without any flair can be considered impolite.

Politeness in local dining customs will enhance the cultural value of your culinary experience.

Respect the indigenous people’s prayer rituals (# what should i avoid in turkey)

As a predominantly Muslim country, Turkey strictly adheres to religious practices. Muslims pray 5 times a day and it is important not to block someone’s view or walk in front of them while praying.

This seemingly small action can nullify their prayers and local people can express their displeasure. By being aware of and respecting this aspect of daily life, you contribute to harmonious coexistence with the local community.

Learning about Customs during the holy month of Ramadan (# 10 things not to do in turkey)

The month of Ramadan is of cultural and religious significance to Muslims all around the world. Regarding the majority population of Turkey, abiding by the rules vehemently is a given, as a way of expressing their devotion.

You have to make sure you do not drink or eat anything in public in the daytime or give any food or drink to local dieters. Understanding and respecting Ramadan traditions reflects your cultural sensitivity and appreciation.

Taxi Scams (# do and don ts in turkey)

When it comes to exploring Turkey, taxis are a convenient mode of transportation. However, like in any bustling city, there can be instances of taxi scams. Some taxi drivers can sometimes take you on the scenic route or unnecessarily longer routes and end up charging you more.

If you are unfamiliar with the local routes and destinations or do not speak Turkish, your options to counter this practice may seem limited. Fortunately, technology has come to the rescue. The Google Maps application can be an invaluable tool in helping you identify the shortest and most efficient route to your destination or use qualified apps like BiTaksi, which ensures reliable and efficient service. By choosing the car navigation option, it will provide you with clear, step-by-step directions. You can also use non-verbal cues to guide the driver if language barriers exist, such as pointing in the desired direction to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure a smooth and safe trip.

Dress Code (# turkey travel tips)

Even if it goes against your personal preferences, it’s best to follow a country’s customs and traditions to avoid any potentially serious consequences that could affect your entire trip.

Turkey is one the Muslim countries, compared to others, it is fairly liberal, so you do not have to dress as conservatively as in other Muslim destinations, however, you should dress conservatively.

Both men and women cannot wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or anything exposing their legs/shoulders in Turkey. Women must cover their heads, chests, shoulders, and knees when entering mosques.

Don’t Misuse the Turkish Language

When you travel to a foreign country, evaluation is not only for the destinations but also many other things that you do to develop or dispel a good or bad notion about your own country.

Inappropriate local words in use can hurt people’s sentiments and might as well lead to unpleasant circumstances. Therefore, learning a few words of the language will make your visit easier and endear you to the locals.

In more detail, it is imperative to learn some of their customs, including how to say Turkish phrases like “Merhaba” English means “hello”, “teşekkür ederim” English means “thank you”, “üzgün” English means “sorry”, and “lutfen” English means “please” and more. These gestures will even help you establish cordial relations with the locals.

Don’t Waste Food

It is an insult if you are a guest at a Turkish household for a meal and end up not eating everything that is on your plate. Because if you do leave something on your plate, your hosts will think you did not like what they had offered. It is a mark of extreme reverence and appropriate mannerism to not leave any leftover.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

As mentioned before, Turkey is a Muslim country, which is comparatively not as strict as other ones. While Turkish citizens themselves do enjoy a drink or two on joyous occasions, drinking excessively or regularly is frowned upon, and coming across someone drunk in public is not something they are too fond of.

So, avoid getting too drunk and making any loud or obnoxious commotion in public due to that. On the other hand, smoking is permitted almost anywhere, even when having dinner; it’s almost like it is some kind of favorite pastime there.

Pay Attention to Social Interactions (# 10 things not to do in turkey)

Female travelers would not notice that men in Turkey prefer addressing as male counterparts. Do not get offended or feel left out as this is just a tradition that is followed, especially in rural areas of Turkey. They are just trying to protect your virtue. Similarly, as a male traveler, one must avoid simply walking up to a local woman to start a conversation in public. This is considered to be a threatening act.

Smoking

Sometimes, looking around and observing people would tell you what not to do in Turkey. Turkey is a Muslim country and most of the people consider alcohol as “haram” or forbidden. You would meet people who are teetotalers or drink occasionally. But on the contrary, you would see many people smoking around you. Smoking at dinners is not surprising.

Don’t Buy Fossils

Do not indulge in buying any stones or fossils while you’re vacationing in Turkey as it’s considered cultural artifacts, and it’s illegal to export them, consider it as what not to do when in Turkey.

Don’t Buy Stuff Without Bargaining

A little bargaining or haggling while shopping won’t do you any harm, make sure you get the best price for whatever you buy in Turkey.

Don’t Diss Kemal Ataturk

It is true. The Turkish locals have high respect for the founding fathers of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk. It’s imperative to not make jokes about him or even pass snide remarks if it at all comes up in conversation.

Turkey is a country rich in culture and has a lot to offer to its curious travelers. However, it is of extreme importance that you respect the customs and traditions when you are there. Preparation is done for your ultimate Turkish vacation by learning the don’ts as mentioned before you visit. You’ll be able to enjoy your trip to Turkey without any hindrance to avoid upsetting Turkish locals from your appropriate behavior.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Istanbul you can refer to

• Istanbul Welcome Card
• Hagia Sophia Introduction Tour with Audio Guide
• Istanbul Classics Tour
• Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Small Group Tour
• Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul
• Istanbul Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
• 4G SIM Card (MY Delivery) for Turkey from joytel2u
• Istanbul Museum Pass
• [Sale] Sea Life Aquarium Ticket in Istanbul
• Round Trip Ferry Tickets between Prince’s Islands and Istanbul
• Princes’ Island Full Day Tour from Istanbul
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
• Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
• Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
• Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip The Line
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
• Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And My trip to Istanbul — Explore the bridge city of Asia and Europe. And Turkey travel guide here.