Turkey - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Standing astride two continents and stretching from Europe to the Middle East, Turkey is both feared by the West and wooed by it. Travelers have always been drawn to its glorious cultural heritage and heroic landscapes, and today, thanks to its burgeoning economy, growing geo-political importance, and young population, it is attracting more foreign visitors than ever. This new, updated edition ofCulture Smart! Turkeyreveals a nation in transition. Over the last two decades living conditons have improved greatly and Turkey is now classified as a developed country with an emerging market economy. Viewed by many as a model for outward-looking Islam, it is a country with laws to protect against religious paternalism, where restaurants are open during the fast of Ramadan, and where headscarves or no scarves can be worn in universities, schools, and public offices. Turkey continues to seek EU membership, but the road to accession has been full of twists and turns and the outcome is uncertain. The country is rapidly modernizing. The cities are being transformed with skyscrapers and gated communities. Politically, Turkey has changed dramatically over the past decade and today society is polarized between secularists and traditionalists. While Turkey is in many ways Western and modern, Islamic tendencies are strong. The situation can vary widely between, and even within, different parts of society, and, across the board, there are still forms of behaviour that are taboo. One thing is certain. Turkey’s culture and social life are changing.Culture Smart! Turkeyis an invaluable guide to the intricate ins and outs of a rich and complex society. Whether you are planning a vacation or traveling on business, it is vital to be aware of appropriate behavior in different situations, and if you show a genuine interest in their culture and respect for their values, you will win the lasting friendship of your hosts. Front Cover Title Page About the Author Contents Map of Turkey Introduction Key Facts 1. Land and People • Geographical Snapshot • Climate • A Brief History • Attitudes to History • Turkish Cities • Government • The Economy • Covid-19 • International Relations 2. Values and Attitudes • Respect and Honor • Family, Friends, Community • National Pride • Atatürk, Secularism, and Religion • Islam • New Religious Structures • Education • Women in Society • Memleket and Hemșehri 3. Customs and Traditions • National Holidays • Religious Holidays • Regional Festivals • Turkish Traditions 4. Making Friends • Greetings • Attitudes Toward Foreigners • Joining Clubs • Invitations Homes • Gift Giving • Etiquette 5. At Home • The Family • Living Conditions • Daily Life and Routine • Urban Life • Rural Life • Children • Changing Lifestyles • Rites of Passage 6. Time Out • Food and Drink • Table Manners • Shopping • Changing Your Money • Music • Cinema • Dance • Humor • Sports • The Hamam • Visiting a Mosque 7. Travel, Health, and Safety • Roads and Driving • Intercity Travel • Local Transportation • Where to Stay • Health • Safety 8. Business Briefing • Office Etiquette and Protocol • Meetings • Business Dress • Candor and Cooperation • Regulations • Women in Management • Leadership and Decision-Making • Presentation and Listening Styles • Teamwork and Management • Contracts • Corruption 9. Communicating • Turks and Foreign Languages • Turkish Pronunciation • Body Language • Gestures and Taboos • Phones and SIM Cards • Mail • Internet and Social Media • Television • Newspapers • Conclusion Useful Apps Further Reading Picture Credits Copyright Index Don't just see the sights— get to know the people. At first glance, Turkey may seem Westernized and entirely "modern"— but appearances can be misleading. It is above all a land of contrasts, a heady mixture of Oriental etiquette and ultramodern city life, deep-rooted religious faith and determined secularism, a fierce sense of national pride and openness to foreign ideas. The Turkish people are very much their own center of gravity, and for the unwary visitor there are pitfalls to avoid as well as great riches to be found. Culture Smart! Turkey is an invaluable guide to the intricate ins and outs of this culturally rich and complex society. This updated edition outlines the complex history of Anatolia, provides key insights into contemporary Turkish values and attitudes, describes important customs and traditions, and reveals what life is like for the Turks at home, at work, and at play. It also offers practical tips and information about what to expect and how to navigate different social situations. In this unique mix of Islamic and European cultures, the Turks are extremely hospitable. If you show an interest in their culture and respect for their point of view, they will repay your effort many times over. Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.