Language

In addition to the main Turkish language, English, French and German are often found in resort areas and large cities.

Currency

The national currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira. Circulation has banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lire.

Currency exchange offices in Turkey usually work on all days of the traditional working week (from Monday to Friday) from 8-30 to 17 hours. Break for lunch from 12:00 to 13:30.

You should not exchange all your foreign currency for local at a time, as the exchange rate here changes quite quickly.

Do not accept when exchanging denominations less than those listed above, as they are out of use.

Religion

According to Countryaah, most of the believing population of the country professes Islam.

Officially, Turkey is a secular state, and religion is separated from the state here. However, the whole life of the Turkish society is saturated with Islam, which in one way or another affects the attitude towards the behavior and appearance of tourists.

When visiting mosques as part of excursion programs, one should remember that it is better to refrain from entering the mosque during prayer services taking place in it, as well as on Fridays, including morning hours.

Entrance to the mosque is prohibited for people dressed in shorts, miniskirts and T-shirts with bare shoulders and arms.

There is also a strict rule for women not to enter the mosque with their heads uncovered, in trousers and low-cut blouses.

Entering the premises of the mosque, it is necessary to behave extremely quietly; it is forbidden to talk loudly, laugh and make noise.

Outside the temples, the attitude towards the appearance of tourists is more tolerant, especially in large cities.

Behavior

In Turkey, the local population attaches great importance to the rules of etiquette adopted in this country.

In general, Turkish residents are distinguished by kindness, courtesy and courtesy, they adequately respond to requests for help from foreign citizens. They value respect for the customs of their country, in turn, show a tolerant attitude towards traditional features in the appearance of foreign tourists (with the exception of their visits to religious shrines, where strict dress codes apply for everyone). Check agooddir for recent history of Turkey.

For those who visit this country with a bright national color for the first time, it is useful to know the main traditions of Turkey, in order to avoid misunderstandings that are possible in communicating with the locals.

As a rule, the population of Turkey perceives photography and filming without enthusiasm. Taking pictures in large cities is even more or less free, but in the provinces it should be done with great caution and the obligatory permission of the people being photographed.

It is necessary to monitor your own gestures, since the gesture of approval in the form of a raised thumb, common and harmless in Europe, the USA and many Asian countries, in Turkey will cause a negative attitude of local residents.

Flirting with Turkish women is highly discouraged. The norms of behavior in Turkey are very strict, especially for the fair half.

Drinking alcoholic beverages (including beer) in public places can cause serious disapproval of the people around you.

By adhering to these simple recommendations, you will significantly reduce the number of everyday problems that could arise when communicating with local residents.

Crime

In terms of crime, Turkey is a relatively safe country. The only thing you really need to be wary of here is petty theft (wallets, cell phones, etc.).

Holidays

The most important national holidays in Turkey are:

New Year – January 1

National Independence Day and Children’s Day – April 23

Youth and Sports Day – May 19

Day of victory over the Greek army – August 30

Day of Proclamation of the Republic – October 29