Your Information Hub for Travel to Turkey
Discover personal experiences, practical advice, and deeper insights into Turkish life and culture from a European perspective.
Have you agreed to meet at five, but no one shows up? Welcome to the Turkish concept of time! It's not rudeness, but a different cultural approach to schedules and appointments.
Read MoreYou see this blue glass eye everywhere in Turkey – in cars, above doorways, as jewelry. It's the "Nazar Boncuğu," a powerful amulet against the evil eye. How does it actually work?
Read MoreThe yellow taxi is an integral part of the Turkish city landscape. While most drivers are honest, as a tourist, it's good to know a few tricks for a smooth and fairly priced ride.
Read MoreStomach ache? Sunburn? In Turkey, you don't always need to rush to a doctor. The pharmacist is a highly educated professional who can give advice and sell medications that would require a prescription in many European countries.
Read MoreWhy are the streets of Turkey filled with well-fed and friendly cats? It's not a coincidence, but a deeply rooted cultural and even religious tradition.
Read MoreBoth words mean market, but they represent completely different concepts. One is a tourist mecca for souvenirs and haggling, while the other is the locals' weekly fresh food market.
Read MoreFor men in Turkey, a visit to the barber is a complete ritual involving fire, massage, and plenty of cologne. It's an experience well worth trying!
Read MoreHot black tea served in a small, tulip-shaped glass is the heart of Turkish social life. Why is it consumed so much, and how is it properly prepared?
Read MoreNeed a new electrical socket? The craftsman (usta) promises it's "çok kolay" (very easy). Prepare for an adventure, because a Turkish "easy" is rarely quick and even more rarely clean.
Read MoreWalked into a public restroom and found a hole in the floor? Or are you confused by that small faucet next to a regular toilet? We explain the secrets of Turkish toilet culture.
Read MoreDreaming of an apartment in Alanya? It's easier than you might think, but there are some golden rules. Learn what a Tapu is, why you need a lawyer, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Read MoreTurkey is not a monolith. From the European lifestyle of the west coast to the conservative traditions of the east, we give a quick overview of how different parts of the country vary.
Read MoreWhat do Turks laugh about? Turkish humor is a mix of clever wordplay, situational comedy, and the legendary figure Nasreddin Hoca. It's quick, intelligent, and often self-deprecating.
Read MoreHave you noticed that salmon is a rare guest on Turkish restaurant menus? It's no accident. The reason lies in local fish culture, price, and traditions. Let's talk about why a Turk always prefers fresh "levrek".
Read MoreTens of thousands of foreigners live permanently in Alanya, creating a unique multicultural environment. Why has Alanya become the favorite spot for Europeans and other "New Turks"?
Read MoreWhat is school life like in Turkey? The 4+4+4 system, the critical LGS exam, and the difference between public and private schools. Here's a quick overview of the Turkish education landscape.
Read MoreHaggling, or "pazarlık," is an integral part of Turkish markets. It's not a fight, but a social game. Here are 5 practical tips on how to get the best price and leave a good impression.
Read MoreAre you in a Turkish shop or restaurant and suddenly offered free tea or a small dessert? This is "ikram" – a beautiful expression of Turkish hospitality. Read on to find out what it really means.
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