Türkiye

Greetings

Man greeting Man – During initial meetings, men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Hugs and light pats on the back and shoulder are common between good friends and family. Some men may share a kiss on each cheek as well. In the last couple of years some men have started to touch the temples together instead of kissing on the cheeks.

Woman greeting Woman - A kiss on each cheek combined with a light hug is common if two women know each other well. A light handshake is the norm if they are meeting for the first time.

Man greeting Woman - This can be a little tricky and it is best to follow the other person’s lead in most situations. If they offer their hand, then a simple handshake is required, or if they offer their cheek, then a kiss on each cheek is required. If neither is offered then a nod and/or ‘merhaba’ (hello) is polite. It may be that a person’s religion requires them not to touch a member of the opposite sex.

Communication Style

• On the one hand people can be quite indirect, particularly when they are trying to build a relationship with someone. They might take a long time to get to the point, if they ever get there. At other times people can be quite particularly direct or confrontational, for example in relation to politics. Some people certainly aren’t afraid to speak their minds.
• When it comes to business conversations it’s best to never jump right into the matter at hand. Having some polite conversation first is usually expected and appreciated.

Personal Space & Touch

• Personal space tends to be very close, sometimes disconcertingly so for foreigners used to more space. An arm’s length is generally considered an appropriate amount of personal space when speaking, particularly when interacting with colleagues and acquaintances. For friends and family this space is often smaller and a fair amount of touching is common.
• It is common to see men hold hands with men. Women hold hands with women. Women also can be seen with arms around each other’s waists while walking and female friends often hold each other’s hands while talking
• Turks tend to be very touchy-feely in friend to friend conversations, but everything is about the waist. Touching a leg is often regarded as a sexual and therefore inappropriate gesture.
• Touching between members of the opposite sex is limited in public unless well-known as “friends-only.”
• Business colleagues do not usually do the Turkish kiss.
• When two business partners are talking to a third person, it is a demonstration of mutual trust to briefly put a hand on the shoulder or the upper back. Avoid lower back contact as it can be regarded as sexual.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is usually expected and appreciated. In some cases women may avoid direct eye contact with men.

Gestures

• Making a ‘tut’ noise and raising one’s chin means no.
• Touching all four fingers to one’s thumb and moving the hand up and down means something is delicious, good or good looking (usually accompanied by a ‘umum’ sound).

• People beckon one another by extending their arm palm down and making a scratching motion with their fingers toward themselves.

• Rubbing two index fingers together usually means that the people the person is talking about are together/dating.

• Holding your hand next to your head as if you are holding a ball and then turning it side to side means that someone is crazy.
• Putting your hand to your heart can mean my friend, thank you, nice to meet you, peace be with you, etc.

Views of Time

• Time is essentially a free-flow. Business and social situations run on various definitions of time. It depends on who one is dealing with.

• In social situations it is not usually rude to be late and you should not expect people to arrive on time for the most part.

• Buses and trains usually run pretty much on time. However when ordering things, waiting for deliveries, etc., it is very common for them not to arrive on the day specified.

• In business situations it is wise to be punctual.

• People tend to be very generous with their time.

Gender Roles

• Many parts of Istanbul and coastal resorts are very liberal, whereas in other areas, particularly rural areas, women are expected to dress conservatively.
• In Istanbul particularly, women can generally (subject to some family constraints/expectations) participate fully in public and working life. This is also true for foreign women.

• Be aware that women need to cover their head to enter a mosque. Though the foreign visitor may be exempt, it's better to show respect and cover.

Taboos

• Kissing in public is not common.
• In homes, you will most likely be expected to take off your shoes but be aware not to cross your legs so the bottom of your foot is pointing toward someone.

• It is considered rude to point at someone.

• It is also considered rude to cross your arms while facing someone.

• Be aware that during the fasting month of Ramadan, observant Muslims cannot eat, drink, or smoke between sunrise and sunset. It's best to avoid doing so in Muslim majority areas.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 18 as is the legal smoking age. These are beginning to be enforced more widely.
• The penalties for possession of illegal drugs can be severe with heavy fines and long prison sentences in extremely harsh conditions.

Dress

• For Men- A suit is common. Conservative styles tend to be most common. A suit without the tie is acceptable in many situations. Business casual attire is usually acceptable in the hotter months/areas.
• For Women- Conservative is the way to go. Skirts and dresses should be knee length and tops should keep the shoulders covered. Avoid excessive make-up and tight fitting/revealing clothing. Suits and pants are not as common but may be acceptable in many situations.
• Jeans and shorts are not usually worn in business situations.

Titles & Business Cards

• The Turkish equivalent of Mr. and Mrs. are Bey and Bayan respectively. However first names are used, ie for Mr. Mustafa Sandal you would say ‘Mustafa Bey’. Other commonly used titles are:
• Abi (for men) and Abla (for women) are very commonly used for people that are older than you. Doktor – Doctor, Mudur – Manager, Garson – Waiter, Usta – Tradesman, Patron – Boss/Owner.

• Business cards are usually presented with one hand, sometimes both. Be aware that many Turks will not give out their business card unless they are sure that they wish to begin a business relationship.

Meetings

• It is wise to be punctual for business meetings, especially if you do not know the other party.
• Some small talk is usually expected. It's best to allow the host to dictate the business discussion.
• The main purposes of initial meetings are to get to know one another and discuss, not to always make decisions. It's best to go with the flow and not impose your agenda too forcefully.

Negotiations

• Negotiation/bargaining is often expected. Showing some emotion is common, but one should remain calm.
• It can take a long time for an agreement to be reached. Wining, dining and tea are often involved.
• Strengthening the personal relationships and building trust is key to most successful negotiations.
• Don’t expect things to happen quickly. Be aware that some people are very skilled at conveying confidence in their abilities even when this is not warranted.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not expected or necessary in business situations. However wining and dining is common.
• If invited over for dinner or a drink to a Turkish home, you should bring a gift. Avoid bringing alcohol unless you are sure they drink. Appropriate gifts include dessert, pastries, chocolates, or a nice vase or plant holder.