Turkish Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts for Visitors

Hospitality (Misafirperverlik)

In Turkey, a guest is considered "God's guest." Expect to be offered tea, food, and help wherever you go.

Shoes Off!

Do: Take your shoes off when entering someone's home. Your host will likely offer you a pair of slippers (terlik).

Don't: Walk onto a carpet with your street shoes. It is considered very disrespectful and dirty.

Tea Rituals

Do: Accept tea when offered. It is a sign of friendship. If you really can't drink anymore, leave your spoon lying across the top of the glass.

Body Language

Don't: Point at people with your finger. It's rude.

Do: Use the "tsk" sound (a click of the tongue) combined with an upward nod to mean "No". It might look dismissive to foreigners, but it's a standard gesture in Turkey.