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• Muslim Turks do not eat, drink or smoke during the daylight hours of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is polite to avoid engaging in these activities in front of a Muslim during Ramadan.
• It is generally appropriate to drink throughout most of Turkey. However, it is not appropriate to drink in public places (i.e. public transport and parks) and public drunkenness is frowned upon (especially for women).
• Clothing norms in °Õü°ù°ì¾±²â±ð vary by region, city, age group, social setting, and occasion, and reflect diverse personal, cultural, and professional influences. In many urban, coastal, and tourist areas, contemporary styles of dress are commonly worn, including sleeveless tops, shorts, dresses, fitted clothing, and swimwear at beaches and pools.
• Expectations around modesty may vary depending on the context. People are generally expected to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, with shoulders, chest and legs covered. In some conservative or rural areas, as well as certain formal or family settings, more modest clothing may also be preferred.
• Women may be required to cover their heads with a scarf when visiting certain religious sites, but there is no general requirement to wear a hijab in public. In everyday contexts, head coverings are a matter of personal choice and vary widely.¹ According to KONDA’s 2021 survey, approximately 59% of Turkish women aged 18 and over wear a head covering.²
• Smoking cigarettes is very common in Turkey.
• It is common to see a blue glass trinket that depicts an eye hanging in Turkish homes or restaurants. This is said to ward off the evil eye (Nazar BoncuÄŸu). However, today its placement may be more decorative.
• It is common for stray cats and dogs to roam the streets in Turkey. These animals are commonly collectively cared for by the locals and well-fed. Cats are generally favoured more than dogs. Although, even in the less dog-friendly areas, kicking, spitting or shooing is generally frowned upon.
• Be aware that catcalling can be quite common in Turkey. Western and non-Muslim women are more commonly targeted.
• The Turkish government limits the freedom of the press, freedom of religion and internet freedom in some cases. More journalists are jailed in Turkey than any other country.³ Consider that this may affect some individuals’ opinions.
• Be aware some Turks may have quite strong negative opinions of Greeks following tense relations with the country in the 20th century.

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1 UzunoÄŸlu & Baynal, 2026

2 KONDA, 2022

3 The Economist, 2019