culture of turkey

The culture of Turkey is derived from various elements of the Ottoman Empire, European, and the Islamic traditions. The nation was modernized primarily by Mustafa Kemal Atatrk, as he successfully transformed a religion-driven former Ottoman Empire into a modern nation-state with a very strong separation of state and religion. Culture is very diverse in Turkey. Each region has their own set of traditions which differs greatly even between villages. However some traditions, for example the Islamic holidays and New Years Eve, are celebrated nationwide. Unlike many, more homogenous Western nations its very difficult to describe a unified set of traditions everyone follows due to the country's diversity. Turkey is around 98% Muslim, and so this plays a large role in day to day life for most people. However, when Kemal Atatrk was elected in 1928, he started a new form of Kemalist government, that emphasized secularism - this change included legislation such as the hat law and others which focused on making physical changes in Turkish society so as to appear more "modern" and secular, thinking that mental change would follow. Atatrk (which translates to "Father of Turkey") is revered in Turkey, and speaking ill of him is likely to get you in serious social, if not legal, trouble. Because of these different historical factors playing important roles in defining Turkish identity, the culture of Turkey is an interesting combination of clear efforts to be "modern" and western European, combined with the necessity felt of maintaining their religious and historical values. It is strongly a cafe culture - most socializing is done in the context of meeting for tea (which is taken strong and generally with sugar), and you will see everyone from retired men to college students sitting for hours at cafes and talking. Often there is "tavla" (backgammon) or other similar games at these cafes. public transportation is very prominent in Turkey, and you can take busses or the metro to get almost anywhere, especially with the aid of a dolmuş which is similar to a van. These are everywhere in the city, and go on different routes. Generally, a dolmuş ride costs between 900,000 and 1.5 million lira (where 1.5 million lira is roughly a dollar). There is a strong sense of community in Turkey, and it shows strongly in many situations. If you ask a stranger directions on the street, it is common for them to offer to walk you to your destination, even if it is rather far. Also, many Turkish schools have a problem with students cheating on tests, because they feel obligated to help each other. The various other non-Turk population also follow their own different customs aside from the regional.

Culture Of Turkey

See also