Turkish customs have their own pronounced characteristics. Some moments of life can be learned only by living in the country among the local population, not as a tourist.
Contrasts
Turkish families are very different, the way and traditions are very different. The country has long been divided into two camps:
- Traditionalists see the family like this:a woman should wear closed clothes (a headscarf is required), run a household, raise children and be completely dependent on a man.
- Supporters of Ataturk's ideas - liberals in matters of family and marriage, accept female emancipation, recognize equality in the family.
But this does not prevent them from living nearby, working and celebrating the holidays.
Wedding
Not every tourist can attend a Turkish wedding. It is usually held in the evening, when the sun goes down and even a little coolness appears, most often in open areas. There is no feast as such: only soft drinks and desserts are served.
Young people are presented with money, gold coins and jewelry. All of this is attached to red ribbons hanging from the neck of the bride and groom.
A lot of guests are invited - at least 200-300 people. Everyone dances at the wedding: both relatives and guests.
Honoring the Elders
There is a tradition - when meeting with a loved one who is much older in age, you need to kiss your hand and touch it with your forehead. This is how parents, grandparents, and numerous aunts are welcomed. Sometimes they just touch the hand with their chin and forehead, avoiding kissing.
This is not necessary, but then you can be seen as an impolite and callous person who does not live according to traditions.
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Kissing rites
When they meet, women kiss each other on both cheeks, whether someone likes it or not. Men shake hands or greet each other by touching their temples. Strong hugs are not forbidden.
The same rituals are repeated at parting.
It is not always possible to be alone
Families in Turkey are large. Numerous aunts and sisters often gather. If not for a holiday, of which there are many, then for cooking. In the fall, they practice joint harvesting of vegetables for the winter.
They love morning gatherings. During meetings, a favorite pastime is to discuss everything and everyone. A kind of interest clubs. Life takes place among people and on public display.
Children
Children are loved, there should be a lot of them. Grandparents take an active part in raising grandchildren, considering themselves to be their parents.
In Turkey, the cult of the family and the cult of children. It is believed that children under seven are angels. Any passerby can pat the child on the head, hug him, pat the cheeks, this is normal.
All relatives are going to the maternity hospital to look at the baby. Everyone wants to see a baby. After being discharged in the first days, the guests follow a sequence. They give money, gold coins, jewelry for mom.
Prohibitions
A married woman no longer smiles at the men on the street. Behaves modestly, without attracting attention.
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It is customary not to be alone with a stranger. Plumbers, electricians and others come to the house only in the presence of the husband. When the spouse is not at home, the woman will always invite her neighbor or girlfriends for a cup of tea. As a last resort, you should leave the front door open at all times while an outsider is working in the house.
Seeing off to the army
Young people from small towns get to the place of service on their own, most often by bus. All relatives, friends and acquaintances come to the bus station. They light a fire, beat drums, women cry. As soon as the young man has settled in his seat, the men outside begin to rock the bus, very strongly, tilting it in different directions. Passengers inside immediately know that a rookie is traveling with them.
Only part of the veil of family life in Turkey has been slightly opened. As already mentioned, different families have their own way of life.
