society

Humor is the fastest way into any culture, and Turkish humor is a rich, layered tradition that rewards attention.

Respect for elders is often described as a Turkish value, but it is really a civilization in miniature: a thread connecting the shamanic steppes of Central Asia, the courts of the Ottoman Empire, the villages of…

Respect for elders is one of the first things visitors notice about Turkey.

Turkish naming is a window into thousands of years of history.

Every culture has its own way of naming children, and Turkey’s is one of the most expressive in the world. A Turkish name is rarely a random label; it is a wish, a tribute, a piece of history, or all three at once.

Few symbols on earth can match the nazar for longevity and reach.

If you travel anywhere in Turkey, you will notice a small blue glass charm shaped like an eye hanging in shops, homes, taxis, and even on newborn babies.

Turkish coffee fortune telling, fal, is a tradition that travelers encounter with delight and scholars approach with curiosity.

At the end of a meal in Turkey, a small cup of strong coffee may arrive with an offer that surprises many visitors: turn the cup upside down, and the grounds will tell your fortune.

Turkish weddings are among the most elaborate and meaningful social rituals in the world, and they reward close attention.

Turkish weddings are among the most memorable experiences a visitor can have.

Misafirperverlik is the Turkish word for hospitality, but it is also a key to the whole culture.