The lure of Turkey’s rich history and culture attracts tourists from across the globe. The welcoming and hospitable people of the region and the beautiful vistas are an added bonus for all those who travel to Turkey. All these factors continue to make the country one of the most favorite tourist’s destination.   

A lot of concerns are often raised with regard to females travelling to Turkey, especially alone. While a lone female traveler might have to adhere to a certain set of precautions, a few common sense principles can easily ensure a safe and enjoyable travel. A good understanding and respect for the local customs and culture can go a long way in ensuring that female travelers have a comfortable trip in Turkey. Given below are some of the tips that can help the female travelers navigate the country:

While areas like Istanbul and some other cities are fine with the western mode of clothing, the eastern parts of the country are less so. Hence, it might be a wise move to pack a conservative wardrobe with lots of loose numbers and skirts etc. Once you arrive in Turkey, let the way the other women dress up be a guide for you. This will allow you to easily gauge the acceptable mode of dress for the region and shop accordingly for our stay in the region.

Another thing that female travelers have to be a little wary of is the signals that they may unknowingly convey to men through their body language. Gestures which might be socially acceptable and normal back home can be interpreted as a sign of romantic interest by the men in Turkey. Avoid smiling at men you don’t know. Your politeness may very easily be misconstrued in the wrong direction. Similarly, do not hug your male acquaintances unless it is a norm for the group with whom you are interacting.

While traveling alone as a female to most places in Turkey might not be an issue, it is advisable to have a companion with you when venturing out to certain areas. Giving off the impression that you are travelling with someone can also be a smart move. For example, if some overly inquisitive individual inquires about you travelling state, you can say that you are waiting for a friend or meeting up with group. A reserved and formal front may also deter any overzealous individual from approaching or harassing you.

It is easy to sometimes get lost as traveler in a new area. Rather than relying on memory, carry a set of details about your location on a piece of paper. You can show this to your cab driver to ensure that your destination is correctly conveyed. Also, inform somebody of your destination and arrival time. In case something goes wrong, this will allow to easily track you down.

In short respect the local culture the norms and traditions to ensure that you do not find yourself in any unpleasant situation. A few common sense principles can ensure that you extract the best possible experience from your stay in Turkey while also staying safe. But above all remember to have fun! Turkey is a beautiful and hospitable place that will surely give you love and respect if you respect its traditions in return.   

Turkey has always been among the most important geographical points in history. One of the earliest civilizations developed in this Anatolian peninsula (about 1000 BC), consequently this cradle of civilization has richness in its culture and diversity in its traditions. Here are a few aspects as a must-know of this exceptional heritage:

El Opmek

Kissing the hands of elderly as a sign of respect and giving honor is a very old tradition in Turkey, it was followed by the Sultans as well. Whenever they greet the elderly, a Selam is followed by a peck on the hand, children do it with their parents, grandparents, people do it with figures of authority as well, much appreciated, it has become acceptable in many other societies too.

The Turkish Hamams

As weird as it sounds but these have a history as well, merging the Asian tradition with Roman bath, the Turkish bath was synthesized and it became an institution. Men would gather and have discussions on politics and everyday life and women would gather at different hours. It became a ceremony, celebrating certain important occasions, like ‘the bridal bath ceremony’ for the bride to be or ‘the forty day bath’ for a woman who has recently given birth or ’the guest bath’ for the guest. 

Oil Wrestling is the National Sport

So called because they’re doused in olive oil while wrestling, it is the national sport of Turkey that goes way back to the Thracian community. The Pelivaan (wrestlers) wear leather breeches called ‘Kisbet’, most traditionally made of water buffalo hide or calfskin. It differs from the Olympic wrestling in the fact that the match can be won by achieving an effective hold of the Kisbet. Originally there was no set time for the match but since it went on for days, now, 40 minutes are allocated to the match. 

Belonging to the category of starch and sugar gel based confections, Turkish Delight is famous world wide and historically as well. Napoleon, Picasso and Winston Churchill used to love them! And so do the Turkish people. Traditional flavors include rosewater, mastic, Bergamot orange, or lemon and premium varieties include those filled with chopped dates, pistachios, and hazelnuts or walnuts bound by the gel. Cinnamon and mint are other much loved flavors. All of these are usually eaten in the form of cubes, dusted with icing sugar or Khopra ( dried coconut powder). So if you haven’t tried this famous delicacy, it’s not too late. Edmund, from the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ was bribed by the white witch with this very treat, betraying his family and all the inhabitants of Narnia; Yes! It’s THAT good.