Life in Turkey
These articles provide an in-depth exploration and insightful analysis of various aspects that constitute the daily existence, cultural richness, societal dynamics, and historical tapestry that collectively shape the intricate tapestry of life within the enchanting nation of Turkey.
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Why is circumcision in Turkey a centuries-old rite of passage?
There is a lot to be said about circumcision in Turkey. All societies have rites of passage. Those of transition from one age to another and those of one status to another. Turkish society, having made a synthesis of Islamic, Anatolian and Central Asian behaviors, has several of them. Let’s take a look at one of these rites of passage, both religious and traditional, quite codified but with some regional variations. This is circumcision in Turkey (sünnet). If, during your wanderings in Turkey, you come across a child dressed as an Ottoman prince, scepter and saber in hand, the sultan’s headdress on his head, don’t think of a costume ball…
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The survival advice of a couple in expatriation in Turkey
You are going to live as a couple (with or without children) in expatriation in Turkey or you are about to leave, in this country. Congratulation ! Here are some infallible tips for your couple to live the experience serenely … and survive it. Moments of joy, anger, doubt, disappointment, pride… You have understood that emotion is at the heart of expatriation. So, when this emotion is combined in the plural with all the members of the family, the situation can become complicated. If it is often said that a happy and solid family is first of all a happy and solid couple, and that this must be made up…
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How to get a Turkish SIM card?
You can buy a Turkish SIM card easily and without breaking the bank, as soon as you arrive at the airport, or in town, in one of the shops of local operators. The most economical solution, buying a prepaid card on site allows you to communicate during your stay in Turkey. Buying a Turkish SIM card when arriving The main mobile operators in Turkey are Vodafone, Turkcell, Turk telecom and Avea (which belongs to the Turk Telecom group). It will be easy to find one of their shops, in large numbers in the streets of Istanbul, and even at the airport* for those in a hurry. To do this, simply…
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The Best 14 souvenirs from Turkey
Looking to buy souvenirs from Turkey ? Do you want to take a souvenir or a gift home with you? I have narrowed down 14 ideal souvenirs from Turkey. At the end of the post, you can decide and place your vote for the best souvenir. You can find most of these souvenirs from Turkey in any one of the Turkish bazaars. One is held at least every week in the tourist resort areas. The best way to find out about market days is by asking the staff at your hotel. If you don’t want to, or can’t wait for the bazaar day, that’s not a problem. There will surely…
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Can, Sinem and Leyla; do you know the meanings of Turkish names?
I am sure that by now each of you knows at least one Turkish name …. I try to guess? Can? Sinem? Leyla? But do you know the meaning of Turkish names? Some Turkish names have struck the romantic hearts of Italians this summer. The phenomenon of our Turkish TV series has helped people discover our beautiful names. The name Can means life or soul. It is pronounced “Gian” and is very common in Turkey. In fact, we often address loved ones by saying “canım”, which literally means my life, but in everyday context, it is understood as my dear. Sanem on the other hand means idol or beautiful woman.…
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29 Surprising Facts about the People of Istanbul!
Want to know more about Istanbul and its inhabitants? People of Istanbul The easiest way to do this is with stories, data and pictures of the faces behind the metropolis. 1. Do 15 or 17 million people live in Istanbul? Nobody really knows the answer to this question. Yes, there are official figures, but these figures do not include the illegal settlements in and around Istanbul. Inhabitants in the so-called Gecekondus hardly appear in public. Gecekondu is the Turkish name for a simple or primitive settlement on the outskirts of a large city. The word is not to be confused with a slum. Literally translated, Gecekondu means something like “put…
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Is it customary to tip in Turkey and how much should you give?
Giving tip in Turkey is common almost everywhere, with only a few exceptions. The tip in Turkey In the bazaar, for example, the final price is agreed upon through trade. The dealer does not expect you to pay anything more than the agreed price. The tip at the bazaar is the percentage that you haven’t negotiated down. TAnd believe me, there is usually a wide range of margin in regard to the price. The situation is different with travel guides, restaurants or club hotels. Here, a tip is definitely appropriate. How much should you tip in Turkey at a restaurant, club hotel, etc.? 1. In a restaurant A waiter’s total…
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Let’s get to know turks
To talk about Turkey is to talk about turks, its geographical position, its language and its characteristics. Let’s get to know Turkey together, this neighbour unknown to many until just a few years ago, which is now on everyone’s lips now, thanks to the Turkish television series Turkey represents the perfect marriage between East and West, between culture, tradition and modernity. Do we know that Turks… are Asian people? Yes, but not exclusively! Of course, the country is much less multi-ethnic than it was during the Ottoman Empire, but for centuries, in addition to the vast majority of Asian Turks, the country is considered home to various groups of Caucasian…
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21 Turkish proverbs for all walks of life!
Are you looking for Turkish proverbs? Then I have the perfect list for you! Here are 21 Turkish proverbs for all kinds of situations! 1. “Bir lisan, bir insan. Iki lisan, iki Insan. “ Basically: one language, one person. Two languages, two people. English equivalent: “Language connects people!” Meaning: Whoever speaks a language is a person. Anyone who speaks two languages is considered two people. This means, you enable mutual understanding between peoples. 2. “Sakla samanı, gelir zamanı” Basically: keep the hay. The time to use it will come. English equivalent: “Nothing is so bad that it is not good for anything.” Meaning: At some point you can use anything.…
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The Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul, Mysterious and Enigmatic
I’ll tell you how I discovered the story of the Kız Kulesi or Maiden’s Tower, a mysterious and enigmatic place located at the entrance to the Bosporus, in the Üsküdar district, in Istanbul. Discover the Maiden’s Tower (kiz kulesi) “Dad, there is an island in the middle of the Bosporus, can you see it? Dad there is also a tower, look … it looks like a lighthouse! Like the one in Alexandria! Or maybe it’s a tower… dad what’s the name of that place? That place so close to Üsküdar but forever isolated, is called Kız Kulesi. Many know it as the Maiden’s Tower. Today you can go there to…