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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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What price increases for 2023 in Turkey?
In this article, I have listed some of the increases that will affect our budget in Turkey at the start of 2023. The new year is not only synonymous with wishes and good resolutions; it is also, and above all, synonymous with “rain of price increases” according to the well-known expression of Turkish newspapers (“Zamlar yağmur gibi yağıyor”)… While the new minimum wage (asgari ücret) for 2023 in Turkey was announced at the end of December, increasing from 5,550 TL(1) to 8,506 TL (net), an increase of 54.66%, on January 4, 2023 a announced, for the first six months of 2023, a 30% increase (25.47% a year ago) for the…
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How to cook Mercimek çorbası ?
The recipe for Mercimek çorbası or lentil soup As you may have seen in numerous Turkish TV series, Turkish cuisine is very colourful and, may I add, tasty. Among the numerous dishes, there is no shortage of soups. Today I will show you the recipe of one of the simplest and most loved, soups, the Mercimek çorbası. Ingredients Here are the ingredients to prepare Mercimek çorbası. 2 glasses of peeled red lentils 2 tablespoons of tomato paste 1 potato 1 carrot Half a golden onion water as needed salt pepper or chilli How to prepare Mercimek çorbası Let’s start rinsing the lentils and put them to the side. Dice the…
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How to cook Nohut ?
The recipe for Nohut yemegi or chickpea soup For those of you who love Turkey, I will let you enter more and more into the world of Turkish culinary habits with this recipe of nohut yemeği. Legumes are widely used in cooking and this chickpea-based recipe is a Turkish specialty that can have many variations. Potatoes, carrots or vegetables may be added. The ingredients to cook it Here are the ingredients needed for the nohut yemeği recipe. 250 grams of dried chickpeas 1/2 red onion 100 grams of olive oil One minced clove of garlic 1 tablespoon with a mix of mint, oregano and cumin Tomato paste (one and a…
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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…
