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Turkey - cultural melting pot between Europe and the Orient

Turkish culture

Being a part of both Europe and the Orient, Turkey is very rich in culture.
In Istanbul, the City of two Continents, the cultural melting pot of western and oriental influences is clearly noticeable. Although the country has been strongly orientated towards the west, both politically and culturally, for many years now, it still seems somewhat strange to some Europeans due to various cultural differences. However, if one looks closer, one will see that the cultural distance is much less than first thought!

Black tea - the symbol of Turkish sociability

Culture and Values

Important aspects of Turkish culture as the basis for entrepreneurial activities

Especially the high power distance index can be seen as a central aspect of Turkish culture. Using Hofstede’s model of the five dimensions of culture and statistical data, further important cultural characteristics of Turkey come to light.

Learn more about central aspects of the Turkish culture
Leisurely communication - message in a bottle

Language and Communication

As a rule, foreigners in Turkey are not expected to be able to speak any Turkish.
Courtesy and respect are taken very seriously. Being able to listen well is important, especially because frankness and direct confrontation are less prevalent: a "NO" is usually not spoken out loud. A refusal should always be accompanied by regret and reasoning. Compliance with these basic rules will allow a professional communication in a friendly and hearty atmosphere.

More on languages and communication
Sultanahmet mosque in Istanbul

Religion, habits and customs

Religion, habits and customs in daily life

The majority of the Turkish population are of the Sunnite Islam faith.
The Republic of Turkey is the only country in the world with such a majority of the Muslim faith that nevertheless has a strictly secular foundation.
The strict separation of religion and state is firmly anchored in the Constitution.
Commercial life in Turkey is also influenced far less by religion than in other Islamic countries.

Religion, habits and customs
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - the founder of the Republic of Turkey and the modern Turkish woman

The position of women and men in the society

The equality of rights of women and men is anchored in the Turkish Constitution. Women have had the general right to vote since 1934. Long before Germany elected Angela Merkel as their first female Chancellor, Ms. Tansu Çiller took office as Prime Minister in 1993. With this, Turkey became one of just ten countries world-wide to have a woman at their head.

The position of women and men in the society
Baklava- a Turkish sweet that lives up to its name

Important public holidays in Turkey

Due to the large number of Turkish immigrants in Germany, several of the most important Turkish public holidays are already known, for instance the Feast of Sacrifice or the Sugar Festival. We would like to inform you of the meaning of the most important holidays.

In a nutshell - the most important public holidays