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DO try to eat everything on your plate when served food. It may be offensive if you do not.
DO
place your fork and knife together on your plate to signify you are done with your meal.
DO pay for the
meal if you extended the invitation. It is not usual to split meals in Turkey. If someone invites you to a meal, invite them
to one later.
DO keep eye contact with those you are speaking with. Turks see eye contact as a sign of
honesty.
DO be punctual for meetings and events.
DO give flowers as a gift, such
as roses or carnations.
DON’T show disrespect for the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, or insult the Turkish government, flag, or military, as it is illegal to do so.
DON’T point at people with your finger, or give the “okay” sign, as both are considered
rude. The latter, is considered particularly obscene.
DON’T show the bottoms of your feet, as this is
considered an insult.
DON’T stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets.
DON’T
eat with your left hand, as the left hand is considered unclean in Muslim culture.
DON’T give alcohol
as a gift, as drinking is not as common among the people of Turkey.
DON’T be offended by others smoking
at a meal, because it is common to do so in Turkey.
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